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SPECIAL FEATURE
Photo By Robin Hill
HOME DESIGN &
INSPIRATIONS FEATURE
A GUIDE TO AN INSPIRED HOME, FROM CONCEPTION TO THE FINAL TOUCH
Without the right contacts, home ownership can devolve into a daunting list of to-dos. Building a private residence from
scratch, adding on or sprucing up a piece of existing real estate requires finding an expert suitable for the job.
South Florida Luxury Guide has done your “homework” for you. Get tips and inspirations from some of the top architects,
contractors, designers, landscapers and all-around style improvers South Florida has to offer.
By Cydnee L. Murray
march / april
2015
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IMPORTANT STEPS TO DESIGNING
A CUSTOM LUXURY HOME
When deciding to design and build a custom
luxury home, there are many factors to
consider, explains Carlos Bravo, AIA LEED AP
BD + C, principal at Urvanx Architecture.
Foremost, it is important to realize and
understand that the design and its execution
are a collaborative effort from the very
beginning until completion. Selecting the right
people for this task is crucial. Experience is an
obvious prerequisite; however personality and
collaborative abilities play as important a role
as experience. The process can take well over
a year and in some cases several years, but
the time can be shortened if executed properly.
Therefore, the relationship between owner,
architect, interior designer, general contractor
and several other consultants can determine
how smooth the entire process will be.
Photo by Claudia Uribe
Due to land space and limitations, can
homeowners consider adding on and
building up instead? Do you see a trend in
this being the case?
I still see the trend leaning toward knocking
down, but additions can be done in a super cool
way. We always do a few select renovations/
additions each year because they challenge
us to think differently. Great architecture can
come from the most unlikely places.
ARCHITECTURE
THE VISIONARIES BEHIND SOME OF SOUTH FLORIDA’S MOST SOUGHT-AFTER ADDRESSES
With these innovative property purveyors at the helm of structural development, consulting with home design support professionals
throughout the process becomes a seamless team effort.
ARCHITECTURE:
BUILDING FOR A LIFETIME
Growing up in a house designed by Gene
Leedy, a pioneer of Florida’s modern
movement, Max Strang found himself directly
exposed to architecture at its finest. It in no
small part sealed his destiny as founding
principal of his Miami-based architectural firm
and as an American Institute of Architects
award winner.
Since graduating with a master’s from
Columbia and working for Leedy himself,
Strang has built upon the modernist elements
he so intimately understands and forged his
own unique Environmental Modernist style
that, as Jason Adams, vice president and
director of [STRANG], puts it, “is a mixture of
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clean lines with a warm palate.” Apparently,
Michael Mann, director of the 2006 remake
of Miami Vice, likes clean and warm. He used
Strang’s own “Rockhouse” residence in the
film. Miami Vice is as decidedly Miami as you
can get, so it stands to reason that Strang
is decidedly in tune with Miami’s “inherent
characteristics.”
Adams, Strang’s second-in-command, came
to the firm from Vail in 2003. He met Strang
while still in Colorado and “could just tell
instantly that he had amazing vision and
natural talent for our craft.” The two have
“built a foundation for our firm to not only
grow but do it in way where our core values
are never corrupted or compromised,” says
Adams. And grow it has.
Adams says, “We currently have eight projects
under construction from Central Florida to the
Bahamas and a dozen more in early design
everywhere in between. Without question, our
designs and others here in Miami will continue
to be more adept at dealing with flooding
and rising sea levels. The evolution of design
here will soon have a dramatic leap forward,
which I think will break conceived notions of
scale and traditional characteristics of the
residential neighborhood. Function will lead
form out of necessity. Somewhere in between
10 steps up to your front door and Stiltsville
2.0 is the eventual condition here on a long
enough timeline.”
[STRANG] Architecture | 305.373.4990
[email protected]
StrangArchitecture.com
southfloridaluxuryguide . com
Jason Adams, Vice President & Director of [STRANG]
With Miami seemingly being limited on land
space, is there even any land available in
Miami to still build on? If yes, where?
