DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE
PIONEERS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MODERNISM
The visionary realm of Strang Design, an architectural, interior design, and landscape design firm based in Florida, continues to captivate hearts around the globe.
JESSICA HALL
PHOTOGRAPHY: KRIS TEMBURELLO
Renowned for their unwavering commitment to Environmental Modernism, the firm has left an indelible mark on the world’s most stunning locations, from the sun-kissed shores of the Caribbean Sea to the majestic landscapes of Colorado, from the idyllic Florida Keys to the far-reaching sands of the United Arab Emirates. For a quarter of a century, Max Strang, the visionary force behind the company, has dedicated himself to crafting designs of the utmost quality while embracing academic and professional engagement. In 1998, he founded the firm, laying the foundation for an architectural empire that would redefine the boundaries of Environmental Modernism. With an acute awareness of the future impact of climate change on residential and urban development, Max’s iconic designs seamlessly merge with South Florida’s subtropical climate, creating harmonious living spaces that transcend time.
At the heart of Strang Design lies a team of exceptionally talented individuals, each with a shared devotion to the timeless allure of modernism. Their relentless pursuit of design excellence has fostered deep connections with discerning clientele, propelling the firm’s triumphs and necessitating the expansion of their presence to two offices across the Sunshine State: Miami and Sarasota, the very birthplace of Florida modernism. It comes as no surprise, then, that their remarkable achievements were honored with the esteemed title of the 2022 Firm of the Year by AIA Miami.
For a quarter of a century, Max Strang, the visionary force behind Strang Design, has dedicated himself to crafting designs of the utmost quality while embracing academic and professional engagement. In 1998, he founded the firm, laying the foundation for an architectural empire that would redefine the boundaries of Environmental Modernism. With an acute awareness of the future impact of climate change on residential and urban development, Max’s iconic designs seamlessly merge with South Florida’s subtropical climate, creating harmonious living spaces that transcend time.
The latest opus from the firm seamlessly fuses their unwavering dedication to environmental modernism with a profound reflection of the clients’ cultural heritage and way of life. For this project designed for a Brazilian family of four, Strang Design masterfully wove together their exceptional skills in creating environmentally conscious homes with stunning architecture and interior design, resulting in an oasis that resonates deeply with the clients’ hearts.
A central goal of the design was to imbue the home with a sense of connectivity, despite its grand scale. The team skillfully accomplished this feat by crafting spaces that effortlessly welcomed intimate gatherings while also allowing for individual pursuits. To imbue the design with an enchanting touch, vintage, one-of-a-kind furniture pieces were curated to intimately reflect the clients’ cultural background, evoking a sense of warmth and personal connection.
Sourcing materials that catered to the clients’ needs while upholding the tenets of environmental responsibility proved to be a formidable challenge for the team. Yet, in true Strang Design fashion, they triumphed, selecting unfilled Travertine for the interior and exterior flooring, as well as incorporating teak slatted ceilings and walls that added texture and an embrace of natural warmth. Embracing the essence of nature, the team utilized rough-cut Jerusalem tiles for the exterior walls, exposed board form concrete, and teak millwork accents throughout the home, infusing the space with an authentic and grounded aura.
The interiors are filled with a captivating ensemble of materials and brands that weave a tapestry of sophistication. From the exquisite kitchen design by Mia Cucina to the opulent stone materials from Opustone, each element has been thoughtfully handpicked to complement the overarching design vision and cater to the clients’ desires. The addition of Apparatus Light Fixtures casts a mesmerizing glow, while top-of-the-line appliances from Subzero and Wolf guarantee culinary excellence. The integration of AV solutions from AVX ensures that the home is equipped with cutting-edge technology that harmonizes seamlessly with the captivating aesthetic.
Beyond the realm of architecture and interiors, Strang Design placed great emphasis on the surrounding landscape, collaborating with the esteemed La Casona Garden, a renowned landscape architecture studio. Together, they sought out native species and, in an inspiring act of environmental stewardship, designated a portion of the property as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation, embodying the firm’s unwavering commitment to holistic harmony.
In this extraordinary residence, Strang Design has once again surpassed all expectations, unveiling a testament to their unwavering dedication to environmental modernism. Every corner, every material, and every detail sings in unison, creating a symphony of design brilliance that harmonizes with the clients’ cultural heritage and way of life. Embodied within these walls is a profound sense of connectivity, a celebration of nature, and an everlasting embrace of modernism. The firm has once again proven that their creations transcend the realm of architecture, becoming timeless works of art that stir the soul and leave an indelible mark on our collective consciousness.