Q&A with Guest Contributor: Miami’s Jeff Morr Dishes on Trends in Interior Design

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SPACiO sat down with the talented Jeff Morr , an interior designer who has designed some of Miami’s most iconic condo projects from Ten Museum Park to Paramount on the Bay. He gives us the scoop on what it takes to be an interior designer in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

How did you become an interior designer?

I have been a real estate broker for over 30 years and have always had a passion for interior design. For years, I’ve worked closely with developers and architects designing buildings and introducing new concepts to the South Florida real estate market. For example, I introduced the ‘loft’ concept in the 1990s. Buyers from New York would ask me for lofts in Miami Beach and I would always say “we don’t have them in Miami”. As a result, I convinced a handful of developers to build small loft condo projects South of Fifth Street in South Beach. These were a big success so I brought the concept across Biscayne Bay to work with the developers of Ten Museum Park, Paramount on the Bay, Parc Lofts Miami, Cynergi  (the first residential project in Wynwood), Midtown Miami and many others.

Give us a taste of the work you do as a designer.

We recently completed a unit at Continuum South Beach and have now started working at a unit in the Beach Club. We are doing a lot of work in buildings completed in the last cycle to freshen up the floor plans, kitchens, baths and create brand new spaces. We also manufacture furniture to match our design as well as design decorator-ready units in buildings being completed in this cycle, like Echo Brickell.

When it comes to designing, I love doing kitchens. My clients are amazed to see how you can create a completely new style by replacing cabinet doors, installing new countertops and adding an interesting backsplash. Our clients are moving away from ‘all white’ and are increasingly choosing pastel blue, pastel gray and pastel orange for cabinets. Shaker kitchen cabinets are very popular because some clients like just a twist of traditionalism.

In terms of flooring, porcelain is in. It is a great material. You don’t have to worry about it polishing every few years. It is virtually maintenance free. Wood-look porcelain tile is also very popular on terraces, pool decks and areas you would have never imagined.

Miami is a very cosmopolitan city. How does the ‘international influence’ reflect on the work you do?

Miami is a progressive city that tends to be into a singular look known as Tropical Modernism, embracing clean lines combined with warm colors, wood, glass, natural stone, LED lighting and more. I do see a few differences in clients who come from South America. They need service quarters for their nanny. Handheld shower devices are very important for foreigners as well as combo toilet/bidets. All our clients – regardless of where they come from – are very interested in space maximization so that’s a priority for me. They are paying a very high price per square foot when they buy into some of the world’s most luxurious towers in Miami so there is no reason to waste space. For example, we often remove traditional bidets, consolidate a bidet with the toilet and in the new void, we build a linen closet. There are many ways to add storage space in condos. It is all about being creative.

SPACiO Design Build Spends a Day at Sea with the US Navy

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As SPACiO Design Build continues to evolve and adapt to Miami’s ever-changing real estate market, Brian Nisula discovered new ideas for growing the business in an unlikely place…an aircraft carrier. When he was nominated through the Young Presidents’ Organization to attend the Leaders to Sea Program, he didn’t expect a day at sea with the US Navy to open his eyes to new ways of thinking about SPACiO Design Build’s future. We sat down with Brian to learn more about his adventure at sea and find out what inspired him the most about the program.

Q: How did the Leaders to Sea Program shape your perception of our military including our Navy?

Most Americans, including myself, don’t really know what our military does on a daily basis or how hard our troops work. The Leaders to Sea Program aims to change that by inviting community leaders to learn about the Navy and help foster citizen awareness and understanding of the Navy’s role and need in general. My involvement with the Young Presidents’ Organization, a global network of young chief executives with 24,000 members in more than 130 countries, led to the opportunity.

We started the day with a C2 Greyhound transport plane flight off the coast of Southern California to the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean that was in training to be deployed. You don’t realize how big these carriers are until you’re on one. There are about 5,000 people living on the ship, taking a tour of one is like visiting a small town.

