Upstairs Studio Architecture, ‘a place of creativity’, is an architecture firm based in Miami, Florida, USA. The trendy company has, in 2022, received Luxury Lifestyle Awards in 2 separate categories: for Best Luxury Architecture (Single Residential Project) for Pinecrest Place in Florida, USA and Best Luxury Architect Studio in Florida, USA.

Upstairs Studio  was founded by Maricarmen Martinez, AIA, in 1994 above an avant-garde theatre in Coral Gables, Florida.  From the beginning, their focus has been to create custom architecture for select projects where each design is unique and memorable. They are passionate about the home space and dedicate their practice to single-family residences designed for individual homeowners. They aspire for their designs to be simple, functional, and beautiful. The studio has a fundamental belief in the importance of creating meaningful space that has a relationship to the built and natural environment. They believe in sustainable design that begins with a structure that is permanent and stands the test of time.

Upstairs Studio is a boutique architectural studio. They are a small firm by design. Their philosophy is to create and nurture a studio environment reminiscent of the kind they cherish from their architectural education experience. They believe in the collaborative approach to design, encouraging the flow of ideas and interactive processes between architects, clients, and consultants. They recognize that great ideas come from everywhere and everyone. In addition to Maricarmen Martinez, the studio is comprised of professional women, both young and experienced, that come from the United States, the Caribbean, Spain, and South America. Their diverse backgrounds and experience levels feed the creativity of the firm’s designs.

Pinecrest Place is a residential development that was started in 2014 and completed in 2016. THM Structural Consulting and RPJ Consulting Engineer partnered Upstairs Studio for this project, and Claudia Uribe Photography was also a major contributor.

Upstairs Studio Architecture described their prominent development as: “a house where every space is used and where everyone, family and friends, feel welcome and a part of the life within.”

The clients for Pinecrest Place were very precise and articulate about the home they had been dreaming to create. Both very social individuals with a tight knit family and group of friends, they dreamed of a home where they would spend long hours cooking, dining, talking, and lounging. They wanted every space to serve the individual as well as the group. They wanted a home that connected everyone even while in separate areas.

Sketching the home that reflected the program was an effortless process for Upstairs Studio. The way they described their home life and their various activities transferred fluidly into spaces that were relaxed, open, connected and celebrated.

The materials for the home also reflected the personality of the family. Their home is raw and unpretentious, simple, and beautiful, quiet and sincere.

“We are humbled and extremely grateful to have received this Luxury Lifestyle Awards! We believe in creating meaningful spaces and making them practical as well as beautiful. We look forward to creating many more clients’ dreams!” says Project Manager, Monica Socorro.

For more about the Pinecrest Place project, visit https://www.upstairsstudioarchitecture.com/pinecrestplace. Learn more about Upstairs Studio Architecture at https://www.upstairsstudioarchitecture.com