It is becoming a big issue here, as a great
property in a great location might come around
once in a blue moon. I see some beautiful
properties ready to build on, but they are
located further south of Cocoplum and far
away from being in the “hot zone” where biking
to shopping and dining are possible. On Miami
Beach there are still some great finds in the
“belly” of the beach, but the lots tend to be on
the small side.
What are some options for people who love
their neighborhood and don’t want to leave
their home but need more space?
Renovation is always an option because
generally our construction methodology is
relatively simple, but what I recommend the most
is new construction on your existing property.
Adams finishes by saying, “know that finding
a great piece of land here is a tough endeavor.
When you find it, treat it like the rare gem that it
is and let only those with a proven track record
ultimately work with it”.
“Most people love ‘getting out of the house’;
our clients don’t like to leave theirs.”
The traditional role of an architect, aside
from design concept and preparing the
plans and documentation for permitting and
construction, is to collaborate and manage
the different consultants and designers who
may be involved with the project. The interior
designer plays a major role in the overall
design, and as technology and home systems
continue to advance, consultants involved
with systems such as audio/visual, acoustical,
home automation and sustainable/renewable
energy become vital to the architect during
the design phases of the project. The earlier
in the process that these team members can
get involved, the smoother the design and
construction phases will evolve and the less
likely there will be delays in construction and
additional costs due to change orders.
The home reflects the owner’s lifestyle,
provides a sanctuary from the outside world
and should enhance quality of life. Given these
factors, the owner should feel comfortable
working with and communicating with his or
her architect and interior designer in order to
achieve a successful working relationship and
an end product that everyone involved will be
proud to call Home.
Urvanx uses our 50-plus years in the business to
work directly with owners on a comprehensive
plan that encompasses creative vision, design,
cost and program. These key components
are addressed throughout the entire process,
ensuring that the highest level of design is
achieved while meeting budgetary constraints
and schedule.
UrvanX, Inc.
786.615.2943 | [email protected]
UrvanX.com
march / april
2015
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ANYTHING YOU CAN DO,
YOUR HOME SHOULD DO BETTER
If you’ve ever had uncontrollable neighbor
envy, chances are someone like technologist
David Frangioni is to blame. As part of that
important seamless support engine that
buoys an architect’s final outcome, the career
musician has a vested interest in the science
of sound. He has long been involved with the
band Aerosmith as their in-house engineer,
among other roles.
As founder of Audio One home technology
company, when Frangioni isn’t installing multiGrammy-award-winning
artists’
personal
recording studios, he’s offering the trendiest
007 gadgets (sound related and otherwise) to
those in the market.
Regarding trends, Frangioni says, “The most
important is having one app control all aspects
of the home.” The Nest app is a more recent
iteration of this sort of innovation.
From mirrors that convert to TVs to the Porschedesigned C SEED 201-inch outdoor TV, from
motorized shades to seamless power and
lighting control, with Frangioni, if you dream it,
you can control it with your smartphone.
KOBI KARP ARCHITECTURE &
INTERIOR DESIGN: DOES WHAT IT
SAYS AND SAYS WHAT IT DOES
“Design is dynamic; it is not static, and
therefore by definition, you have to find the
tailor who best suits you,” says Kopi Karp on
how to hire an architect. “The selection of the
firm is [based on] unique design orientation and
the chemistry of the individuals who actually
create the final product,” he continues.
The principal-in-charge of Kobi Karp Architecture
and Interior Design, Inc., has designed more than
$36 billion in mixed-use commercial, residential
and multifamily properties all over the world.
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Strongly focused on innovation and contextual
consideration, while remaining within an
agreed-upon budget and timeframe, Kobi
counts the Gansevoort, Fisher Island and the
93-story Empire World Towers as a few past
and current South Florida projects. The firm
has also taken on a complete re-rendering of
the much-publicized 42 Star Island Drive, a
historic 1925 single-family home now owned
by former Real Housewives of Miami’s Lisa
Hochstein and her husband, Dr. Leonard
Hochstein.
Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design
305.573.1818 | [email protected]
KobiKarp.com
“South Florida architecture and design
is heading toward a very bright and
enlightened tropical future,” says Karp.
“We have the multicultural and multinational history and population that
help to propel South Florida to a very
unique creative and artistic destination.
We as architects will focus on the
tropical and aqua picture desired by
multiple countries around the world,
which has propelled us as designers
and architects into various markets
from China to Ecuador.”
southfloridaluxuryguide . com
A tip from Frangioni: “A well designed, highend system should last approximately seven
to 10 years, only needing relatively minor
upgrades in order to stay current.”
A tip from SFLG: hire your home automation
expert early on in the process of building so
that wires and similar integral installations can
be configured in tandem with the infrastructure.
Audio One, Inc.
Corporate Headquarters:
Miami|Dade 305.945.1230
Fort Lauderdale & Palm Beach 954.THEATER/
954.843.2837
[email protected] | audio-one.com
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2015
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LANDSCAPING AND POOLS
GARDENS HOLD SECRETS
If we judge a book by its cover, then we judge a home by the precision trim of its bushes. Treat your outdoor area with as much care as your indoor
space and delight in the relaxing rewards. This phase of home development, as with technological modifications, should go hand in hand with the
overall architectural process.
It’s a jungle out there. No, really, it is, an actual
jungle… in your backyard. South Florida’s
tropical climate makes it possible to nurture
native flora, like the Geiger tree with its
spectacular orange flowers or the beautifully
blooming hibiscus. Next to ocean vistas,
boundless landscaping opportunities present
themselves.
Considering how best to utilize the entirety
of your property often requires the expert
guidance of someone like Robert Parsley
of Geomantic Designs. With more than 20
employees at his disposal, Robert’s firm has
created some of the most magical private
residence and hotel lawns and courtyards in
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Miami — specifically, the iconic Delano and
Shore Club.
Specializing in landscape architecture, planting
plans, botanical garden design, horticultural
maintenance, hardscape construction (sidewalks,
etc.), and a bevy of other useful services,
Geomantic Designs can literally build paradise
in your backyard.
If your dream yard happens to take on a more
artistic slant, turn to Paloma Teppa at her brick
and mortar shop, Plant the Future, located in
a bon vivant’s playground, Wynwood. Paloma,
an industrial designer and artist, has a saying:
“The best way to predict the future is to create
it.” With her whimsical, fantastical terrariums,
she devises to “bring nature into the lives of
those who interact with it.” Also good to know,
most of her carefully curated plant constructs
are composed of low-maintenance desert
plants.
To add an oasis to your natural landscape,
look to internationally acclaimed pool designer
Brian Van Bower. A modern-day Poseidon, Van
Bower and his Aquatic Consultants Inc. have
a firm hold on the infinity pool game — as well
as incorporating fire pits, waterfalls, hot tubs
and mosaic pool floors made in your likeness.
If you’re looking to break convention, Van
Bower’s your man.
southfloridaluxuryguide . com
Geomantic Designs | Landscape
6800 SW 81st St.
Miami, Florida 33143
305.665.9688 | GeomanticDesigns.com
Plant The Future by Paloma Teppa |
Landscape – Foliage
2511 Northwest 2nd Ave.
Miami, Florida 33127
305.571.7177 | [email protected]
PlantTheFuture.com
Aquatic Consultants, Inc. | Pool
13145 SW 104th Terrace
Miami, Florida 33186
305.383.7266
[email protected]
AquaticConsultantsInc.com
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2015
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DESIGN & DECORATING
Immediately after choosing your architect, and before hiring a general contractor, consult with an interior designer or decorator of your choosing in
order to eleminate delays in the project and costly mistakes.