I now have a better understanding of what it means to run a tight ship. There is no room for error when you’re in the middle of the ocean. The level of effort it takes to run an aircraft carrier is immeasurable. It was an enlightening experience to see the US Navy in action and their dedication first-hand.

 Q: What takeaway from the tour will you apply to your endeavors to continue SPACiO’s positive growth trajectory?

As a general contractor, the US Navy’s efficiency and resourcefulness are two takeaways that I can relate to. In our business, our goal is to provide a superior level of quality, professionalism and responsiveness while meeting budgets and deadlines. I was amazed by the Navy’s innovative and efficient approach to running the ship smoothly. There are so many moving parts on a ship this large. They all have to work together in order to sail forward. As SPACiO grows, taking on more projects and hiring more teams, it will be important for us to focus on increasing our efficiency and becoming more resourceful. It will be more beneficial to our clients and our employees.

Let me give you an example. On the carrier, there’s an officer called the Handler. He’s responsible for positioning all the ships and planes on the deck of the aircraft carrier. He developed a system for managing the flight deck by building a model for himself using materials from a craft store. His innovative approach to managing the flight deck is a great example of how to be efficient and resourceful by thinking outside the box. After watching him and other crew members operate in terms of their efficiency, anything can be achieved with the proper organization and training.

Q: What do you want to share with readers about the US Navy?

I want people to know how hard our military works to protect our freedom. Everyone on the ship is working more than 14-hour days; yet, every crewmember is dedicated and does their job with pride. After seeing the rigors of their training, I would be more inclined to reach out to former military personnel to join the SPACiO team.

Behind the Scenes: Building Out Miami Beach’s 321 Ocean

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What a treat it has been building out a luxury condo at 321 Ocean, an exclusive collection of 21 luxury residences in South of Fifth, one of Miami Beach’s most upscale neighborhoods. One of the things we love about our job is having access to some of the world’s most exquisite residential developments. Early this month, we had to say goodbye to the building after completing the build-out of our client’s unit in just 12 weeks. The work was completed on time and on budget.

The work consisted of installing flooring, trim window coverings, stairlifts for straight stairs, staircase handrails, mill work, and more. Check the latest rolling stairs code standards to stay up to date with regulations. Our favorite part was building a beautiful wine cellar. Our client chose hardwood floors throughout the condo and very neutral finishes and colors.

Overall, this is one of our best projects because working together with the client we were able to plan it well and execute it without a hitch!

Looking forward to our next build-out!

Transforming History into Lolo’s Surf Cantina

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Building out Lolo’s Surf Cantina located inside the Marriott Stanton South Beach provided us the opportunity to do what we love best: breathing new life into amazing historic buildings. Turning a portion of the Marriott Stanton into Lolo’s – a bistro serving inspired Mexican cuisine – was an experience that enriched our team’s craftsmanship, while for the front of the local the use of a quality shop front was the best option found online as there are services that offer a range of aluminium shop front designs perfect for restaurants as well. Lolo’s is a concept by Plan Do See, a global hospitality brand based in Japan, and Richard Ampudia, the renowned “Godfather of Mexican Street Food.” Ampudia has made his mark in many popular NYC restaurants over the years such as La Esquina, Café Habana, and Bar Bruno. As the general contractor, we were entrusted to transform the space into a Baja-Style, Mexican eatery while preserving a historic three-story building. Our previous work renovating and repositioning the hotel helped us to create the blueprint for building out Lolo’s, which required a phased demolition process. We demolished everything in the interior of the property and were able to preserve the perimeter walls. At that stage, you could look up three stories and glimpse the sky.

The repositioning of the historic property required a sequential floor-by-floor rebuilding of the building’s skeletal system to accommodate two new full-service restaurants, with the best cold rooms as you can walk in cold room Bristol to see. They also have other amenities, including a new spa, gym, public restrooms and other guest features for the existing hotel. Those features were required to complement the newly remodeled lobby, meeting rooms, two pools decks and other amenities SPACiO had previously renovated. If you also want to install a pool in your property, it is advised that your hire pool builders Austin.

