Kobi Karp

Kobi Karp [http://bobmiami.com/2006/11/13/architect-profile-kobi-karp/] (b. November 1, 1962) is a Miami architect who is the principal and founder of Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design, Inc. (KKAID) [http://www.kobikarp.com/] , a vertically integrated full-service architectural and interior design firm.

Karp is known for specializing creative and innovative design solutions to governments [http://realestatemiamifl.blogspot.com/2007/07/miami-unveils-low-income-rent-project.html] , historical preservation boards, societies and communities. His work is a reflection of Le Corbusier, Gropius, Ralph Rapson and Morris Lapidus in regards to progressive architecture. He also designs in an ecological mindset and bases many of his green building construction from architects such as Maurice Fatio with his use of cross ventilation and covered terraces.

Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design

Karp founded KKAID in 1995 and in operation to date the firm has been linked to $10 billion dollars in projects globally.

Green Philosophy

Karp uses Ecological Building measures in many principles of green architecture in his designs.

Karp’s design of Absolut Lofts won a 2006 Pillars of the Industry Award [http://www.brunocarnesella.com/html/press.html] and received an award from the Historical Preservation society for its use as an infill project. Karp designed the condo buildings in the green fashion, before green was popular. His buildings employ dramatic shading, cross ventilation, and window placement that maximizes the lighting of the units to save on energy.‎

In April 2007, the United States Green Building Council [http://www.usgbc.org/] (USGBC) recognized Baylights [http://www.baylightsmiami.com/html/body_the_architect.html] Condominium a design project spearheaded by Karp as the first green residential building in South Florida.

“Do I think green architecture is the future? Absolutely,” says Karp. “We utilize the green building process consistently and continuously on our projects.”

He goes on to say, “What may be new to you may not be new to humanity. Preserving the environment and our history helps us be more civilized and cohesive in a rapidly expanding global community.”

‎Just recently in November 2007 Kobi was named “Architect of the Year” by the Developers & Builders Alliance [http://www.dballiance.net/downloads/DBAAwardwinners2006.pdf] .

Karp’s designs are generally regarded as progressive for his use of the latest materials, concepts and ideas.

1101 Brickell and Empire World Towers

Two large scale Miami projects currently in the works designed by Karp include Miami’s Empire World Towers and the 1101 Brickell Building; both projects have the potential of being added to the list of the world’s tallest buildings.

The 1101 Brickell Building is a planned hi-rise recently approved by the City of Miami and the Federal Aviation Administration to be built in downtown Miami. When completed in early 2010 the 74 floor building will be the second tallest building in Miami at a height of 849 ft. The building slated to be constructed in the southern part of Miami's Brickell Financial District [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Financial_District] was home to the former Banco Industrial de Venezuela building. Karp preserved the building and will build the new tower adjacent to it. The building was highly desired by city lawmakers for its ability to connect Brickell [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Financial_District] to Bayshore Dr. by a pedestrian walkway joining the buildings and the two major thoroughfares.

[http://www.dailyreckoning.com/Issues/2005/DRUS052005.html] , the Miami complex consists of 2 proposed super tall skyscrapers joined by three glass walkways connecting the two towers. Both towers to stand at 1,200 ft, with 106 stories each and be pedestrian friendly with commercial, retail and condo-hotel residential ambiance. If built, the Empire World Towers would surpass the Four Seasons Hotel and Tower as the tallest buildings in Florida and may, become the two tallest all-residential buildings in the world.

Additionally the towers would also boast being the tallest concrete structures in the world and be among the tallest buildings in the United States.

Corporate Clients

Hospitality corporations such as Hyatt, Hilton, Starwood, and Club Med; Development Corporations such as The Related Group, Fortune International, Cornerstone Group, Aldar Properties, and Nakheelemploy KKAID to design new properties, renovate existing ones, create interiors and plan sites for pending development.

Karp is also a licensed contractor and interior designer based in Miami. He is also an active member of the American Institute of Architects, The American Society of Interior Design, National Trust for Historic Preservation League, and several other professional associations

External links

*http://www.kobikarp.com/
*http://www.it.umn.edu/
*http://66.113.240.229/article.php?author_id=86
*http://www.keithwaters.com/whoweare.html
*http://www.lincolnroadmiamibeach.com/
*http://www.morrislapidus.com/
*http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/
*http://www.hotelastor.com/
*http://www.clevelander.com/
*http://www.mdpl.org/
*http://www.dadeheritagetrust.org/
*http://www.aia.org/
*http://www.usgbc.org/
*http://www.laperlamiami.com/english/index.html
*http://www.dballiance.net/downloads/DBAAwardwinners2006.pdf
*http://bobmiami.com/2006/11/13/architect-profile-kobi-karp/
*http://www.starlofts.com/developer.htm
*http://www.kmpfurniture.com/index.php?page=news&id=109&site=fire

Further reading

*Karp’s Creation’s, Page 1: [http://www.kobikarp.com/images/LasOlasKarpsCreation1.jpg] Page 2: [http://www.kobikarp.com/images/LasOlasKarpsCreation2a.jpg]

*Reno On The RisePage 1: [http://www.kobikarp.com/images/grandsierraarticle01.jpg] Page 2: [http://www.kobikarp.com/images/grandsierraarticle02.jpg]

*Architects Without BordersPage 1: [http://www.kobikarp.com/images/ctoday01.jpg] Page 2: [http://www.kobikarp.com/images/ctoday02.jpg]

*Kobi’s WorldPage 1: [http://www.kobikarp.com/images/bpd003.jpg] Page 2: [http://www.kobikarp.com/images/bpd004.jpg] Page 3: [http://www.kobikarp.com/images/bpd005.jpg] Page 4: [http://www.kobikarp.com/images/bpd006.jpg]

*Da Vinci, [http://www.kobikarp.com/images/dluxe.jpg]

*South Beach Says “Bonjourno” to Italian Arrival Capri, [http://www.kobikarp.com/images/edgecapri.jpg]

*Going Global, By Chris Petersen [http://www.usbusiness-review.com/content/view/628/31/]
*Developers and Builders Alliance Community Advancement Awards 2007 [http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/this-years-developers-and-builders/n20071114121209990071]
*One Las Vegas Tops Tower [http://www.bigbuilderonline.com/Industry-news.asp?sectionID=31&articleID=428096]
*Venue Preview: TAO Miami Beach [http://blog.joonbug.com/new_york/2007/09/venue-preview-1.html]
*World's Tallest Condo [http://www.dailyreckoning.com/Issues/2005/DRUS052005.html]