MIRIAM MOORE DESIGN STUDIO:
EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSE GOLD
As professional integrity goes, Miriam Moore of
Miriam Moore Design Studio says, “a home is
the private scenography of a client, and it is our
absolute responsibility as designers to capture
and understand this.” Miriam’s background in
architecture and haute couture fashion — she
opened high-end clothing boutiques in Miami
and Aspen — informs the visual elements of her
work. “Haute couture helped me understand
uncompromising detail and quality, as well as
develop a relationship with color,” she says.
This, coupled with her modernist take on
design without being a minimalist, helps her
to spark that much needed chemistry with her
clients.
SOJO DESIGN: MUSIC AS A MUSE
“Clients who place their complete trust
and ‘let go’ become the most successfully
executed projects for me,” she says. Miriam
predicts South Florida will be seeing a lot of
warm metals such as rose gold, copper and
bronze with hand-rubbed patinas; jewelry-like
furniture pieces; architectural mouldings; and
a major return to natural woods in the coming
year.
Miriam Moore Design Studio LLC
305.285.7182 | MooreDesignStudio.com
As an admired and respected interior designer
for 17 years, Rik de Lavaletta leaves his empire
he built from the Netherlands, and Europe to
come to Miami to join his Cuban husband and
in just nine short months, has made a footprint
here.
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significant meaning when coupled with their
private jet undertakings. Whether high up in a
penthouse or 30,000 feet in the air, color is a
key component in their design as every room is
given its own life. Self-proclaimed ‘new product
junkies,’ constantly combing design markets
worldwide for state-of-the-art materials and
design elements, Joelsson’s group boasts an
impressive roster of lavish living.
of embracing aesthetics from other parts of
the world. Her well-travelled eye will come in
handy when, as she says, “Our economy will
improve… clients will be willing to allow for
higher budgets for their interior
design and
MONTE CARLO 86
move away from the typical ‘Miami style’ with
mostly white walls, white furniture and white
floors.”
SoJo Design | 305.695.9121 | sojodesign.com
INNOVATIVE CREATIONS INTERIOR DESIGN:
MAKE TIME FOR TIMELESSNESS
RIK DE LAVALETTA INTERIOR DESIGN:
A PENCHANT FOR PERFECTIONISM
If you value a designer’s ability to remain
objective when advising clients and his selfadmitted penchant for ‘perfectionism,’ de
Lavaletta’s your man. He says of the typical
whitewash Florida motif, “all it needs is
texture.” And though he is a recent transplant,
he has found a few gems already in the Design
District’s Boffi Studio — known for ultra-stylish
bathrooms and kitchens — and in Internum,
When an elite boutique company of seven
takes on an eighth member, they must have
serious skills. In the case of Sofia Joelsson’s
SoJo Design, it’s more to do with serious
beats. That’s because, according to them,
“Once a clear vision has been established,
the members of SoJo Design peruse their CD
collection to find a suitable generator for a
design concept. For this cutting-edge group of
designers, music becomes an eighth member
of the team.” Once the music stops, Joelsson,
a Swedish transplant, and the rest of her closeknit team put their interior design schematics
into practice. Though high-end residential
properties seem to be SoJo’s sweet spot,
their tagline “Home, Anywhere” takes on more
carrying high-end furniture. As an advisor for a
Miami art gallery, he can purchase the best art
for his designs. What’s more, he’s teamed up
with a company as a product designer for two
lines of mass-produced furniture and plans
to share a showroom space where they’ll sell
art, jewelry and other generally amazing items
that exemplify de Lavaletta’s appreciation of
ambiance.
Rik de Lavaletta Interior Design | 305.570.7970
southfloridaluxuryguide . com
Native Venetian Katia Bates watched her
father design interiors for royal Italian families
in the ‘70s and ’80s. As a young girl, she’d
help him choose fabrics and furniture. When
she moved to the U.S., she chose to follow
in his footsteps and attended the Fashion
Institute of Technology in New York before
settling in another city woven with waterways.
