Last updated on May 27th, 2024 at 02:07 pm
An exceptional architectural design goes beyond the blueprint — it’s an extension of one’s personality, and it takes a highly skilled and experienced architect to bring that vision to life. When it comes to building your dream home, it’s crucial to find the right architect who understands your needs, has an eye for detail, and is dedicated to delivering outstanding results. It’s an investment in your future, both in terms of your living space and your property value.
Our team has carefully curated a list of the top residential architects in Miami, Florida, all of whom are known for their exceptional design skills, attention to detail, and commitment to providing their clients with the best living spaces. We’ve selected firms based on their specializations, professional affiliations, experience, client testimonials, industry awards, and features in notable publications.
Choeff Levy Fischman
8425 Biscayne Blvd. Suite #201, Miami, FL 33138
Choeff Levy Fischman is an architecture and design firm whose partners bring a wealth of experience in modern custom single-family homes for global executives, celebrities, and professional athletes. Based in Miami and Tampa, the firm operates in a collaborative studio environment to create designs that bridge client vision with specific site requirements. The firm’s expertise lies in Tropical Modern architecture, emphasizing the use of indoor-outdoor living spaces through unique and functional designs and updated technology and materials. Its use of natural light, open floor plans, and strong connection to nature has been praised by clients and critics.
Choeff Levy Fischman has won numerous awards for its innovative designs, including this seven-bedroom, 14,771-square-foot La Gorce Island residence designed in collaboration with the Aquablue Group. The home’s exterior blends bronze, book-matched travertine with Japanese white oak for a touch of elegance. The grand entrance of the home features a reflecting pond with floating stairs surrounded by a cascading waterfall and a living green wall. Indulgences include a gym with a steam shower and sauna, a marble wine cellar, an elevator-accessed rooftop deck, and an infinity-edge pool. The home was designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards.
Oppenheim Architecture
245 NE 37th St. Miami, FL 33137
Oppenheim Architecture is a global design firm that prioritizes designing with a focus on life and feeling. Its designs are integrated with the environment, utilizing shapes and textures that highlight and celebrate their surroundings. Its goal is to establish a connection between people and their location by finding harmony with nature. Therefore, the team at Oppenheim combines individual needs with location attributes to create unique designs for clients. The firm’s work spans over 25 countries, including projects in the hospitality, commercial, retail, and residential sectors. Oppenheim is known for its designs that create impactful and contemplative experiences through a sense of monumentality.
Chad Oppenheim, a Cornell University graduate and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), founded the firm in 1999. He is a renowned global lecturer and has led the firm to earn over 60 AIA Awards and a National Design Award from Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum. Under his leadership, the firm is celebrated for its environmentally conscious architecture and its commitment to designs that blend indoor and outdoor spaces, and enhance people’s connection to their surroundings.
ZW Jarosz Architect
3326 Mary St. Suite #500, Miami, FL 33133
Z.W. Jarosz Architect is more than just a typical design firm; it’s a team of professionals that includes designers, project managers, superintendents, carpenters, and support staff. This powerhouse team, in partnership with its sister company Jarosz Development, has successfully completed numerous projects over the years, earning a reputation for quality design, construction, timely delivery, and adherence to budgets.
Jarosz’s unique approach to architecture involves controlling the entire process, from inception to completion. This allows for a more satisfactory end result, as the European tradition of master builders is incorporated into the architectural philosophy. Jarosz believes that drawings only provide a basic interpretation and that certain elements and details can only be fully realized in three-dimensional form. By keeping the architect and builder under one roof, the translation from paper to stone is executed with precision and accuracy. Meanwhile, craftsmanship is a crucial component of Jarosz’s construction work. As a builder, Jarosz handles all structural and finish work, and employs a full carpentry crew with extensive experience. This ensures that every project is executed to the highest standards and meets the expectations of both the team and the clients.
Brillhart Architecture
1278 NW 29th St. Miami, FL 33142
Brillhart Architecture, founded and led by the husband-and-wife team of Jake Brillhart, who is a member of the AIA, and Melissa Brillhart, is a Miami-based design firm that is heavily influenced by the unique landscape and vernacular conditions of the South. Many of the firm’s projects are raised on stilts or appear to hover slightly above the ground, such as the founders’ own “Brillhart House”. With 100 feet of uninterrupted glass, the house incorporates four sets of sliding doors that can open up the entire house. The house also includes 800 square feet of outdoor living space with porches, shutters, and privacy features that allow the house to blend seamlessly with the surrounding dense and lush native landscaping.
