PROFILEmiami had the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Jimmy Sinis, the Design Manager at Stantec's Miami Office, to talk with him about architecture, building design, Miami's real estate market and a look inside one of the city's most exciting real estate design firms behind projects such as Southgate Towers.
PM: What makes architecture and design in Miami so unique compared to other cities?
JS: It really is an eclectic situation. We have seen an influx of varying cultures from all over the world come to Miami to showcase art and design. This cultural injection continues to transform the city of Miami at all levels from the Grove to South Beach to Wynwood. We witness a different flavor in each area, but the one common denominator is lifestyle. Design is focused on lifestyle arguably above all and this is what truly makes Miami unique. Fortunately, this only strengthens design culture throughout and creates an exciting foundation for the future.
PM: How has building design in Miami changed over the last decade in Miami? Where do you see it heading?
JS: I believe that everyone has become more aware - more aware of the potential Miami offers. Long has Miami been associated with the MiMo style and art deco of South Beach, which in my opinion will always be an appealing character, but we have witnessed a shift to luxury design. Many of the high-rises and multi-family residences being designed in Miami are collaborating with luxury brands such as The Ritz-Carlton to create an experience unique to its location, but as in fashion, styles changed ever so quickly. I see Miami development continuing to push the envelope on design innovation across all disciplines.
Southgate Towers
PM: Where do you see Stantec's role in Miami over the next five to ten years?
JS: Right in the thick of things. Our mission is to design with community in mind and I see that as a valuable quality moving forward. Miami is still a very young city and as it evolves into a major destination for live, work, and play, we must take the right steps now as we design the foundation for the future. We understand this and relish in the opportunity to play a role in designing for this exciting time.
PM: How does architecture differ amongst the different neighborhoods of Miami? Does any stand out in your mind?
JS: As I stated earlier, all the neighborhoods have their own flavors of style and design with the underlying theme focusing on lifestyle, but if I had to choose one that stood out to me…. my answer may surprise you. I’m excited about what is coming. I’m excited about the neighborhoods yet to be developed. Miami has been fortunate to have exciting areas developed like Brickell, Downtown Miami, Midtown, Wynwood, but I’m excited for the connecting zones of Historic Overtown, and land near the Omni Station with amazing museums and cultural centers. I’m excited for how design plays a role in the evolution of the urban fabric as Miami grows into a global city.
PM: What is the most unique feature that Stantec has brought to a project in South Florida
JS: Instead of pinpointing one unique feature, I feel that the body of work we have produced and are producing is the early chapters of our legacy. We are fortunate to be a part of many of the developments in Miami, and the collection of these designs shaping what is still a very young Miami, is what is most unique to me. We are influencing the skyline and forcing those Miami tourists stands to continuously update their postcard prints.
Stantec’s Miami office is located at One Biscayne Tower, 2 South Biscayne Blvd, Suite 1607, Miami, FL. T: (305) 482-8700.
Luma
About Stantec
"We're active members of the communities we serve. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind. The Stantec community unites approximately 22,000 employees working in over 400 locations across six continents. Our work—engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, project management, and project economics, from initial project concept and planning through design, construction, and commissioning—begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. With a long-term commitment to the people and places we serve, Stantec has the unique ability to connect to projects on a personal level and advance the quality of life in communities across the globe. Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at www.stantec.com/commercial or find us on social media."