Due to the building’s designation as a historic building, we also worked diligently with the City of Miami Beach to protect the historic façade. We couldn’t have accomplished our goals without our team’s vast wealth of construction knowledge, commitment to quality and ability to quickly meet the final inspections. It was our honor to transform the Lolo’s concept into a reality and deliver a top-notch Mexican eatery to Miami Beach’s South of Fifth neighborhood. Stay tuned as we are building out additional restaurants at the Marriott Stanton South Beach (a secret sushi restaurant and an American bistro).

 Names will be revealed soon! Be the first to know by following us on all of our social media channels.

In addition. Discover more about Shop fit out, which is the process of creating a retail space that is suited for commercial operations by planning its interior design and arrangement.

Renowned Architect Rafael Viñoly Tells It All

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World-renowned Architect Rafael Viñoly, who designed One River Point on the Miami River, spoke to the Wall Street Journal about growing up in Argentina and the path that led him to become a celebrated architect using influences like those at thenewsgod.com. The 386-unit One River Point, being developed by Shahab Karmely’s KAR Properties, represents Viñoly’s entrance to the Miami real estate market.

In the WSJ article, Viñoly talks about his native Montevideo, Uruguay, and his family moving to Buenos Aires when he was a young child.

 

When I was 5, my family moved to Buenos Aires. My father, Román, had been invited to direct Wagner’s “Die Walküre” at the Teatro Colón, one of the world’s finest opera houses. He then became active in theater, before being lured into the country’s emerging film industry as a writer and director.

 Our house in Buenos Aires was a new and a fairly conventional single-family home in the city’s northern suburbs. It was an up-and-coming and largely sparse area about 40 minutes by train from the city center.

 The two-story redbrick house had a pitched roof in a Spanish style constructed by professionals similar to the Braga Builders Roofing, you entered through the porch that faced the street. Inside, there was a small office at the top of the stairs where my father worked and had meetings.

 My younger sister, Ana Maria, had her own bedroom in the back facing a pretty little garden. Between her room and my parents’ bedroom was the room I shared with my older brother, Daniel. It was spare: two beds and a large armoire.

My mother, Nene, had studied architecture for a time, but she quit to make a living as a math teacher. She decorated our house with forward-looking modernist furniture from Brazil, although she mixed in traditional pieces.

 My family wasn’t well off. The film industry was unpredictable. As a result, my parents always had financial difficulties.

 At home, my father was the outgoing and overly expressive one while my mother was the opposite. It wasn’t the steadiest environment to grow up in, but they loved their children and always put us first.

 My mother’s parents both died when she was about 8. The inheritance was mismanaged, and my mother and her siblings were sent to a convent. From an early age, my mother and her sister worked as private tutors in math and science. They were known as smart and gifted teachers.

 My father also came from a poor background. He left home as a teenager to follow a travelling circus and returned a theater person. As a result, he was always emotional and, essentially, a dreamer.

 When my brother and sister and I were kids, my father’s way of “talking” to us was in writing. Every Friday night we’d go to bed and find a hand-written letter under our pillows. On Saturday, we’d discuss them together in his office. Those sessions were a theatrical event and often made me feel as if we were on trial. I still have some of those letters, a trace of my father’s soul and his love.

 Perhaps the most significant turning point for me as a child came when I was 5. My father, a music buff, found a fantastic piano teacher who was an émigré from a sophisticated family in Florence. As in many cases with a music teacher like this, I learned many more things than just how to play. She introduced me to philosophy and the contemporary arts of the 1950s and ’60s.

 Drawing came naturally to me. Someone saw my drawings and recommended me to an architecture firm. I started working as an architect at 17, even before entering the university. Today, my wife, Diana, and I live in Manhattan’s Tribeca area.