Brillhart Architecture focuses on the landscape and how to integrate its designs with the tropics, as well as the idea of vernacular sustainability. The firm’s designs create innovative architecture that is suitable for tropical environments while prioritizing architectural primacy, composition, materiality, and construction logic. Its approach is centered on a direct relationship with the landscape and materials, which leads to an experiential process of material compatibility and sustainability. The seamless integration with the landscape is a common thread that unites all of its projects, and its designs are rooted in the unique features of their environment.
Portuondo Perotti Architects
5717 SW 8th St. Suite #200, Miami, FL 33144
Portuondo Perotti Architects is a dynamic architectural studio dedicated to creating enduring, thoughtful architecture that contributes to the surrounding urban fabric. By closely analyzing the needs of its clients and the surrounding community, the firm produces designs that consider the entire urban context, resulting in buildings that elevate the quality of life in the city. Its approach is grounded in a combination of traditional and modern methods, using the logic and economy of construction to achieve scale, proportion, function, and durability. Its philosophy is guided by a deep respect for the urban environment and a belief that good design can make a positive contribution to the city. The firm’s team recognizes the interdependence of the built environment and society, and seeks to create architecture that not only meets the needs of its clients but also enhances the lives of those who will use and interact with its buildings.
The firm also believes that the timeless values of architecture — scale, proportion, function, and durability — can be achieved within the constraints of contemporary construction methods, schedules, and budgets. With extensive experience in executing large and small-scale projects, Portuondo Perotti Architects delivers work in a timely and responsive manner, holding itself and the craftsmen it collaborates with to a high standard of excellence.
UrvanX
7440 SW 50th Terrace, Suite #102, Miami, FL 33155
UrvanX is a dynamic architecture practice specializing in bespoke residential projects, as well as commercial and hospitality buildings. The firm’s ethos centers on sustainable design, seamlessly blending ecological consciousness with a passion for creating stunning and practical spaces. Its innovative approach to architecture also prioritizes achieving results that meet both the client’s requirements and industry standards. Each project is meticulously tailored to reflect the owner’s unique vision, with a flair for originality that sets the firm apart. The team’s commitment to open communication and constant collaboration is an essential component of its success, so it makes sure to keep clients informed and involved at every stage of the process.
At the helm of UrvanX is Carlos J. Bravo, a highly regarded architect with an impressive track record of designing multimillion-dollar projects for Coca-Cola. Before establishing his current studio, Bravo led another successful design firm, Vertex Architecture, where he designed retail centers, high-rises, and private residences. He is affiliated with professional organizations such as the AIA, the Society of American Registered Architects, and the US Green Building Council, where he holds accreditation as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional in Building and Construction.
JLE Architecture & Planning, Inc.
1200 Anastasia Ave. Suite #420, Miami, FL 33146
Since its establishment in 1983, architectural firm JLE Architects has worked with over 800 clients to design and build various projects ranging from high-end single-family residences to small and medium commercial projects in the United States and the Caribbean. The firm is made up of a team of licensed architects and general contractors who specialize in single and multi-family developments. This team’s design process creates a foundation for developing each project to fit the unique conditions of every building and client. Throughout the client’s experience, the company promotes participation and collaboration with contractors, engineers, designers, and consultants to ensure a high-quality product.
Jorge L. Esteban is the firm’s founding principal and a graduate of the University of Miami, where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Esteban is recognized as a pioneer in Tropical Modern and Mediterranean Architecture in South Florida and has received numerous awards for his contributions to the field. He is also a member of various professional organizations such as the National Council Architecture Review Board (NCARB) and the AIA. The firm’s success can be attributed to the expertise of Esteban and his team’s commitment to providing clients personalized service and high-quality work. JLE Architects’ ability to handle a variety of projects and produce beautiful, functional spaces has made it a respected and sought-after architecture firm in the industry.
STA Architectural Group
3526 N Miami Ave. Miami, FL 33127
Established in 1985, STA Architectural Group is a leading architectural firm that strives to convert innovative ideas into tangible and stunning architectural designs. Its commitment to every project is personal, ensuring the delivery of quality results at every stage of development. The firm’s approach is team-oriented, allowing it to collaborate on each project and use unique designs and materials creatively. The team is made up of highly trained architects, planners, and interior designers who have a deep understanding of the principles and practices of architecture and interior design. This has led STA Architectural Group to establish itself as an architectural industry leader.
The firm is managed by its principals, Isabel Saavedra-Tragash and Todd Tragash, who together have over three decades of experience in professional design. The team is made up of professionals with expertise in different fields, and they are actively involved in the Miami Beach architectural community, participating in design charrettes, lectures, and tours of the “Art Deco District.” The team’s extensive involvement in the community has earned it an excellent reputation, making it a preferred choice for architectural design projects.
