About – Architects in Miami | Interior Designer Miami

Ralph Choeff

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Ralph Choeff, is the founding partner of Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design. A notable figure in South Florida, Ralph earned his Bachelor of Architecture from New York’s Pratt Institute in 1978. His passion for modern architecture blossomed in New York City, where he was inspired by iconic buildings such as the Lever House and the Seagram Building.

In 1978, Ralph relocated to Miami and opened his practice in 1983 with a mission to create exceptional and well-regarded modern architecture for discerning clients. His innovative approach and refusal to conform to conventional designs quickly earned him recognition, starting with his first Tropical Modern residence on Miami Beach. Throughout the years, Ralph has earned many awards for his work across Florida, the United States, the Caribbean and elsewhere around the world..

Over the past four decades, Ralph along with his partners Raphael Levy and Paul Fischman, has become a leading force in the Tropical Modern architecture movement significantly influencing the architectural landscape of Miami and Miami Beach’s Venetian Islands and North Bay Road. Ralph’s dedication to crafting exceptional, resort-like residences has attracted a clientele that includes high-profile global executives, celebrities, musicians, and professional athletes. His portfolio also includes luxury Miami Beach hotels like the Mondrian South Beach and the Angler’s.

Ralph and his partners continue to expand the practice to meet the growing demand for their unique architectural style, site planning expertise, and implementation skills.

Raphael Levy

Raphael Levy serves as a principal and partner at Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design. Born in Paris and later moving to Miami, Raphael earned his bachelor’s degree in Design at the University of Florida. He then moved to New York to launch his career in architecture and obtain a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University.

In 2006, Raphael returned to Miami and joined Ralph Choeff as a project manager before becoming a partner at Choeff Levy Fischman in 2011. Since joining the decorated firm, Raphael has worked on numerous high-profile Tropical Modern single-family homes and other major projects in South Florida. Some of Raphael’s highlights with the firm include the design of the Mondrian South Beach Hotel and the masterful relocation and renovation of a historic mansion on Star Island.

Raphael has since overseen and worked on a diverse portfolio of projects with a broad array of programs and levels of complexity. He cites a home on Miami Beach’s 2nd Street as particularly meaningful and influential in his career, as it illustrates his complete vision coming to life, particularly within an urban and historic context.

Raphael has often stated that he draws tremendous inspiration and insights from traveling—both culturally and architecturally. He views his work at CLF as an opportunity to bridge modern design with historical environments, fostering community engagement and acceptance.

Paul Fischman

Paul Fischman serves as a principal and managing partner at Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design. He has been instrumental in transforming the Venetian Islands and much of North Bay Road with his award-winning Tropical Modern luxury home designs. He has also overseen several notable high-rise residential projects while working early in his career for Arquitectonica, including Regalia and SLS Hotel in Miami and Faria Lima in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

Born in Miami and raised in Vero Beach, Paul left Florida to pursue his bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from the University of Colorado. Eager to become a valued part of South Florida’s vibrant redevelopment, he completed his higher education at the University of Miami, earning a Master of Architecture degree.

While still a University of Miami student in 2002, Paul began working closely with Ralph Choeff. Their successful professional relationship continued for over a decade before Paul officially joined the firm as a partner in 2012. Since then, he has played a key role in elevating the firm’s design portfolio and expanding the practice to other key markets such as Tampa and the Treasure Coast.

Through his numerous accomplishments and exquisite modern architectural excellence, Paul has clearly cemented his influence on South Florida’s landscape. Paul also proudly serves as an active member of the AIA, NCARB and USGBC, and is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Firm’s Biography

Choeff Levy Fischman Architecture + Design thrives on strong partnerships. Their seamless collaboration starts with Principals Ralph Choeff, Raphael Levy, and Paul Fischman and extends to the integrated relationships they build with each discerning client.

These highly decorated and experienced principals are recognized as global leaders in the Tropical Modern architecture style. Together, they have built and evolved Choeff Levy Fischman (CLF), mastering residential site planning. They design affluent, efficient, sensible, and stylish residences in prime locations across Florida, the Caribbean, Central America, and beyond. Their high-end homes enhance some of South Florida’s most exclusive enclaves, including Miami Beach’s Star, Hibiscus, and Venetian Islands, as well as North Bay Road.

The firm’s specialized high-performance Tropical Modern residential designs focus intensely on principles of optimal livability, exceptional architectural detailing, ideal owner and guest experience, sustainability, and return on investment. This unwavering commitment to design excellence has cemented CLF’s status as South Florida’s most admired and commissioned residential architecture and design firm.

Homeowners and developers rely on the firm’s expertise and unique midcentury-meets-tropics style for captivating modern living experiences and optimal future returns on their investment. Under the steady leadership of its three principals, CLF architects merge lush natural elements with stunning structures. They utilize exotic materials, elegant aquatic features, top-end technology, and sharp design finishes to create coveted living environments. The firm also consistently adapts to natural and climatic challenges with future-forward sustainable practices and environmentally conscious materials and designs.

Choeff Levy Fischman has offices in Miami and Tampa, with an array of luxury waterfront projects emerging in Tampa, Sarasota, and the Treasure Coast. Their extensive experience includes designing exclusive single-family residences for global entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, professional athletes, and sports team owners. CLF homes have graced the cover of revered industry magazines such as Architectural Digest, Florida Design, and International Property & Travel. They have also been regularly featured in The Wall Street Journal, Robb Report, Mansion Global, ELLE Décor, Town & Country, Galerie, and other luxury lifestyle publications.