Environmental elements as well as travel
influence Bates’ personal design style. Equally
comfortable working with both contemporary
and traditional motifs, she says, “My favorite
type of project is either new construction or
the restoration of an old estate.” Very fitting,
then, that she was selected to revamp the
former Versace Mansion. Though never far
from her roots, Bates knows the importance
Innovative Creations Interior Design, Inc.
954.565.4333 | innovativecreationsusa.com
march / april
2015
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ONE-STOP SHOP
CONSTRUCTION * DESIGN * MILLWORK
Turnkey touches such as built-in cabinetry, vanities, bars and patios come to life at the hands of master millwork and construction teams.
Millworkers see a vision that begins with a saw table and ends in one completely ready-to-enjoy customized piece. The construction crew sees
that these priceless additions are immaculately placed for years of enjoyment.
In the world of home construction and highend architectural interior design, the term
“one-stop-shop” has an actual foothold with
Manny Angelo Varas and his team at MV
Construction Group. Varas, whose business
accolades are too many to mention, is a statelicensed general contractor with an MBA from
Florida International University. His business
savvy, which he continues to cultivate — he’s
enrolled in Harvard’s Advanced Management
Development Program in Real Estate — has
Lil Wayne and billionaire Dr. Phillip Frost
entrusting him with their multi-million-dollar
private projects.
Fifty percent of MV’s business comes from
single-family properties that, according to
Varas, increase in residual value by 250
percent once his work is complete. “When
trying to determine whether a property is
A-Class, anyone will tell you it’s based on
finishes. Is someone going to notice if the rebar
is perfectly aligned? No,” he says.
With maximized value in mind, Varas maintains,
“We explain to clients that every design has a
financial implication associated with it.” He
uses a dress analogy. “If you went to the store
and found two dresses you loved, but you
didn’t know how much each cost, would you
be able to choose?” So often, homeowners are
faced with the pitfalls of loving a concept or
spec only to find out halfway through that they
just can’t afford to see their vision to the end.
“We educate clients on return on investment,”
Varas says. “Don’t over improve. Sometimes
people feel the max is the max allowable out
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southfloridaluxuryguide . com
of a property, but that’s not always the case.
That’s not always the most effective approach.”
Open spaces that allow natural interactive flow
between rooms may be the most effective
approach though, according to Varas, who
sees this as a popular, timely trend.
Then there are other times when spicing things
up is exactly what’s needed. MV just installed
a retractable TV in rap mogul Rick Ross’s
ceiling and built a full-on digital wall in the
10,000-square-foot office of a major movie
producer.
During Lil Wayne’s La Gorce Island build, MV
became the first construction company in the
country to offer a live video-streaming element
so that 24-hour surveillance of the job site
was possible. Trust is obviously key to Varas’
process — as it should be with any contractor
you hire.
Varas suggests going to sites like
MiamiBeachFL.gov to review the permits of a
contractor you’re interested in to assess their
financial stability. “Historical relevance is very
important. You’re selecting someone who is
going to manage millions of dollars for you.
Don’t let them misappropriate your money.”
Also make sure they’re properly licensed at
MyFloridaLicense.com.
MV Group
1200 Brickell Ave., Suite 600
Miami, Florida 33131
305.668.3122
[email protected]
MVGroupUSA.com
FROM STATE-OF-THE-ART
WAREHOUSE TO YOUR HOUSE
The line between functional and decorative
is one a homeowner must draw in the
sand. Beyond the necessary kitchen
and bathroom cabinetry or living room
bookshelves lies an untold amount of
unique enhancements one can make with
the help of companies like South Florida’s
AWM Group. AWM offers a wide range of
architectural wood products, for both the
commercial and residential arenas in the
domestic and international markets.
This green-conscious company offers
designer furniture, high-end cabinetry,
architectural millwork, wall and ceiling
panels and all types of complex veneer
products. They specialize in hard-toaccomplish and high-profile projects
by evaluating alternative fabrication
methods, utilizing cutting edge technology
and constantly pushing their personnel to
continue their highly skilled education and
training.
