The Miami real estate boom is bringing more than just new condos to the marketplace. With more competition on the market, throwing up a traditional tower isn’t going to cut it these days, and architecture and design is taking center stage. A recent article from Ocean Drive referred to the movement as the “starchitecture craze,” when big-name architects collaborate with exotic names in interior and exterior designs, producing one of kind, luxurious residences. And consumers are loving it.

There are several current projects that are featuring big names in design and architecture.  Developers are even collaborating with auto companies in projects like the Porsche Design Tower in Sunny Isles Beach, and Pininfarina, the designer of Maseratis, in Brickell. Some buildings are being outfitted in furniture exclusively by Ligne Roset, Fendi Casa, and Baltus. Fashion designers are also getting involved, as seen in the two-towered Armani-branded condo being developed by The Related Group and Gil Dezer, and the recent purchase of the Raleigh Hotel by Tommy Hilfiger. The Design District is bursting with collaborations between fashion and architecture in its reconstruction project. And possibly the biggest collaboration is happening right now in the Faena District Miami Beach project. Developer Alan Faena has united quite the collection of architects, artists, designers, and even filmmakers to work on the “Wonderland-like” neighborhood that will feature a hotel, arts center, ultraexpensive condos, cabaret, and “bazaar.”

In this day and age of real estate ingenuity, filling the lobby with chic and contemporary artwork isn’t enough to attract the international buyers of our market. Projects that include car elevators, $100,000 custom closets and one of a kind personal sculptures from internationally renowned artists are getting the job done, bringing buyers from around the world and upping the game in the Miami real estate market. It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Miami luxury condo boom.