11 In establishing MIK Architecture, Matias aimed to serve not only his family’s business, but also a selection of starting real estate developers and investors. He chose the name MIK Architecture to reflect the firm’s values: Marketable Modern, Integrity-Driven, and KnowledgePowered. With these values, the firm follows three main codes: designing marketable, modern homes that not only resonate with high end-buyers but also maintain value; fostering integrity-driven relationships build upon transparency, reliable communication, and accountability; and promoting knowledge-powered decision-making, enabling the firm to deliver consistent, profitable results to its clients. Today, MIK Architecture stands as a contemporary-style, residential architecture firm for South Florida projects. The firm emphasises luxury single-family homes – thoughtfully designing mid-scale buildings tailored specifically to developers and investors but always keeping the buyers’ needs and wants in mind. This results in marketable, desirable spaces that enhance lifestyle and freedom. The firm primarily serves real estate developers and investors wanting to develop residential projects smartly, seeking to build a legacy of impactful homes and consistently strong returns. Alongside this, the team also serves a very specific, handpicked selection of discerning homeowners looking to build tropical, modern-style homes in the area. As a niche firm, MIK Architecture’s services comprise a comprehensive scope of work, including feasibility studies, architectural design, streamlined permitting processes, interior design, and investment-oriented project management, among other services. “Our biggest strength as an architecture firm is our clients,” Matias told us. “We also invest in residential projects as developers, allowing us to understand what our clients are looking for and the pains they suffer, because we also suffer them. This approach allows us to have a differentiated view that not many architects can imagine achieving.” In addition to its client relationships, Matias also cited the firm’s industry relationships as a significant driver of its success. MIK Architecture has developed a horizontal integration model, where its partnerships with AG General Contractor and GG Estate enable seamless coordination of architecture, construction, and real estate development under AGD Developers. The founding of AGD Developers has helped to streamline communication, in turn reducing project timelines, minimising construction issues, and fostering collaborative problem-solving – eliminating many common industry inefficiencies. “As a general rule, we are constantly updating and improving our processes. We love to hear the stories of our partners, clients, and most importantly, the families that buy the homes we’ve designed.” Not only that, but the firm has also cultivated a proven approach to projects that further mitigate common barriers. MIK Architecture approaches each project with recognition of its unique nature, beginning with a comprehensive Feasibility Study before the property is even acquired. This is a critical first step that ensures the client’s vision aligns with their budget and timeline, while also addressing the specific government codes, restrictions, and permitting stages characteristic of South Florida. By prioritising upfront diligence, MIK Architecture confirms the project’s potential before significant investment is made. During the next phase, known as the Schematic Design, MIK Architecture collaborates closely with the client to define their clear goals and project briefs, considering the particular market obstacles and opportunities present in areas such as Miami. In this phase, regular reviews are required to ensure that the design evolves in direct alignment with the client’s expectations. Then, the Design Development phase begins, and the firm goes into full production mode with its engineers and consultants. Here, the goal is to submit for permit as soon as possible. As per the permitting phase, the Construction Documents are created, providing detailed drawings and specs using BIM coordination for bidding and execution. Finally, the Construction phase involves overseeing the build with the GC, coordinating and clarifying building plans, and ending with a punch list. Throughout the entire project journey, MIK Architecture’s passion shines through in its work; at its core, the firm thrives on transforming unique site challenges into exceptional luxury homes. Two of its most recent projects, 3551 Crystal and 6675 at Pinecrest, exemplify the team’s award-winning approach to site-specific, high-end residential design, with each property presenting its own distinct site opportunities. “For the 3551 Crystal project, we addressed a flood zone elevation requirement and a relatively compact lot,” Matias recalled. “Rather than viewing the required elevation of over five feet as a limitation, we saw potential and decided to elevate the home even further.” This strategic decision created a highly functional and luxurious ground level, including key features: a stylish carport, sheltered outdoor living spaces, a summer kitchen, and a pool area. this strategic elevation also allowed the tram to achieve a distinctive “floating” aesthetic for the primary living floors, turning a regulatory necessity into a sophisticated design statement and resulting in unique features, such as a spectacular rooftop terrace. Conversely, the 6675 Pinecrest project presented MIK Architecture with a contrasting scenario. The site featured a larger lot in Pinecrest with a mature forest at the front. This necessitated a significant setback while preserving the ample backyard space, as desired by the client. Here, the challenge was integration: immersing the home with this natural setting. “The design opens towards the backyard, focusing on common areas as a bridge that connects the front landscape to the outdoor activities,” explained Matias. “The design solution achieved not only the preservation of mature trees, but also the creation of distinct private zones, such as separating the primary suite from other spaces – ensuring both family connection and individual sanctuary, all while maintaining a constant dialogue with the surrounding nature. We are particularly proud of how both projects demonstrate that innovative architectural solutions can directly translate into sophisticated lifestyles.” While both projects were completed successfully, that is not to say that MIK Architecture has not met its own obstacles over the years. Matias told us that in South Florida, the main challenges currently facing the firm are navigating the building permit process due to its poor timing and uncertainty, along with continued increases in construction costs. MIK Architecture has transformed the first obstacle into an opportunity by permitting its projects itself, allowing the firm to build a rapport with building officials that has provided the team with a deeper understanding of local codes and a broader skillset in maintaining open dialogue with reviewers. As for the rise in construction costs, this is where MIK Architecture’s strategic partnerships with general contractors comes in advantage. Such relationships allow the firm to internally implement a review system, optimising construction budgets along the different stages of the design and strategically allocating resources into what matters most to the buyer. Driven by innovation and progression, MIK Architecture is a firm continually looking to the future. We asked Matias about the firm’s upcoming plans, and he shared: “Last year was amazing in terms of new projects. This year started as a slow year but at the same time, we had interest from many new investors to start. If all goes well, we will have three-to-five new highend residential projects, in addition to another three from repeat investors that end their cycle this year. That is 60-to-80% of our yearly goal, and we still haven’t reached the second half of the year.” From its dedicated approach to its carefully cultivated client relationships, MIK Architecture has certainly laid down the foundation for a prosperous year ahead. Since its inception, the firm has remained dedicated to deepening its understanding of the client experience and leveraging that understanding to deliver a comprehensive service that is client-focused and meticulously designed. It is for this reason that MIK Architecture has been deservedly awarded the title of South Florida’s Best Luxury Home Design Specialists 2025. Contact: Matias Daroch Company: MIK Architecture Web Address: www.mikarchitecture.com “MIK stands for our core values: Marketable Modern, Integrity-Driven, and Knowledge-Powered.” AIM-Apr25152
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