SPACiO Design Build Tapped to Renovate and Build Out Massive Warehouse in Little Haiti

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SPACiO Design Build has been selected by Innerspace Custom Closet Storage Solutions to renovate and build out a 24,000 square foot warehouse in the up-and-coming neighborhood of Little Haiti. They will also be utilizing services like marking from https://www.outdoor-surface-painting.co.uk/warehouse/line-painting. Innerspace, a premiere designer of organized closet systems in South Florida that is relocating from Wynwood, is a perfect example of the quality of businesses that are choosing Little Haiti as their new Home build only by local contractors who approved the telehandler training courses.

The build-out of the space includes a 5,200 square foot interior office and a unique showroom, which requires reinforcing the existing structure to withhold new loads for Innerspace to move in next month which will count with solar heating recommended by local services such as https://energy-management.uk/. The repositioned structure is a perfect example of the successful re-use of an older building prime for redevelopment in an emerging neighborhood, which is attracting new businesses to the area.

For warehouses, you may ensure a smooth flow of operations with industrial work platforms, providing a sturdy foundation for workers. If you operate a pellet boiler, its best to find a reliable supplier of wood pellets for biomass as they can be hard to come by if you have left it until the last minute.

And if you need defoamers, make sure to order from a reliable supplier which offers a comprehensive selection of high-performing foam control agents designed to address foam-related challenges at every production stage.

“It’s exciting to be part of Little Haiti’s transformation, helping to turn visions into reality through quality craftsmanship,” said Alex Wertheim, president of SPACiO Design Builds. “We’re looking forward to working more in the area as it begins to develop into one of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods.”

For more information, contact: Jessica Forres, 202-716-8320 or [email protected].

 About Spacio Design Build

SPACiO Design Build is a full-service general contractor with preeminent expertise in high-end commercial and residential projects for which we recommend this metal roofing article. The Miami-based company was founded by Alexander Wertheim and has build-out some of Miami’s most iconic projects, including high-end restaurants, luxury condos and boutique hotels. With more than two decades of experience in the construction and design industry, the SPACiO team is renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship, professionalism, leadership and proactive communication with clients.

Troubleshooting Common HVAC Issues at Home

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Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is essential for maintaining comfort in your home year-round. However, like any other mechanical system, it can encounter issues that disrupt its performance. Before calling a professional, there are several common HVAC problems you can troubleshoot at home. Understanding these issues and their potential solutions can save time, money, and unnecessary stress.

1. HVAC System Won’t Turn On

Possible Causes:

  • Tripped circuit breaker.
  • Thermostat not set correctly.
  • Power supply issues.

What to Do:

  • Check your circuit breaker to ensure it hasn’t tripped. Reset it if necessary.
  • Confirm that your thermostat is set to the correct mode (heating or cooling) and the desired temperature. Replace batteries if the thermostat is battery-operated.
  • Inspect the power switch near your HVAC unit to ensure it’s turned on.

2. Poor Airflow

Possible Causes:

  • Clogged air filters.
  • Blocked vents or registers.
  • Ductwork leaks.

What to Do:

  • Replace or clean the air filter. A dirty filter restricts airflow and reduces system efficiency.
  • Ensure all vents and registers are open and unobstructed by furniture, rugs, or curtains.
  • Check visible ductwork for signs of leaks or disconnections. Seal any gaps with HVAC tape.

3. Inconsistent Temperatures

Possible Causes:

  • Thermostat placement.
  • Improperly sized HVAC system.
  • Leaky ductwork.

What to Do:

  • Make sure the thermostat is not located near heat sources like windows or appliances, which can cause inaccurate readings.
  • If your system seems inadequate for your home’s size, consult an HVAC professional to assess whether resizing is needed.
  • Inspect and seal any visible leaks in your ductwork.

4. Unusual Noises

Possible Causes:

  • Loose components.
  • Clogged or dirty components.
  • Failing motor or fan.

