Haute Designers: A Look at Miami's Top Names in Interior Design

RICARDO BOFILL

Architectural talent Ricardo Bofill inaugurated his stateside transition with his design work at 3900 Alton, a luxurious site housing 78 residences in Miami Beach. A native of Barcelona, Bofill’s work spans continents and ranges from inspirational projects to issues of urban planning worldwide. The 76-year-old has won countless awards like the Vittorio de Sica Architecture Prize, the Lifetime Achievement Award for The Israeli Building Center and multiple honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions around the world. 3900 Alton is expertly designed with a modern re nement that has been credited to the inspired vision of Bofill.

MATT MACDONALD

Designer Matt MacDonald splits his time between sun-kissed locales Miami and Los Angeles. He gravitates toward warm tones in the form of untraditional and modern pieces for his projects pairing a zebra rug with golden hues and mirrored accents or a Lucite table beside wooden pieces, many of which have been featured in renowned architectural and design publications. His company, MacDonald Design Associates, offers interior design services as well as expertise in interior architecture, space planning and renovation, and custom furniture design. MacDonald and his work have been inspired by world travels and this global mentality has been celebrated by clients along each coast.

SAM ROBIN

Miami-based designer Sam Robin focuses on creating unique and individual spaces for her clients. She specializes in residential, commercial, hospitality and Miami Beach Deco design projects. All are luxurious spaces with covetable views, zip codes and tokens from her years of experience, travel and expertise. Each project taken on by the Sam Robin Design firm is morphed into a modern space by way of installations and custom furniture—her trademark. Robin’s work has been featured in countless publications and recognized for its excellence. Just last year she teamed up with fellow Haute 10-lister Matt MacDonald to design the 2015 ELLE DECOR’s Modern Life Concept House.

ROB BROWN & TODD DAVIS

Todd Davis and Rob Brown of Brown Davis Interiors, Inc. have opened their second office in Miami Beach since founding their first offices in Washington, D.C., in 1994. Prior to their move, the duo designed residences for the Clintons, the secretary of state and The British Embassy Residence, to name a few projects. Since then, they’ve brought their interior-design skills to the shore. Brown, a gifted colorist, blends hues and tones that unify a space filled with custom pieces and creations fashioned by the company and a team of craftsmen. And Davis has showcased his talents by way of architecture and his visions for the foundations of a space. With roots now tracing back to Miami from all over the country, and a paper trail of articles and features, Brown and Davis have graced the likes of Sunset Island and South Pointe. Their blended visions have awarded them a spot on Architectural Digest’s Top 100

KOBI KARP

Kobi Karp is the founder of Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design, Inc., which opened in 1996 and has branch o ces in the Middle East. The firm’s high-end projects include hospitality, retail and residential spaces around the world in places like the Caribbean, the Black Sea region and the Middle East. The founder’s awards for architecture, interior design and planning are numerous and impressive. The Kobi Karp offices house a team of experts that have brought together their learned skills from extensive travel, notable honors and degrees, all headed by the esteemed principal-in-charge.

STEPHANE DUPOUX

Stephane Dupoux founded Dupoux Design over 15 years ago, where he brought together a group of professional and district designers to focus on hospitality projects. Since its inception, the firm has built a reputation in the areas of concept design, master planning, architectural design, virtual renderings, brand identity and furniture design. The designer brings a fresh and often playful take on nautical and ethereal themes, creating environments that transport visitors. The firm has created well-known hospitality destinations like Nikki Beach, Pearl, Buddha Bar and most recently River Yacht Club, which he co-owns.

ALFRED KARRAM JR.

Alfred Karram Jr. is the founder and chief designer of his namesake firm AKJ Design Concepts. He is a graduate of the Pratt Institute of Architecture. Since his commencement 30 years ago, Karram and his team have specialized in the development of luxurious private residences and superyachts. His modern style is unique and sleek, yet directly addresses the vision of his clients. His work has been featured in Architectural Digest, The New York Times, and Miami Home & Décor for projects he’s done for The St. Regis Bal Harbour Residences, Fisher Island, and The Excelsior. His most recent work on the interiors of the Benetti F125/01 Vivace “M/Y Ironman” superyacht awarded the firm as a finalist for The World Superyacht Awards 2016 in Florence, Italy. On the heels of the success of its international debut in Monaco and Cannes, M/Y Ironman will be making its domestic debut this year at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, where Alfred will also be announcing his next superyacht commission of a new Benetti F140 Veloce.

FRANCOIS FROSSARD

With a focus on hospitality, Francois Frossard and his design team have made their name in award-winning nightclubs, hotels and restaurants. The lead designer of his firm, Francois Frossard Design (FFD), established in 2001, he is known for dramatic designs that set the stage for an awe-inspiring hospitality experience, thus establishing a new standard. He is responsible for nightclubs SET, Mansion, Arkadia and Story. He’s also the official designer for Palace Resorts, including luxury properties Le Blanc Spa Resort in Cabo San Lucas and Moon Palace in Cancun as well as several others. FFD has lent its vision to restaurants like The Forge and Brasserie Azur in 2015. It has just been announced that FFD has been tapped to oversee the redesign of legendary hotspot Les Caves du Roy in Saint-Tropez. This firm has dominated hospitality design and continues to incorporate the many visions of its team members, collecting awards and maintaining its distinguished reputation.

PIERO LISSONI

Although he does not have an office in Miami, given the plethora of iconic projects that this Italian architectural and design mastermind is working on, it is only fitting that he is an honorary member of this list. Lissoni has worked with some of the greatest names in the business, transferring his expertise in all areas of design, including architecture and interior design. In 2005, Lissoni was inducted in the Interior Design Hall of Fame in New York. Most recently, he was commissioned to design the conversion of a former hospital into the prestigious waterfront condos and villas for the Ritz-Carlton Residences Miami Beach with Lionheart Capital, LLC. Additionally, he has worked closely with the Related Group on their slew of upcoming properties along the Biscayne Line, specifically the Paraiso District condos and the Auberge Miami Residences & Spa.

CHARLOTTE DUNAGAN

Charlotte Dunagan is the daughter of an interior designer and antiques dealer. Born from creative minds and raised with an aesthetic eye, it’s no surprise that her design firm, Charlotte Dunagan Design Group, creates sophisticated and celebrated residential and boutique commercial spaces. Her portfolio is extensive; her clientele even more so. Her company designed the Miami Beach home of Jeffrey Miller that was featured in Architectural Digest and incredible properties in the Gables, Star and Fisher Islands, plus many other enviable destinations. Dunagan’s work is distinguishably clean and elegant, a mark that can be left only by a professional who can truly master a space.