Fort Lauderdale is a key city in the Miami Metropolitan Area with a growing population and a bustling economy. The city is perfect for those who love Florida weather and its welcoming bodies of water. With its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Lauderdale has a number of waterfront homes. Typical of Modern and Contemporary styles, these homes take advantage of the panoramic views of the ocean and the privacy of the sites. Those looking to build new homes or update existing ones in Fort Lauderdale should enlist an architect to ensure that the design process will be seamless with the building phase. The city has a wealth of established and up-and-coming architects knowledgeable of Fort Lauderdale’s nuances and context.
Our editorial team decided to feature the best residential architects in Fort Lauderdale. To come up with this list, we compiled a list of architects based in the city and assessed each by looking at the firm’s work history, capacity, accomplishments, and overall quality of work.
Antonino Treu, Architect
1501 Coral Ridge Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
Antonino Treu is an award-winning architect licensed in Italy and in the states of Massachusetts and Florida. Treu has been working since the age of 15 as an apprentice to his father, a renowned industrial designer in his homeland. He went to Istituto Universitario Di Architettura and later on studied at the University of Nebraska where he earned a Master of Architecture degree. Treu employs a multidisciplinary approach to architecture that is paired with top-class customer service.
The firm’s collection of residential and commercial design projects testify to the firm’s detail-oriented approach. The home has 2,100-square-feet of living space with public areas, 3 bedrooms, and a guest room.
Hoffman Architecture
4070 NE 15th, Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334
Since 1982, Hoffman Architecture has reflected the environment, climate, and context of Fort Lauderdale communities. Company principal William Hoffman has devoted decades to perfecting the craft of architecture. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida and his Master’s degree at the University of Colorado. He molded the firm’s service to provide practical and unique solutions to varying degrees of architectural needs. The firm makes sure that each project has a cohesive interior and exterior design.
The Hoffman portfolio consists of high-caliber projects such as Sebastian House, an energy-efficient, sustainable home. The home has a passive cooling system that allows it to maximize the conditions of the tropical conditions where it is built. Another great example of the firm’s work is the Coral House in Coral Gables. The home has three levels of exterior balconies and roof overhangs that mimic Frank Wright’s tendency to focus residents’ sightline across the prairie.
In-Site Design Group
1546 Jackson St., Hollywood, FL 33020
In-Site Design Group is a residential architectural firm specializing in luxury waterfront homes. Annie Carruthers, Principal Architect, is a distinguished name in the South Florida luxury residential architecture scene. She studied architecture at the University of Miami and she spent a year abroad in Florence, Italy. Later, she took an apprenticeship in Revuelta Architecture, a luxury high-rise specialist. Her in-depth knowledge of the luxury residential market is matched with her training not only as a licensed architect but also as a General Contractor, Interior Designer, and Real Estate Broker. Caruthers and a team of promising architects and design professionals have consistently won the trust of locals by providing top-tier works every single time. The waterfront home in the photo is an example of the firm’s mastery of waterfront homes and luxury living. The home has a seamless blending of materials that gives it its elegance.
Michael Salus Architects
1975 E Sunrise Blvd., Ste. #601, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
An up-and-coming firm established in 2015, Michael Salus Architects is a reputable firm in Fort Lauderdale that appreciates the value of excellent customer service. The company founder and namesake Michael Salus is a graduate of the University of Florida and the University of Miami. His training in modern and transitional design equipped the firm with the necessary tools to perform in a highly-competitive market.
The firm has completed multiple residential projects all over the city and beyond. The Transitional home in the photo is a high-value two-story home in Miami. The home has a clean façade that speaks of refined style and subtle luxury.
Preschel Bassan Studio
15805 Biscayne Blvd., Ste. #206, N Miami Beach, FL 33160
A young, innovative firm based in Miami, Preschel Bassan Studio is a residential and commercial design firm established by the duo of Denise Preschel and Cheryl Bassa. Preschel went to Universidad Simon Bolivar in Venezuela and Columbia University for her Master’s in Architecture and Urban Design. Bassan is an alumnus of Central Universidad of Venezuela and Politecnico di Milano. She also attended Harvard University for her Master’s in Architecture. Both Ms. Preschel and Ms. Bassa are licensed architects and interior designers.
Preschel Bassan-designed projects are always au courant. The firm has completed multiple residential projects and commercial works such as the New York Contemporary Art Museum. The Riverland Road home featured in the photo is among the firm’s best works. The home reflects the laid back yet chic lifestyle of Miami.
Rex Nichols Architects
1600 S Federal Hwy., Ste. #970, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33062
Rex Nichols Architects is an acclaimed architectural firm gaining international recognition for their top-caliber contemporary architectural design. Under the leadership of Senior Designer Alex Penna, the firm has caught the attention of Emirati multinational real estate development company Emaar Properties and awarded the design of mid-rise luxury residences at Dubai Creek Harbour.
RNA is on a mission to express a new vision for contemporary design with its sculptural geometric forms and playful layout. One of their more compelling residential designs, “Open to The Trees,” is a three-story contemporary home located in Colee Hammock, a neighborhood of waterfront homes along the Tarpon River and Intracoastal Waterway canals of Las Olas Isles in Fort Lauderdale. For this quaint setting, defined by a natural canopy or “hammock” of tropical hardwood trees, RNA has designed a glass house with a sculptural core, reaching upward beyond the embrace of the canopy of oak trees. This estate is a case study of simplicity and elegance in harmony with its beautiful surroundings.