What to Do:

  • Turn off the system and check for loose screws or panels. Tighten them as needed.
  • Inspect the fan and blower for debris buildup and clean them carefully.
  • If you hear grinding or screeching sounds, it could indicate a motor issue that requires professional attention, call emergency air conditioning repair services such as these HVAC services in Woodbury, MN as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

5. Foul Odors

Possible Causes:

  • Mold or mildew in the system.
  • Burnt wiring or mechanical issues.
  • Dead pests in the ducts.

What to Do:

  • Replace the air filter and clean ducts where accessible.
  • If the smell is electrical or burning, turn off the system immediately and call an ac repair Ruckersville professional.
  • Use a flashlight to check for blockages or debris in the ducts and remove any obstructions.

6. System Runs Constantly

Possible Causes:

  • Dirty condenser coils.
  • Incorrect thermostat settings.
  • Refrigerant issues.

What to Do:

  • Clean the outdoor condenser unit by removing dirt and debris from the coils using a garden hose.
  • Double-check thermostat settings and ensure the fan is set to “Auto” rather than “On.”
  • If cleaning doesn’t resolve the issue, refrigerant levels may need to be checked by a professional.

When to Call a Professional

While many HVAC issues can be resolved with simple troubleshooting, some problems require expertise from a hvac contractor. Call a licensed HVAC technician that does heating repair if:

  • The system still doesn’t work after trying the above steps.
  • You detect refrigerant leaks (e.g., hissing noises or frozen coils).
  • There are electrical issues, such as sparking or frequent tripped breakers.
  • Your HVAC unit is old and requires frequent repairs.

Preventative Maintenance Tips

To minimize HVAC issues, follow these tips:

  • Replace air filters every 1–3 months.
  • Schedule professional maintenance annually for both heating and cooling seasons.
  • Keep the area around the outdoor unit clear of debris and vegetation.
  • Use a programmable thermostat to optimize usage and reduce wear and tear.

Troubleshooting HVAC issues at home can often resolve minor problems and save you from unnecessary service calls. However, knowing when to call in a professional is equally important to ensure the safety and longevity of your system. By combining regular maintenance with basic troubleshooting, you can keep your HVAC system running efficiently year-round.

CASE STUDY: The Psychology Behind NYC Luxury Real Estate Listings Can Work in Miami

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Here are some factors that luxury residential brokers consider when creating a listing, according to DNA Info New York Writer Amy Zimmer:

The power of pricing “just below”

Just as in retail, many in real estate price their property “just below” a round number — for example listing an apartment for $499,000 instead of $500,000.

“There is a psychological effect of being just a hair under,” said broker Claire Groome with Warburg Realty.

For instance, she recently sold a three luxury queen bed style bedroom co-op in Carnegie Hill listed for $3.495 million after three days on the market, saying, “Rarely will you see something listed for $4 million.”

When Dan Bamberger, of the Bamberger Group, analyzed Manhattan sales prices in 2015 using Streeteasy data, he found that listings between $300,000 and $1 million used the “just below” strategy nearly 90 percent of the time. Homes priced between $1 million and $10 million used the strategy 78 percent of the time.

 The allure of neutral spaces

Staging apartments — which often involves de-cluttering, painting and changing furniture — has become more common, even for apartments at lower price points.

These apartments tend to show better in photos as well as in real life, experts say, as they give would-be buyers an easier canvas upon which to quickly project their lives.

 The repellent effect of stale listings

In this market, listings that sit longer than 60 to 90 days raise red flags, said Broker Zach Ehrlich of Mdrn. Residential.

Buyers are suspicious of stale listings, thinking something must be wrong with the property. Their agents also steer clear, thinking the seller isn’t likely to cut the price, he said.