AWM
Architectural Woodworking &
Manufacturing
162 NE 25th St., Suite 101
Miami, Florida 33137
800.998.6408 | AWM-US.com
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2015
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FINISHING TOUCHES
MORE THAN AN AFTERTHOUGHT
Leaving tough decisions in the hands of your designer always helps to assuage the pain of deciding
between taupe or mauve, but if you’re without a designer or looking to update certain aspects of
your abode piecemeal, these are some great options to consider for wall and floor revamping.
Solid paint and one-dimensional wallpaper
are to wall finishes what rice and beans are to
gourmet meals. Prosaic. Treat your wall like the
blank canvas it is and let your inner Manet soar.
THESE WALLS TALK
“Search relentlessly for new materials and
textures and invent an emotional, visual and
tactile language.” This philosophical credo
belongs to French furnishing, textile and
wallcovering company Élitis. Founder Patrice
Marraud des Grottes derived the name of his
25-plus-year-old business from his love of the
Greek Isles and Greek poet Odysseas Elytis.
Through kitschy titles for every swatch in his
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collection — “Desperately seeking mermaid,”
“Close to me” and “Kisses forever,” for
instance — he instills his intended sentiment.
So much more than just background filler,
these conversation pieces composed of
sculptural vinyl, embossed foil, woven and
non-woven fibers, painted bamboo and abaca
and myriad other fabrics adorn the walls of
private homes and commercial spaces alike.
Beyond table talk, some of Élitis’s constructs
serve to entrance. From the 2015 catalog,
the metallic “Spiritu” gives the effect that an
otherworldly being has a mind to transmute
into the middle of the room.
Also from the 2015 collection, “Happy,” with the
following inimitable description: “Large metal
sheets appear in the brisk dusk air. Beyond the
still empty square, the multicolored reflections
of hundred of mirrors testify to the density of
the past night. In this morning quietness, walls
swish of a thousand stories.” Whoa! Is that a
synopsis of a moody indie thriller? Nope, it’s
just Élitis’s bold and daring way of marketing
its wall coverings. If you’ve ever considered
your four walls to be nothing more than an
afterthought, you should strongly reconsider.
With a presence in more than 100 countries,
des Grottes’ brainchild is an “experimental
laboratory” that “traces the lines of research,
diversity and innovative mixtures.”
Élitis Auteur & Éditeur
800.916.2036 | [email protected]
Elitis.fr/en/
Also found at Jeffrey Michael’s & Co. in DCOTA
and Marcel & Victoria - Haute Couture Drapery.
southfloridaluxuryguide . com
FLOORING
SIBERIAN FLOORS: RESPONSIBLY REPURPOSING NATURE
In the world of sophisticated flooring, marble and hardwood reign supreme. These high-priced ticket items demonstrate nature’s magnificence. If
you’re looking for alternative or synthetic materials, technology has given us a vast array of viable options that look so real, it’s hard to tell they’re
fake, especially when it comes to wood. Engineered wood, laminated vinyl and porcelain tile are a few budget-friendly wood alternatives.
Specializing in “wide plank flooring worthy of a
lifetime of enjoyment,” Siberian Floors carries
multiple patterns, colors and plank sizes,
allowing a homeowner to customize by mixing
and matching. Popular among their South
Florida clients is the “Russian White Oak,
Tudor 14th Century, Rustic Grade, Hardwax
Oil White Tint BL” designed by Paul Davis
[pictured in inlay]. It evokes a sort of Henry
David Thoreau clean simplicity.
Established in 1997, Siberian works primarily
with natural wood. They “promote and support
sustainable forest practices, harvesting trees
and regional environmental guidelines from
well-managed forests in Siberia, the Kavkaz
Mountains and Central Russia.” Their lumber
supplier has been granted the prestigious
Forestry
Stewardship
Council
(FSC)
certification, which ensures that products
come from well-managed forests that provide
environmental, social and economic benefits.