Rose Architecture + Construction
2810 E Oakland Park Blvd Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306
Rose Architecture + Construction is a premier architectural, construction, and design-build firm serving South Florida. The firm has a modest team of design and construction professionals led by founder Zachary Rose. He is the recipient of 2020’s AIA Fort Lauderdale’s Entrepreneur of the Year award. Zachary studied at the University of Florida and the University of Michigan. His strong work ethic and formal training in the field give the firm the confidence to compete with more tenured firms.
The firm’s strong track record in South Florida can be seen in the quality of completed projects, like the Contemporary home in Fort Lauderdale. The home sports minimalism with a strong emphasis on functionality. The home’s monochromatic finishes complete the clean and simple aesthetic.
Schachne Architects & Builders
10101 SW 40th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328
A design-build firm distinguished with major industry awards including a Chrysalis Design Award, an AIA Fort Lauderdale Honor Award, and multiple National Master Design Awards. The firm offers full-service architecture, interior design, and construction backed by the firm’s two decades of industry experience. Schachne was led by partners Stan and Donna Schachne. Stan worked with famed architectural studios Perkins + Will and RTKL. He studied Architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology and earned a Master’s degree in Construction Management at Florida International University. Donna went to Harrington Institute of Design in Chicago to study Interior Design. The Schachne team is known to serve up innovative design solutions with professionalism and dedication.
Schachne has an interesting selection of international residential projects in its portfolio. The firm has completed projects on the Bonaire Island in the Netherlands and in Fort Lauderdale. The featured project in the photo is a Modern home built on the former 1927 site. After living in the home for over 26 years, the homeowners decided to upgrade.
SDH Studio Architecture + Design
18200 NE 19th Ave. Ste. #100, N Miami Beach, FL 33162
SDH is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm known for its emphasis on collaboration and innovation. Stephanie Halfen manages the day-to-day operations of the firm as well as the primary design projects. She has an outstanding background in the craft, having graduated Summa Cum Laude at Universidad Simon Bolivar and with the Highest Honors at Parsons School of Design. Her training is matched by an extensive background in home design across Miami and the Caribbean. She devised an ingenious design process that gives each client a unique, bespoke experience that produces optimal results.
The firm has a strong portfolio of residential, commercial, and planning works. In terms of residential projects, SDH has designed luxurious Contemporary and Modern homes with superlative quality.
Square One Architecture
5230 S University Dr., Ste. #106D, Davie, FL 33328
Since 2005, John Garra and his team of architects and design experts have designed and provided consultation on multiple residential projects in South Florida. The firm has a reputation for providing customer-centric services. The Square Team is composed of talented designers and skilled professionals that consistently deliver quality workmanship. This diligence and talent secured the firm a name in Florida and in the Caribbean. Square One has been featured by publications like Building Operating Management, Tropic, AIA Florida and the Caribbean Project Showcase, and Florida/Caribbean Architect Magazine.
The Square One portfolio is indicative of the firm’s strength in practical design and function-oriented architecture. The Seven Isles, a Modern home in Fort Lauderdale, is one of the best projects handled by the firm. The home was designed with modern living in mind as it provides a healthy balance of privacy and transparency as well as an appropriate stage for the homeowner’s impressive modern art collection.
[STRANG] Design
330 N Andrews Ave., Ste. #102, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
In over two decades of operations, [STRANG] Design has provided award-winning design services all over South Florida. The firm recently garnered three AIA Florida/Caribbean Awards for Design Excellence in 2020, and dozens of awards in the preceding years. Founding Principal Max Strang is a distinguished architect with 26 years of experience in the industry and accompanying awards including the 2019 AIA Florida Medal of Honor for Design. He studied architecture at the University of Florida and Columbia University for his Master’s. He is joined by partners Jason Richard Adams and Alexandra Mangimelli.
Photo by Claudio Uribe Touri.
The [STRANG] team advances the principle of regional modernism. The firm has a thorough understanding of the South Florida landscape and a bursting trophy case to show for it. The Claudio Uribe Touri featured photo illustrates [STRANG] Design’s forward-thinking strategy and bold decision-making. The firm follows tropical themes by fusing wood, concrete, glass, and metal elements. The house showcases the firm’s unwavering dedication to regional modernism and keen design sensibilities.
Tuthill Architecture
1512 E Broward Blvd., Ste. #104-A, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Established in 1979, Tuthill Architecture is a family-owned and operated architectural firm focused on high-level design. The firm is experienced in single-family and multifamily residential as well as commercial projects. Over the years, the Tuthill family has captured the confidence and patronage of Fort Lauderdale residents with their imaginative works and efficient project execution. Doing so enabled the firm to win 16 AIA Design Awards, 24 City of Fort Lauderdale Community Appearance Awards, and other design awards. Robert Tuthill, Company Principal, assumes the responsibility of providing consistency and excellence in every project.
Tuthill’s portfolio indicates the firm’s versatility in multiple home styles. The firm knows how to respond to the varying needs of homeowners, from designing more traditional and classic styles to more contemporary projects such as the Barbara Beach home in the photo.
