Conversation with Kobi Karp
It was a pleasure to have Kobi Karp with us and enjoy a conversation about architecture, design, the changes in this field in Miami and other places.
We would like to share with you some of the phrases posted by Kobi that are inspiring:
“Design is where science and art break even”. “Architecture is visual art.”
“We shape our buildings, therefore they shape us” . “Design is a wild mind and a disciplined eye”
“The secret to success is simple. Work hard, be a good listener and always stay aware of the needs of the people and community around me”
“Design must seduce” . “Details make the Design.”
“Opportunity is when people who is focused on design, design is collaboration, then you have an opportunity to create a better project”
Through these videos we hope you enjoy our conversation with Kobi.
“BS. Kobi, you’ve had the opportunity of collaborating with many well-known architects in your projects, such as Pritzker Prize-winning Jean Nouvel for the Monad Terrace. You have said design is collaboration.
Q. I’m going to start off just by asking what architects have inspired or influenced you the most?”
“BS. Your Instagram recently showed the quote “Inspired by excellence”. This is an idea that we share at Bello Spazio; an idea that defines our goals and work ethics.
Q. What does excellence in architecture and design mean to you and how do you deal with budget constraints that might affect that idea?”
“BS. Miami’s visual culture and diverse demographic promote diversity in design, proposing a challenge and an opportunity for the architect to make a statement.
Q. What is most important to you when you start the design of a project? What are your key points of inspiration?”
“BS. Now for a new interior design project; you’ve seen how interior designers interpret and complement your projects, and you have done interior design in spaces designed by other architects.
Q. In your view, should interior design follow the architectural concept or there is flexibility to play with different styles of design?”
“BS. One Hotel is one of the only environmentally friendly luxury developments in Miami and Nomad’s lobby is lifted almost 12ft above sea level to protect it from storm surges.
Q. Is environmentally friendly and climate resilient the new luxury requirements?”
“BS. Tell us about the projects you have carried out in the last 10 years.
Q. Which have been the most important, the most difficult, and one that gave you the greatest satisfaction?”
“BS. You have designed projects all over the world following international clients.
Q. How is the process different when the project is to be carried out in another city, country or in an unfamiliar environment or geography?”
“BS. This year marks your 30th anniversary of living and working in Miami.
Q. What are the most important changes that you have seen in architecture and design in recent years in Miami and what are the changes that you foresee in the following years?”
“BS. You have endured and thrived through the market’s ups and downs, from renovations and historical
preservation projects to resorts and residences. That kind of endurance and playing the long game is no easy feat in a transient city like ours.
Q. What advice would you give to young architects, or maybe not as young but new to the city, maybe immigrant architects as I once was?”