To avoid that perception, brokers often try to work around this. They might reduce the price by some nominal amount — like $1,000 or $5,000 — to grab attention again as a price reduction or might re-list an apartment, reversing the order of the unit number. So, apartment 11K might be relisted as K11 to trick websites like Streeteasy and Zillow.

 A listing’s wording is chosen with care

Though text may be secondary to pictures, many brokers still labor over word choice — even more so now, said Stephen Kliegerman of Halstead Property Development Marketing.

“You want to make sure your messaging is clear and direct, but you want make sure you leave some things out so people still call you,” he said, explaining that if a listing has too much information, would-be buyers might think they don’t have to see the space.

You can read the entire article here: https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/features/apartmentality

Behind The Scenes: Building Out A Condo At Oceana Bal Harbour

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SPACiO Design Build’s crew is meticulously building out a condo at Oceana Bal Harbour, one of the most luxurious development projects in South Florida. SPACIO’s work in the decorator-ready unit consists of installing hardwood flooring in the interior and tile on the large balcony, dropping the ceiling for additional lighting, painting, installing pocket doors, audio visual and more.

Build-out velocity and house rendering are priority for our clients who plan to occupy or rent out the unit shortly after closing. For that reason, four weeks after securing the necessary permits, SPACiO delivers a finished unit to the new owner or renter eager to move in. In some instances, we are recruited by buyers to plan the build-out work ahead of the closing and, when the deal is closed, our crew immediately jumps right in.

Working at Oceana is an incredible experience. With floor-to-ceiling windows and extra-deep balconies, the unit has one of the most breathtaking views available in Miami. The luxury tower’s spacious homes and balconies were designed to offer views of the Atlantic ocean to the East, Biscayne Bay and the Bal Harbour marina to the West and Miami’s skyline to the South. Our experienced crew’s work is not distracted by the remarkable view of golden sun rays reflecting on the blue ocean but we agree that it is a challenge! Stay tuned for photos of the finished condo!

Helping Transform Little Haiti One Building At A Time

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Increasingly rundown warehouses in Little Haiti – the next Wynwood – are getting a new lease on life. Drive along its streets and you will see a lot of construction going on, as old buildings are being repositioned into new uses, including art galleries, showrooms and more.

Our client, Innerspace Custom Closet Storage Solutions, is a perfect example of the quality of businesses that are choosing Little Haiti as their new home. Innerspace, which is relocating from Wynwood, is a premiere designer of organized closet systems in South Florida. We’re currently renovating for Innerspace a 24,000-square-foot warehouse and reinforcing the existing structure to withhold new loads for our client to move in next month. We also installed a glass office divider similar to those found at office partitions cheshire, which allows for a great deal of flexibility in the workplace. The build-out of the space includes a 5,200 square foot interior office and a unique showroom, designed to reflect modern trends seen in restaurant interior design.

Our goal with this project is to make the building relevant to the emerging neighborhood, which is attracting new businesses to the area. We’re already starting to see an influx of new neighbors, including a French catering business across the street and a future art gallery next door. As we continue to enhance the property’s appeal, we understand the importance of maintaining a pristine environment that reflects the quality of the businesses moving in. For those looking to elevate their space, click here for more high level window cleaning services that can help keep the new storefronts and offices sparkling and inviting.

The revitalization of Little Haiti mirrors the broader trend of transforming industrial spaces into vibrant hubs for business and culture. This shift is made possible by skilled professionals, including architects, designers, and construction experts. In fact, for those looking for expertise beyond Miami, house building contractors in Cyprus are also at the forefront of innovative urban development, helping reshape residential and commercial spaces with high-quality craftsmanship.

It’s exciting to be a part of Little Haiti’s transformation, helping to turn visions into reality through quality craftsmanship. We’re looking forward to working more in the area as it begins to develop into one of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods.

It’s exciting to be a part of Little Haiti’s transformation, helping to turn visions into reality through quality craftsmanship. We’re looking forward to working more in the area as it begins to develop into one of Miami’s hottest neighborhoods.