Photo Credit: Shutterstock

In the wake of the global pandemic, one city has been quietly growing. Known for its beaches, sun, and lack of state income tax, Miami is becoming the spot for not only quarantine-weary people but also major businesses and corporations. These finance and tech monoliths are running to South Florida's shores, ready to build their newest corporate offices.  

MV Group USA is an award-winning Design-Build & Construction firm in Miami, FL. Founded in 2007 by President and CEO Manny Varas, MV Group USA has ranked among the top five best builders and top three general contractors for projects over six million dollars in Florida by GC Builders magazine. The firm is also consistently the top choice for fortune 500 CEOs, real estate developers, film celebrities, major athletes, and foreign country leaders, making them the easy decision for these top financial and technology firms relocating to the Sunshine State.

Recently, MV Group USA has built the beautiful Suite 700 in downtown Brickell and worked with internet car platform Carsaver.com, financial planning firm Ladenburg Thalman, and major holding company Vector Group.

MV Group USA, along with Borges Architects and Designer Camilla Chang, built a beautiful seventh-floor office space in the BB&T financial center in the heart of Brickell. MV Group USA transformed the interior space into a stunning corporate office. Visibility throughout the office was keen in the client's overall vision with certain private and more open spaces throughout the floor allowing them to incorporate glass circumferences for certain meeting rooms for visual connections. Its modern boldness transcends time throughout the space.

Suite 700 Office

Global investment bank Ladenburg Thalman also trusted MV Group's expertise when building their corporate headquarters. 

Ladenburg Thalman Office

Photo Credit: MV Group USA

Publicly traded company Vector Group were also quick to choose MV for their corporate headquarter needs. Focusing on dark woods and beautiful glass doors, this office is just another testament to the quality of work MV Group USA does.

Vector Group Corporate Headquarters

Photo Credit: MV Group USA

Carsaver.com is a renowned free online auto-buying platform owned by Sean Wolfington, Chairman and CEO of The Wolfington Companies. When Carsaver decided to build their corporate headquarters as well, MV Group USA was their only choice.

Carsaver Corporate Office

Photo Credit: Zoltan Prepszent / Zoltan Photography

The project took about a year to complete as MV's team took on the design-build and oversaw the construction management. The penthouse unit was a multi-million dollar project that has smart features, lighting, and music that can be controlled for any event or client meeting at any time of the day. It also includes an event space, kitchen, and panoramic views of Biscayne Bay. Now, Carsaver is expanding even more and MV Group USA is building an additional 12,000 square feet that will include a movie theater.

Carsaver Office

“Built around you,” MV Group is not your average builder. They tailor every project to each client’s unique outlook and vision, which is exactly why they were ranked #2 among the best residential contractors by Buildzoom in 2017. For every project, they gather an all-star team of designers and architects to not only fulfill and supersede the client's overall vision but to do so most importantly with their budget in mind.

For more information on MV Group USA and its projects, please visit their website here.

The post As Companies Flock To South Florida, MV Group USA Builds Corporate Headquarters For The Nations Top Firms appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Most people know actress Blake Lively for starring in some of the most beloved films and TV shows, such as Gossip Girl and The Age of Adaline. But what most don’t know is that she is an interior design genius and lover. In 2014, the actress launched her own website, Preserve, as a space intended to connect users with artisans, having her first experience with decor. The following year she decided to shut down the website, but her design side hustle stayed with her.  

She enjoys the job so much that she offers to design her friend’s homes at no cost, and this is not just for fun. Lively puts real work and effort into these designs, using fabric swatches, pattern work, and mood boards. 

In an Instagram post, she explained where she gets her inspiration from. She mentioned in the caption that it comes from simple everyday items and encounters, such as her own bathroom loose tile, her daughter’s clothes, and she even thanked her mom “for the sleeping disorder” that results in many productive all-nighters. 

Blake Lively also revealed in an interview that decorating weddings is another dream of hers and that a wedding planner is on the top of her list of ideal jobs, coming right after acting and interior designing. 

