Q&A: Kobi Karp Launches Coffee Table Book at Assouline Bal Harbour

Photography by Pavle Janjic on December 11th, 2020 in Bal Harbour Shops, Editorials, Kobi Karp, Lifestyle

Kobi Karp

Bal Harbour, FL – December 11, 2020 – Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, Inc., a full-service architecture firm providing a complete spectrum of planning, architecture, and interior design services, partnered with Assouline for the publication of Kobi Karp’s luxury coffee table book Kobi Karp written by Ian Volner. Known worldwide for bringing luxury to the publishing industry, Assouline produces one-of-a-kind books on fashion, art, architecture, photography, design and travel, weaving a story of L’Art de Vivre into every publication. Kobi Karp’s lusciously illustrated book examines the visionary and original body of work that Kobi Karp has produced. The sum of the collection includes his designs for magnificent mansions and single-family homes, his work at the historic Surf Club, The Cadillac Hotel, and his projects at America’s most expensive zip code, Fisher Island.

“Our firm has completed more than $18 billion in world-renowned, award-winning projects across the globe, but without a doubt, this book is the most meaningful project of my career,” said Karp. “Beyond merely a retrospective of some of my more notable works, this publication is a deeply personal look into my soul and the creative process which helped shape a city, all while remaining true to the historic DNA of yesteryear and keeping an eye towards the design of tomorrow.”

The works of Kobi Karp featured in this book of architecture eagerly pore over the latest additions of particular projects calling out particular photographs and images that speak to them. The depth and breadth of thinking of Kobi Karp through time, and how he may grapple with a core set of issues, his approaches and opinions are all illustrated beautifully in this magnificent coffee table book. Quotations grace the pages, each pairing, or spread, creating its own self-contained mini conversation. Sharing a passion for multiple designs in different eras, each page illuminates what has been important to Kobi around the world, inspiring all with the work he has designed.

World Red Eye met up with Kobi Karp at the signing of his new book for an exclusive first look at its pages and at the process behind making his work come to life. Read the full Q&A below.

By Gaby Cuevas

Kobi Karp

WRE: How did your partnership with Assouline first start? What made you choose them as the publisher for your book?

Kobi Karp: Over the years we have received many requests for a collection of our projects; we selected the most important lifestyle publisher with a niche market, Assouline, whose books are considered object d’art. Both with their style and vision, true pioneers Kobi Karp and Assouline bring to market a lifestyle of architecture delivered in a modern, luxurious, and creative way where both content and design are equally important. The collaboration between Assouline and Kobi Karp presents the opportunity to describe the heritage, define our style and bring their creations to life for the clientele, as well as the business world.

WRE: You’ve played an instrumental part in the development of Miami over the past 30 years, spearheading the design on many of the city’s most iconic buildings. How would you describe Miami’s transformation over the years in terms of style and architecture?

KK: Miami’s transformation over the years in terms of style and architecture has been a reflection of the growing community, which is made of the multinational collection of individuals of our country traveling and moving to Florida, domestically and internationally. The city’s design is inspired by the vernacular of the environments in which they reside, complementing their logistical and historical contexts.

Kobi Karp

WRE: Your portfolio encompasses a wide range of projects, from luxurious mansions and hotels, to historic landmarks and affordable housing. Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?

KK: I draw inspiration from the history and site itself for each individual project. The design of the development is a dynamic relationship between the local environment and the history of the site itself. Understanding the culture, heritage and environment creates a foundation of unique design solutions which appeal to the social, economical, philosophical and emotional orientation of the guests and clients.

WRE: Kobi Karp by Ian Volner is a carefully curated collection of your life’s work. How did you select which specific projects to include in the book?

KK: This carefully curated collection of my life’s work encompasses a wide range of projects spanning over three decades. The projects were selected based on design merit and uniqueness in relationship to their success in their final product. Specifically, each one of the individual projects were very well received by the community and the end users.

Kobi Karp

Kobi Karp

“Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design approaches projects from a philosophical and psychological standpoint, while also considering to the environmental and historical context of our designs. Each of our projects tell an emotional story.”

Kobi Karp

Kobi Karp

WRE: Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design Inc. was recently recognized as Firm of the Year by the AIA for your award-winning designs and buildings. What sets you apart from other architecture firms?

KK: The firm’s drive is derived from the experiential connection to the real world. KKAID specializes in collaborations with clients to reach each project’s mission, while remaining within budgetary parameters and fully understanding the need to create viable commercial, residential, and mixed-use environments that produce a valued return on investment. We approach projects from a philosophical and psychological standpoint, while also considering to the environmental and historical context of our designs. Each of our projects tell an emotional story.

WRE: Are there any exciting plans currently in the work? What can Miami expect from the top architecture firm in the city?

KK: There are many exciting projects pending right now which are responding to the current pandemic health and environmental concerns. Upcoming projects include, the Raleigh Hotel and Residences neighboring Richmond and South Seas Hotel in Miami Beach, the SLS Resort Residence & Marina in Hallandale Beach, a new development of the Diplomat golf and Tennis Club in Hallandale, and the luxury Legacy Hotel and Residences in the Miami World Center.