Coastal residential architecture for thoughtful, modern homes · Based in Tampa Bay

About Traction Architecture

Traction Architecture is an award-winning architecture practice based in Tampa, Florida, specializing in modern residential and coastal design. Our work includes modern beach houses, custom homes, and thoughtful renovations throughout the Tampa Bay area and beyond, shaped by the realities of coastal living and storm-resilient construction. The firm has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Top 200 Residential Architects in America.

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Traction is led by partners Jody Beck and Ross-Alan Tisdale, who met while pursuing their Master of Architecture degrees at SCI-Arc after completing undergraduate studies at Brown University and Yale University. Prior to founding the practice, their experience spanned teaching architectural history and theory, research-driven design work, and professional practice at architecture firms across the country.

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After returning to Tampa, Jody’s hometown, they established Traction while raising their family and building a studio grounded in thoughtful, collaborative design. Today, Traction is supported by a small team of creative professionals working primarily on residential projects, with select non-residential work that aligns with the firm’s modern, design-forward approach.

 

Our Approach:

At Traction, we believe architecture shapes how we experience everyday life. Our work evolves through a careful weaving of material, structure, and context to create spaces that invite interaction and feel grounded in place.

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Each project is approached holistically, moving between overarching ideas of scale, form, and flow and the refinement of details such as material transitions, patterns, and hardware. We explore design ideas through drawings, physical models, digital tools, and close collaboration with our clients, using each medium as a way to test, communicate, and clarify intent.

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Energy-efficient and sustainable design is an integral part of our process, informing decisions related to site planning, building orientation, and material selection. We find joy in the craft of architecture and aim to create spaces that are resilient, enduring, and deeply connected to their surroundings.

 

Experience and Services:

Traction is a full-service architecture and interior design practice with extensive experience designing in coastal Florida. We are particularly attuned to climate-related challenges and have developed expertise working within flood zones, navigating FEMA requirements, and coordinating with municipalities and review boards.

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While our primary focus is residential architecture, Traction Architecture also brings its modern design sensibility to select non-residential projects, including creative workspaces and small commercial environments. Across all project types, we guide projects from early concept development through construction with clarity and care.