Drawing on innovative ideas and a collaborative creative process, Elevation Architecture strives to enrich the built environment in which we live and work.

Founded in 2009 by award-winning architect Dennis Carr, AIA, Elevation Architecture is a full service design firm, offering architecture, planning, and interior design. We serve the state of Florida, with a focus on the central Gulf Coast, including Tampa, South Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Dunedin, Belleair, Sarasota, and Bradenton.

At Elevation Architecture, we do not subscribe to a particular "style" of architecture. Our body of work displays a wide stylistic range from modern to traditional. However, instead of focusing on these particular styles, each project draws on the wishes of the client, the local vernacular, and the surrounding context. In short, we practice "regionalism".

The firm's founding Principal, Dennis, is a LEED Accredited professional, and is devoted to applying the concept of sustainability in the firm's work.

Elevation Architecture specializes in corporate office, industrial, and hospitality design. However, our experience encompasses a broad spectrum of project types, including: healthcare, multi-family residential, retail, community centers, warehouse, mixed-use developments, and single-family residential.

DENNIS CARR, AIA

Dennis has been practicing architecture since 1992 in both Atlanta and Tampa. He offers experience in a wide range of complex project types including the master planning and design of several hospitality, retail, multi-family, and mixed-use developments. Some of his recent signature projects are Grand Central at Kennedy and the MicroLumen Headquarters, both in Tampa Bay area.

While Dennis' responsibilities have spanned all phases of architectural services from conceptual programming through contract administration, his passion lies in design. In 2006, Dennis won the highest design Award achievable in the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the H. Dean Rowe Award for Design Excellence.

Dennis currently serves on the Vestry at St. John’s Episcopal Church, where he is also a member of the Building and Grounds Committee. He has designed homes for Habitat for Humanity and volunteered at both St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. He is a devoted college football fan, avid runner, and enjoys fishing in his free time. Dennis studied architecture at Auburn University where he received his Bachelor's Degree in 1992. He is a licensed architect in the State of Florida and a LEED Accredited Professional.

JESSICA KISTHART

Jessica joined Elevation Architecture in the Summer of 2018. Her passion for architecture started at the young age of 12 when she would do headstands against a wall and try to reconstruct the living spaces of her home upside down. Jessica began her architectural studies at the University of Puerto Rico, then transferred to the University of Michigan from which she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree in 1997. Jessica’s design career began in earnest in the Summer of 2000 when she settled in Tampa.

Jessica’s experience ranges from Programming to Project Management in several building types, including airports, banks, office, warehouse, retail, multi and single family residential, recreational centers, and restaurants.  She has simultaneously managed multiple projects in different stages of design and construction that varied in scope from ground up construction to additions, to interior renovations. But her real passion is interior design. 

Jessica is a strong communicator and multidisciplinary collaborator. She is client-focused and considers herself a liaison for those with whom she works.