Environmental responsibility should be of
paramount concern to a homeowner interested
in working with a natural flooring supplier.
precision milled and crafted with a hardwax oil
factory finish that enhances the wood’s natural
character and provides a durable finish that
seals and protects.”
SIBERIAN FLOORS
305.428.2092 | SiberianFloors.com
While primarily a solid wood manufacturer,
Siberian does offer engineered Russian
Oak over birch plywood as a cost-effective
alternative. “From the old world charm of
distressed flooring to the elegance of rift and
quartered white oak, Siberian Floors planks are
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OTHER ARCHITECTURAL NOTABLES
DESIGN OF THE TIMES: WITH THE ATLANTIC AS THE BACKDROP, THE HORIZON’S THE LIMIT
ARQUITECTONICA: NO MOUNTAIN TOO HIGH
American Airlines Arena, home to the Miami Heat, Canyon Ranch, a world-class destination
spa and luxury condo, SLS Hotel, a swank hotel that features Katsuya and Hyde Beach,
and lastly Brickell City Centre, one of the largest urban developments (photographed above)
— all distinctly different, but still connected. They are the brainchild of Arquitectonica, an
architectural firm with close to 40 years of practice honing its “brand of humanistic modern
design.”
Responsible for homes in different area codes and equatorial zones, under the guidance of
Principals Bernardo Fort-Brescia and Laurinda Spear, Arquitectonica calls Florida its base.
Florida is also the location of what may be the firm’s greatest and rewarding challenge to date:
Genting’s Resorts World Miami, a $3 billion mixed-use development on the site of the old
Miami Herald Building. For a complete list of their projects visit: arquitectonica.com
SIEGER SUÁREZ : CHIEF TRENDSETTERS
Sieger Suarez Architects, owned and managed by Charles M. Sieger and José J. Suárez,
enjoys an internationally recognized, distinguished 42-year reputation for award-winning,
design-forward, quality architecture. The firm is known for its pioneering “Floor Through / See
Through” unit design, one of the most successful design concepts in the high-rise residential
market. Innovations such as private elevators and robotic parking found in one of its newer
projects, Porsche Design Towers (photographed above), located in Sunny Isles Beach, are
more examples of how Sieger Suarez raised the bar of quality and expectation in luxury highrise residences.
A few other notables under their belt: St. Regis Hotel As Residences, Apogee, Brickell House
and 50 Biscayne in Miami. For a complete list of their projects, visit siegersuarez.com.
Suarez is always very clear when asked what his favorite project is…“The next one.”
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STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING:
KEEPING HIGH-RISES SAFE
The book Homo Macher or, Man The Maker,
set Vincent DeSimone, senior partner
and chairman of DeSimone Consulting
Engineers, on a lifelong journey to “create
a change in environment.” Fifty-five years
later, some of the structural engineer’s past
and current works include the Humana
Headquarters Building in Louisville;
Downtown Miami’s One Biscayne Tower,
which he designed as the first modern
skyscraper in Miami; and Coconut Grove’s
Grove at Grand Bay, the first truly twisted
buildings in the U.S. No one is better
equipped to explain the basic function of
the structural engineer more succinctly than
DeSimone, who happens to be “dying to
create a turning building… so that everyone
would be on the ocean.”
He says, “up to the use of elevators… and
the use of steel in buildings, there was
only one building designer and that was
the master builder. As the technology of
buildings became more complex, various
duties of the architect were relegated
to specialists. The structural engineer is
the specialist whose efforts accrue to the
protection of the public welfare. Building
weight, hurricanes and earthquakes need
to be designed for with the public safety in
mind.” In other words, without professionals
like DeSimone, building collapses would be
a common occurrence.
DeSimone Consulting Engineers
305.441.0755 | De-Simone.com
southfloridaluxuryguide . com