Five Buildings That Are Welcoming New Architects and Designers to Miami

Whether it’s a couture brand’s first residential foray or an esteemed architect’s inaugural US project, the crème de la crème is making its debut in Miami and neighboring communities.

Miami real estate is thriving, and it’s not just a migration South that’s on the rise. The allure of a place where urban sophistication meets tropical paradise is impossible to resist, so it’s no wonder that esteemed architects, couture fashion labels, and upscale furniture brands are targeting the Magic City for their initial residential projects. Here, we examine some of Miami’s most notable firsts.

2000 OCEAN

The first superluxury condo on Hallandale Beach (a mere sand pebble’s throw from Miami), 2000 Ocean—a soaring 64-unit glass tower situated enviably close to the sea—was poised for excellence. And Minotti, the elite Italian furniture maker that developer Shahab Karmely of KAR Properties commissioned for what would be the brand’s first US residential project, is well-versed in excellence. Residents of 2000 Ocean will reap the benefits, as each unit is outfitted with all-stone Minotti Cucine custom kitchens and Minotti Cucine full-slab stone master bath floating vanities, and personalized Minotti design services are also available to residents. “Minotti’s extensive range of products and materials allowed us to create something truly worthy of this remarkable waterfront property,” says Babak Hakakian, partner at ddc and Minotti Miami. 

ARTE SURFSIDE

The exquisitely designed Arte Surfside, an exclusive 12-story, 16-residence building, is like nothing the beachside town has ever seen: a property with the singular European sensibilities of master Italian architect Antonio Citterio of ACPV. Citterio’s goal for Arte—his first US project—was to elevate the effortless coastal way of life. “I think of Arte as a way to bring a sense of Mediterranean living to the United States,” says Citterio. Developers Alex Sapir and Giovanni Fasciano, who set out to appeal to the world’s most discerning buyers, had to look no further than the man behind several incredible Bvlgari hotels and resorts. “Antonio Citterio was the natural choice,” says Sapir. “His design stands out along the coastline and will continue to be talked about for decades to come.”

MISSONI BAIA

OKO Group and Cain International’s visionary landmark stretching along an impressive 200 feet of Biscayne Bay waterfront in East Edgewater, Missoni Baia is a sleek 57-story tower with a minimalist art-inspired facade by architect Hani Rashid. It also embodies the joyful spirit of one of the world’s most revered fashion labels. “Missoni’s first-ever branded residential tower, the Italian design and fashion house is incorporating its trademark colorful design palette into the vibrant interiors, public spaces, and amenity areas,” explains Vanessa Grout, CEO of OKO Real Estate. Fashionable buyers interested in outfitting their condominiums with the Missoni Home Collection are offered a variety of furnishing packages to choose from.

MONAD TERRACE

A true standout on Miami Beach, Monad Terrace’s unique honeycomb sawtooth edifice—artfully constructed to capture and diffuse incoming light—springs from the mind of distinguished French architect Jean Nouvel, the Pritzker Prize-winning principal of Ateliers Jean Nouvel. The firm’s first Miami project, Monad is composed of 59 individually designed waterfront residences set around a glittering lagoon. Each features an expansive terrace that offers a seamless indoor/outdoor experience and magnificent views. “We built Monad Terrace with a vision to deliver a stunning and thoughtfully crafted structure that would capture the spirit of the surrounding environment and offer residents the best of South Beach,” says Michael Stern, Founder and CEO of JDS Development Group. Infusing a “spirit of place” is one of the most important tenets of Nouvel’s body of work. “Here in Miami, I wanted to create a building that is like the reflection of the sun on the water,” says the architect.

MR. C RESIDENCES COCONUT GROVE

The Cipriani family has long enjoyed international renown for its restaurants, lounges, and residences. Throughout the world, they are celebrated for exuding Old World simplicity and a refined European glamour. In that vein, brothers Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani cofounded the hospitality and residential property brand, Mr. C. Now, David Martin, CEO of Terra Group, has partnered with the Cipriani brothers to develop Mr. C Residences Coconut Grove. The high-end residential and mixed-use development marks the first large-scale residential project for the Mr. C brand. “We’re excited to bring four generations of the Cipriani perfectly serviced lifestyle experience into such a wonderful project and location,” says Ignazio.  Mr. C Residences Coconut Grove will offer a contemporary take on classic European living while honoring The Grove’s maritime tradition and historic charm.