Built World Podcast

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Steven Wernick, a trailblazing land use attorney, and his pivotal role in the revitalization of Miami's iconic Wynwood neighborhood. Steven's distinctive blend of legal acumen and planning expertise, coupled with his fervor for neighborhood revitalization, positions him as a unique urbanist dedicated to the well-being of local communities and their residents.
Discover Steven's journey from Boston University to earning a Masters in Regional Planning and Real Estate Development at Chapel Hill, followed by his pursuit of a law degree at the University of Florida. Through his collaboration with the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID) since its establishment in 2013, Steven worked alongside visionaries like Joe Furst, David Polinsky, and David Lombardi to drive impactful zoning changes that played a pivotal role in reshaping Wynwood into one of Miami's most iconic neighborhoods.
The episode provides a comprehensive exploration of Wynwood’s transformation, shedding light on the strategic initiatives proposed by the BID and the collaborative efforts that fueled this urban renewal of Miami’s hottest neighborhood. Additionally, we shift our focus to the inspirational story of Greenville, South Carolina, under the visionary leadership of Mayor Knox White, who has played a key role in reimagining the city over the past twenty-five years.
Situated between Charlotte and Atlanta, Greenville's industrial prowess, boasting a BMW factory and Michelin's North American Headquarters, adds depth to our discussion of urban revitalization. Join us as we analyze these two compelling case studies, drawing valuable insights from Steven Wernick's experiences and expertise in the realm of urban transformation.

Connect with us

Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
It’s our favorite topic—and we’re always up for a good conversation. Whether you're just exploring or already making big moves, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or give us a call at 305.498.9410.

Prefer to connect online? Find us on LinkedIn or Instagram—we’re always open to expanding the conversation.

Ben Hoffman: LinkedIn
Felipe Azenha: LinkedIn We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.

Carlos joined us on the podcast over a classic Negroni to share his remarkable journey as a real estate developer. Hailing from a family of architects in Buenos Aires, Carlos earned his architecture degree at the University of Buenos Aires before spending a decade in the Middle East with Besix, mastering the art of construction. His journey then took him to Boston, where he earned a Master’s in Real Estate Development from MIT.

In South Florida, Carlos became a pivotal figure in the industry during his nearly 20-year tenure at Related Group as Jorge Pérez’s right hand, serving as the President of Condo Development. During this time, he oversaw the creation of some of Miami’s most iconic projects, including SLS Lux, SLS Brickell, Brickell Heights, Residences by Armani/Casa, and the Paraiso complex in Edgewater, culminating in over 16,000 units developed.

Since launching Rosso Development in 2020, Carlos has honed his focus on high-end boutique properties. One standout project is a collaboration with Standard International and Midtown Development—a stunning 12-story condominium with 228 units. With a commitment to enhancing Miami's urban landscape, Carlos is deeply invested in Midtown's evolution, envisioning mixed-use developments that bridge communities and promote walkability.
Carlos is also an Advisory Board Member for the University of Miami's Masters in Real Estate Development and Urbanism program.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a seasoned developer that has seen it all in the 305!

Connect with us

Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
It’s our favorite topic—and we’re always up for a good conversation. Whether you're just exploring or already making big moves, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or give us a call at 305.498.9410.

Prefer to connect online? Find us on LinkedIn or Instagram—we’re always open to expanding the conversation.

Ben Hoffman: LinkedIn
Felipe Azenha: LinkedIn We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.

From soaking up the sun on Israeli beaches to flipping one of the most iconic hotels in NYC, Miki Naftali’s real estate journey is the definition of a wild ride.

Miki’s story starts in Israel, but things really took off when he landed at USC and pulled off his first off-market deal in Los Angeles—before he even had a business card. After cutting his teeth in Tel Aviv, he set his sights on the U.S. once again, eventually making waves in the ultra-competitive New York City condo market.

Then came the power move: buying and transforming the legendary Plaza Hotel. That deal didn’t just make headlines—it cemented his status as a real estate heavyweight. Fast forward to today, and Miki’s leading Naftali Group, shaping the skylines of NYC and South Florida with high-end residential developments.

Talking to Miki felt like stepping into the war room of a real estate empire—big vision, bold strategies, and stories you need to hear about navigating the financial crisis.

Connect with us

Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
It’s our favorite topic—and we’re always up for a good conversation. Whether you're just exploring or already making big moves, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or give us a call at 305.498.9410.

Prefer to connect online? Find us on LinkedIn or Instagram—we’re always open to expanding the conversation.

Ben Hoffman: LinkedIn
Felipe Azenha: LinkedIn We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.

In this episode, we sit down with Kobi Karp to talk about his storied career. Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Kobi moved to Minneaplois with his family at a young age and then went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Architecture degree.

Kobi founded Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design Inc. in 1996, which is now headquartered in Wynwood. His firm has since become renowned for its diverse portfolio, which includes high-end residential projects, luxury hotels, commercial developments, and mixed-use projects.

Kobi Karp's architectural style is characterized by a blend of modernist principles with elements inspired by local contexts, historic preservation and environmental sustainability. His designs prioritize functionality and creating spaces that resonate with the surrounding landscape.

Throughout his career, Kobi has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including recognition from organizations such as the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). His projects have also been featured in various architectural publications and media outlets, further solidifying his reputation as a visionary architect.

Connect with us

Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
It’s our favorite topic—and we’re always up for a good conversation. Whether you're just exploring or already making big moves, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or give us a call at 305.498.9410.

Prefer to connect online? Find us on LinkedIn or Instagram—we’re always open to expanding the conversation.

Ben Hoffman: LinkedIn
Felipe Azenha: LinkedIn We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.

In this episode, we are joined by Kona Gray, Principal at EDSA, for a delightful conversation over gin & tonics and plenty of laughs. Kona shares insights from his remarkable 27-year career at EDSA, an internationally acclaimed landscape architecture firm. Growing up in Liberia with an architect father, Kona was immersed in design from an early age. His experiences attending an international school and exploring the outdoors in Liberia nurtured his appreciation for diverse cultures and the natural world.
With over two decades of experience, Kona has been instrumental in designing and managing a wide range of projects globally, from urban developments to luxurious resort destinations. His visionary approach blends creativity with practical solutions, promoting sustainable and innovative landscapes. As a thought leader in his field, Kona is dedicated to enhancing the human experience through design, making him a highly respected voice in landscape architecture.
Tune in to hear how Kona's passion for connecting humanity to the environment drives his work and inspires his visionary designs.

Connect with us

Want to dive deeper into Miami’s commercial real estate scene?
It’s our favorite topic—and we’re always up for a good conversation. Whether you're just exploring or already making big moves, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or give us a call at 305.498.9410.

Prefer to connect online? Find us on LinkedIn or Instagram—we’re always open to expanding the conversation.

Ben Hoffman: LinkedIn
Felipe Azenha: LinkedIn We extend our sincere gratitude to Büro coworking space for generously granting us the opportunity to record all our podcasts at any of their 8 convenient locations across South Florida.