Manhattan-based architect Andre Kikoski has expanded his eponymous firm’s footprint to what many consider New York’s sixth borough: Miami Beach. After collaborating with creatives and brands from Lenny Kravitz to Kohler, Andre’s work took a more personal turn when one of his oldest friends asked him to design his family’s dream home at 57 Ocean. The result seamlessly marries staggering ocean views and outdoor living with spacious interiors warmed through abundant wood and organic lines that extend to custom curved furnishings. It’s just the type of setting to foster old and new friendships. Cheers to that.
Is this your first project in Miami, or even Florida?
This is our third project in Florida. Previously, we designed a clubhouse made from shipping containers for a private polo club, and the interiors of a tower with a five-star hotel and serviced condominium apartments on Florida’s west coast. Together, the three projects have been a wonderful introduction to the layered environments and lifestyles there.
The residence’s spectacular beachfront location and views must have been a great start for inspiration. What were your initial thoughts when you entered the home for the first time?
Arriving from a cold, grey and damp New York City, and stepping into the apartment for the first time, we felt the tremendous visual and emotional impact of the ever-changing illumination and the views of boundless horizons. We knew at that moment that our single goal was to embrace this feeling of serenity and design with delicacy and lightness, focusing on the purity of every move within.
You also drew inspiration from the 1950s. Can you talk about how you incorporated that time into your design?
Our look to the 50s is inspired by the building’s address [5775 Collins Avenue] and Miami’s MiMo architecture. After we began designing, we were thrilled to discover that our clients have a deep interest in the art, architecture, and decorative arts from this period as well.
Many of the furnishings, including custom pieces, also nod to the era.
Yes, we focused on midcentury-modern furniture from the “organic movement” that echoes the ocean. A smooth, sensuous sofa by Vladimir Kagan curves like the waves of the ocean, and a 1950s “Dolphin” armchair in light blue velvet playfully recalls the natural shapes of this mammal. The art collection features masterpieces by iconic artists from the 1950s to today, including Helen Frankenthaler, Vivian Springford, Donald Sultan, and Charlotte Bergstrom, as well as commissioned works by emerging, contemporary artists discovered at Art Basel.
Do you tend to design multiple facets of your projects? Did you design anything else for the 57 Ocean residence?
Yes, design is a holistic tool to shape the environment, space, and emotional character of a home for our clients, and so we love to design as much as possible to create harmony for them. We have designed everything…custom furniture, plumbing fixtures, decorative objects and even wallcoverings and carpets. At 57 Ocean, however, we focused primarily on custom bedroom furniture items to capture the personalities of each family member in their most individual spaces.
What was your overall vision?
Our goal was to create a home of beauty, simplicity, and refinement – one with a profound and intimate connection to the natural beauty of this site – to give the owners a sense of joy.
You’ve collaborated with Lenny Kravitz on a building. What was that like?
Lenny has a sensibility that’s about eclecticism and being true to oneself, and we definitely felt his vibe as we thought through our work.
You’ve also won a James Beard award for your work. Did you try any of Miami’s great restaurants and any recommendations?
I absolutely did. I don’t think that it is news to anyone that Miami’s food scene is vibrant and varied; it’s quite possibly one of the most exciting places to eat. We tried everything from the inventive Mexican of Chateau ZZ to the global excellence of tastemakers like Sexy Fish and Joel Robuchon to the stunning interpretations of Mediterranean food at Branja and Abbalé.
*Photo Courtesy of Scott Frances
