Q&A: Behind the Opulence of Japón with Saladino Design Studios

Miami Beach, FL – November 18, 2024 – Red Rooster, Elia on the River, Ball and Chain, Como Como, Mezcalista, Pier 5, Otto and Pepe, Yaya Coastal Cuisine, Serena, Japón at the Setai — these are just a few of the iconic restaurants Saladino Design Studio (SDS) has left their indelible mark on in Miami.

“SDS was started many years ago at our kitchen table but was really birthed long before that when Sean owned his own nightclubs and restaurants,” shares wife and SDS business partner, Karla Duran-Saladino. “He was always the brain child in the design of his own spaces Rumi and then Roc Bar.”

Amongst many ongoing projects, some of which include the restoration and reimagining of historical landmarks like The International Inn and Versailles, Japón at the Setai joins their portfolio after opening their doors last month.

Seamlessly blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury, Japón offers a serene outdoor courtyard and elegant main dining room encased in stunning artwork and unique architectural elements. “The transformation we had in mind was very exciting for us to see as the Setai has been a place we both have enjoyed so much throughout the years.”

“We get inspiration from everywhere. Travel is a big one but we like to brainstorm as a team and give each project an identity at the beginning.”

WRE: Please tell us the history of Saladino Design Studio (SDS).

Sean & Karla Saladino: SDS was started many years ago at our kitchen table but was truly birthed long before that when Sean owned his own nightclubs and restaurants. He was always the brainchild behind the design of his own spaces, Rumi and then Roc Bar. Designing from an owner/operator point of view is what really set us apart from the rest. We have always understood the Miami market and what it takes to be a hotspot in this town. It has always been a family business, and we have been lucky to design many of our own friends’ projects. From concept, design, and build, we do it all.

Karla’s background in the nightclub industry, along with extensive travel and design school, has provided a path for many of the eclectic details in our designs. Our team at SDS is family to us, and we have many original employees from the beginning. We have a very driven, talented, unique, and hardworking team. Our team strives to make every project unique and outstanding, which has led us to many accolades.

Sean & Karla Saladino

WRE: Tell us about some of your work and projects. 

S&KS: We have worked on so many fun projects throughout the years: Red Rooster for Marcus Samuelsson, Serena, Como Como, and Mezcalista at the Moxy Hotel South Beach, Jaya at the Setai, Elia on the River, Ball & Chain on Calle Ocho, Yaya Coastal Cuisine on the Intracoastal, Otto and Pepe in Wynwood, and Pier 5 for the Breakwater Group, to name just a few.

Currently, we are redeveloping and re-curating all of Bayside and transforming a part of it into Miami’s own version of Bryant Park. We have so many exciting projects coming soon that we are really proud of.

Karla Duran-Saladino

We like to brainstorm as a team and give each project an identity from the beginning. We usually start with a story about the project—sometimes it’s about the space itself, or we imagine a character that would inspire the space.

Karla Duran-Saladino

Karla & Sean Saladino

WRE: How do you get inspiration for a particular project?

S&KS: We get inspiration from everywhere. Travel is a big one, but we like to brainstorm as a team and give each project an identity from the beginning. We usually start with a story about the project—sometimes it’s about the space itself, or we imagine a character that would inspire the space.

One thing about our office is that everyone has a hand in the design. We collaborate, discuss each project, and share our opinions and suggestions. Sometimes we all agree, and sometimes we don’t, but in the end, we can always say everyone contributed to each project. We value everyone’s opinions and ideas, which creates a unified and collaborative team. It’s exciting for everyone to see their ideas come to life.

Karla Duran-Saladino

Sean Saladino

WRE: What makes SDS unique?

S&KS: What makes us unique is the fact that we design from an owner/operator perspective. We have both been in the hospitality industry and understand what it takes for a place to be successful. Our office is a one-stop shop—from concepts to design, we do it all. There is no aspect of a project we cannot handle.

Additionally, all of our lighting and furniture is custom-designed in-house, so you are unlikely to see our items anywhere else. We strive to bring a unique and authentic aesthetic to every project we design.

Sean & Karla Saladino

We have a very driven, talented, unique and hard working team. Our team strives to make every project unique and outstanding which has led us to many accolades.

Sean Saladino

Karla & Sean Saladino

WRE: How do you balance work and life as a couple?

S&KS: Hahahaha, not sure we do—just kidding! We work really hard, but we also take time to recharge. We love to travel with our kids and we will do that every opportunity we can. Snowboarding trips are something we try to do a few times a year, as well as Europe in the summer. Making memories with our family is what keeps us going.

Mini trips and date nights are also important to us, allowing us some alone time without the kids. Boat days always keep us in awe of Miami’s landscape and recharge us for the week ahead. We’ve always spent a lot of time together since the day we met, so working together feels natural to us.

WRE: What are you excited about working on in the future?

S&KS: We just finished Japon at the Setai and are very excited to get started on Jaya and the lobby bar there as well. The transformation we have in mind will be very exciting for us to see, as the Setai has been a place we’ve both enjoyed so much throughout the years.

We are also excited for a project that has been a landmark in Miami, The International Inn. Restoring and updating the design of this historic hotel has always been a dream of ours, and we cannot wait for this project to start!

Currently, we’re also working on another Miami landmark, Versailles. Having lived in Miami for over 28 years, it is an honor to give these treasured places in Miami a refresh for future generations to come.

Another favorite project we’re working on is a new concept by Stephen Haigh and Michael Lewis, formerly of Scotch & Bacon Group, who founded KYU. It’s going to be an amazing addition to Miami’s foodie scene, offering a beautiful oasis set in a breathtaking, tranquil environment.