Even though she does all this designing for free, it has always been a passion of hers, and she even dreams of starting her own interior decorating firm. 

The post Blake Lively’s Side Hustle As An Interior Designer appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

Editor’s Note: Introducing one of our newest Haute Design members: Michael Miller of Centaur Interiors! Michael founded Centaur Interiors in 2010 as a firm specializing in turnkey solutions for high-end residential renovations. Based in Chicago, IL, Michael created a collaborative environment and network of industry experts including craftsmen, licensed tradesmen, architects, designers, and project managers, working in harmony to produce superior results. Centaur Interiors is redefining the art of building with their services including development, consulting, design-build, construction management, general contracting, interior architecture/design, furnishings, and art procurement.

Photo Credit: Tony Soluri

What is your background and what made you want to pursue interior design? 

I have a background in mechanical design and engineering. I did take some architecture classes as well, but never a degree. From an early age I was always sketching out my dream home, and even remodeling my parent’s house and bedroom when I was 12, so I knew I had a passion for design/aesthetics. Everywhere I go I consume design, architecture, and engineering in stores, restaurants, hotels, etc. It’s almost a part of my DNA to evaluate the design, what I like, or how I feel I can make this better. I use this for inspiration on our projects. It’s a lifestyle and rooted deep inside.

Why did you start Centaur Interiors? 

I started CI as I found a large void in our industry for a single source conception to completion company. There was a standard architect-designer-GC model and it did not serve the client well. Nobody was ever on the same page and the client needed much more education to make informed decisions. At our firm, we are doing pricing within the design phase so the client is informed on the costs to make educated decisions. Within the last 5 years with my growing passion for art, we added an in-house gallery and also developed my digital art system Apollo which is launching in May. We are a true turnkey concept to completion firm specializing in high-end residential consulting + design + build + furnishings + artwork.

Photo Credit: Tony Soluri

What makes Centaur different than other Interior Design firms? 

Our process and relentless attention to detail. From the inception, we take our clients on a journey to understand their lifestyle and how they will interact with their homes. Through this, we understand their passions and style and can incorporate this within their designs. This process flows seamlessly into construction management and execution. Our team understands the focal points and the client’s priorities. We utilize technology to visually represent each aspect of the project for the client to make informed decisions. Within our design studios in Chicago & Dallas clients can see and experience several different finishes and details to learn what works well for them.

What is your mission as an interior designer? 

To be the best at what we do. Our team is extremely vital in providing a high level of passion to each and every project. We are constantly learning new finishes & techniques and also levering new technologies to keep our firm cutting edge. The goal is to listen to the client to understand their needs and developing a program within our process that works well for them.

Photo Credit: Tony Soluri

Why did you choose to base out of Chicago? 

I was born and raised in Chicago and have a large passion for the city. We reside in the Museum Park Campus and our office & showroom are located within the Gallery District in River North. Chicago has a long-standing history with high-end architecture and many of the most prestigious designers & architects have made a mark on this city. We look forward to building on this and leaving a legacy. Our commitment to our clients has taken us to multiple cities in the US including Dallas & South Florida where we have current projects underway.

What kind of projects are on the horizon for the firm? 

We perform a great deal of high-rise work and specialize in combining residences starting with an amazing space plan. Our boutique firm is growing and we look forward to taking on a more significant role in full concept to completion work. I feel clients are finding a great deal of value in this as we are able to assess and advise the clients throughout this process & journey. We are currently working on about 10 projects which are in the Gold Coast, River North, and Streeterville in Chicago, and a couple of projects in Miami, and one in Dallas. Anything that we can make an authentic stamp on for our clients. I could not be more excited about the launch of our digital art system Apollo. This is coupling high design with amazing proprietary technology & world-renowned artists. Stay tuned for this as we gear up for our launch.

Find out more about Michael Miller and Centaur Interiors by visiting his profile here.

The post Haute Designer Michael Miller On What Makes Centaur Interiors A One-Of-A-Kind Design Firm appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.