Louis Birdman, Shahab S. Karmely, Edgardo Defortuna, Daniel Kodsi, Gil Dezer, Eric Fordin, Ricardo Tabet, Marcelo Kingston

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

The panelists spoke extensively about the past, present and future of development growth in Miami, South Florida, on national, and international levels. Their developments in Miami have generated worldwide headlines and were rightfully highlighted in their answers. As well-known names in the real estate and development community, they were the perfect start to the full day's worth of panels at the Summit.

Gil Dezer, Kamal Hotchandani, Sebastian Tettamanti

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Residences by Armani/Casa developer Gil Dezer, President of Dezer Development remarked on the boom that the real estate industry in Miami is experiencing. "(To) people trying to time the market and be financial analysts, stop," he said. "If you think it's expensive now, just wait, because it's not going to get any cheaper," answering about why people should buy properties now.

Shahab S. Karmely speaking at "Titans of Miami" panel

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Shahab S. Karmely, Founder of KAR Properties LLC and a staple in the development world of Miami having developed marvels like One River Point, once again participated in the exclusive panel at Haute Residence's annual real estate summit.

Daniel Kodsi speaking at "Titans of Miami" panel

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Daniel Kodsi, CEO of Royal Palm Companies, spoke about PARAMOUNT Miami Worldcenter, a project that is taking downtown Miami and South Florida by storm as the most amenitized building in the U.S., situated 90 feet above the ground. "When we started talking about it, we said 'let's do one great building. It has got to survive probably through a couple of markets from the day you launch it to the day you finish it,'" he said, helping to grasp the longevity of time and "developments" that can happen throughout the building of a project the size of PARAMOUNT.

Louis Birdman speaking at "Titans of Miami" panel

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Louis Birdman echoed that and added, "Miami is a relative bargain compared to other global cities". The South Florida cosmopolitan city has attracted hundreds, if not thousands, of residents from high-profile areas like New York. As co-developer of the recently-completed One Thousand Museum by Zaha Hadid Architects, designed by the architecture genius, he said, "We wanted someone that had no preconception about Miami" as he remembered how Hadid ended up as the one for the job.

Ricardo Tabet speaking at "Titans of Miami" panel

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Ricardo Tabet, Co-founder and CEO of Optimum Development USA was present less than a week since the groundbreaking ceremony of Monaco Yacht Club & Residences, the boutique luxury residential building that will house its own marina in the MiMo district of Miami Beach.

Edgardo Defortuna speaking at "Titans of Miami" panel

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Co-founder and CEO of Fortune International Group and Miami expert Edgardo Defortuna said, "Miami attracts the best crowds of everyone throughout the world," as he spoke fondly of the Magic City and its surroundings, where he has been responsible for billions of dollars in real estate transactions.

Eric Fordin speaking at "Titans of Miami" panel

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Eric Fordin, Vice President at The Related Group, joined Haute Residence's real estate summit for the first time. Fordin oversees land acquisition, partnership agreements, development budget creation, project fiscal responsibility at Related, which he joined in 2004.

Marcelo Kingston speaking at "Titans of Miami" panel

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

Marcelo Kingston, Managing Partner of Multiplan Real Estate Asset Management (REAM) said, "The connectivity to the beach, to the boardwalk and the natural landscape of Miami will make your life at 57 Ocean unique and special," as he described the highly-anticipated project's, which recently hosted a special dinner for the Haute Living Dallas issue featuring NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman during Super Bowl week.

Moderator Alex Vidal with "Titans of Miami" panelists

Photo Credit: Romain Maurice

President of RelatedISG International Realty Alex Vidal served as Moderator for the panel, asking questions of the Titans that produced answers which engaged and did not let go of the audience for over an hour. A successful start to the real estate summit that was just getting started.

The post Insightful Developer Panel Started Haute Residence 2020 Luxury Miami Real Estate Summit appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.

In this new series, Haute Residence sits down with some of the real estate industry's top-shelf CEO's and Executives to discuss everything from the state of the industry to the next steps for his or her business. Brown Harris Stevens has become one of the city's leading luxury real estate firms, with incredible listings all across the region. In this exclusive interview, co-president Bess Freedman shifts in the industry, her work at BHS, and the evolution of the city.

What sort of shifts have you noticed recently, both in taste of homes and the industry overall, during BHS’ tenure in the industry?

The biggest shift that I have seen in the industry has been the focus on treating agents like clients. BHS has created a complete platform involving concierge services to help make the agents lives easier, as well as making them more efficient. As my co-president Hall Willkie always says - we ride up and down the elevator with our assets every day and we need to ensure they have 100% support from their company. There is a level of loyalty that exists at BHS and it truly sets us apart from everyone else.

Taste of homes is always very diverse but well-informed and as a result it’s hard to pigeonhole just one trend. We’ve seen incredible sales at 520 Park Avenue which is the height of ultra-high-end luxury, as well as a surge in business downtown for loft like space. The one and two bedroom market is stronger than ever in many neighborhoods across the City.

As one of the leading luxury real estate firms, the company has aided the rise of certain neighborhoods in the city. How does that process happen from your point of view, and what makes a neighborhood special?

There’s no doubt that the people make the neighborhood special and as new schools are built, and restaurants and stores open it attracts people. There are so many micro neighborhoods in New York City –diverse little areas and small pockets that change all the time impacted by a myriad of trends. New Yorkers are all about convenience -even the ultra-wealthy don’t like having to take a long car ride and sit in traffic. People like to live near where they have to go every day. I find that most New Yorkers feel grateful to be able to pound the pavement here on a daily basis as it provides nourishment for the mind and soul.

What trends have you noticed in homes in New York recently?

More than ever we are seeing kitchens designed for chefs who come in and cook for you at a reasonable price.

Location is key; New Yorkers want easy access to our vibrant arts and culture. Attention to detail is important. There’s a level of sophistication that you don’t find in many places.

Like everything else, companies must adapt to changes in time, how has BHS changed over time and what is the future of the business?

BHS has embraced a culture of a ‘learn it all’ mindset in order to embrace the level of accelerations that are happening our industry.  We rolled out a bunch of new technology initiatives in the last two years in order to give our agents the best of everything they need to be successful. We keep striving to do and learn more and provide more. You can never put a period and think OK we did this now we can just sit back and relax. Technology is no longer just a tool; it’s embedded in everything that we do.  There is a balance between technology and relationships; relationships with our clients with other agents and with the company.

Is there a certain style of home or area that you love in New York or the Hamptons?

I love the upper east side super modern space. DDG is doing a new building on 88th street and 3rd avenue and the design and the layouts are gorgeous. High ceilings, beautiful detail, big windows. In the Hamptons, we have sold some incredible new constructions homes that are literally turn-key. Everything is there down to the silverware, you just have to bring your swimming suit for the pool!

The post Haute Q&A: Brown Harris Stevens Co-President Bess Freedman appeared first on Haute Residence by Haute Living.