Haute 100 Miami Update: Bernardo Fort-Brescia

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. Arquitectonica is responsible for leading design, setting influential buildings from11offices around the world, now co-founder Bernardo Fort-Brescia is taking the company back to its roots.

Bernardo Fort-Brescia

CATEGORY: Originators

COMPANY: Arquitectonica

INDUSTRY: Architecture

WHAT MADE HIM HAUTE: He put his Ivy League education to good use and founded Arquitectonica in 1977. Within two years, the company was making waves. The Atlantis on Brickell, designed by Fort-Brescia and team, showed up in the opening credits for Miami Vice, and ever since, his unique style (often described as “tropical modernism”) has defined the face of Miami on a global scale. His firm is behind such landmark buildings as the American Airlines Arena, the Miami Children’s Museum, and the new ICON Brickell, among others.

WHAT MAKES HIM HAUTE NOW: After a series of moves across Miami, Fort-Brescia has decided on a hopeful final resting ground for Arquitectonica. The global design brand is expected to open its new green world headquarters in Coconut Grove this fall. The firm will be housed in a two-story building complete with an open interior courtyard, high-ceilings, bike rack (Fort-Brescia plans on cycling to work when he’s not jet set), and an advanced energy-management system. Fort-Brescia choice to reposition Arquitectonica’s modestly scaled main design studio on the site of its original office reclaims the simple, honest vibe of the brand’s atelier beginnings.