Luxury Lifestyle Awards takes pleasure in announcing Upstairs Studio Architecture as winner in the category Best Luxury Architect Studio in Florida, USA. Under the leadership of principal Maricarmen Martinez, Upstairs Studio Architecture has carved itself an excellent reputation based on the firm’s innovative and forward-thinking approach to architecture, making it a deserving recipient of this year’s title.  

Martinez founded Upstairs Studio Architecture in 1994 with the aim of building a studio that would redefine how architecture was viewed. Today, Martinez has not only surpassed her goal, but she has also elevated the position of women in the industry.  

Upstairs Studio Architecture is making its way towards the 30-year milestone, and the team is more committed than ever to realizing their passion and desire to make great architecture. A key focus for them is to continue creating meaningful spaces that honor the built and natural environment, which they seek to incorporate in all their designs.   

As an expression of their appreciation of nature, Upstairs Studio Architecture takes care to use the latest technology to ensure that their constructions are as energy efficient and water conserving as possible. They also prioritize the use of sustainably grown and procured materials, and they seek to reduce waste in their process.  

On receiving the title of Best Luxury Architect Studio in Florida from Luxury Lifestyle Awards, Martinez said: “We are honored to receive this award and to be recognized for our work.  Architecture can do a lot more than provide shelter, and we are grateful to be able to do what we do.” 

Upstairs Studio Architecture has worked on projects spanning continents, including North America, Europe and the Caribbean, where Martinez was born and raised. For these, the studio has won several awards. Most recently, Home Builder Digest ranked the studio among its ‘15 Best Residential Architects in Coral Gables, Florida’. Other noteworthy achievement include wining Urban Design & Architecture Design Awards Residential Low Rise Concept in 2020 (for project: Hammock House), and being selected by Dwell magazine as Best of Design 2018 finalist (for project: South Miami Bungalow).