SDH Studio Architecture and Interior Design

SDH Studio Architecture and Interior Design Architecture and interior design practice specializing in the design of high-end residential and commercial projects in South Florida.

SDH Studio is an award-winning architecture and interior design practice based in Miami, FL founded by Venezuelan architect Stephanie Halfen. The firm blends contemporary architecture with tropical modern design elements to produce the most exquisite custom-built luxury homes for clients throughout the US, Caribbean and internationally. SDH's design practice has developed around constant themes of

applied research and exploration in the modernist tradition. We use our expertise to fuse the warm, natural elements surrounding an individual site with modern materials, design finishes and elegant water features to deliver evocative and conceptually clear architecture and interior design solutions. Our interdisciplinary studio is known for its elevated craftsmanship, use of natural materials, and the sleek clarity of our stylishly curated dwellings. Before we pick up pencils to start sketching, we listen carefully to our clients in a discovery process which enables us to learn about the idiosyncrasies of each client’s lifestyle. Our process relies on an open exchange of ideas that begins with their vision and culminates in a concept that is centered around enhancing their daily experiences. Every home we design is therefore a one-off. Each has its own unique identity and seeks to create an immersive experience that redefines luxury living, transforming our client’s dreams into a modern sanctuary inspired by their way of living.

At Ad Residence, the staircase transcends its functional role, becoming a striking sculptural element that defines the s...
01/26/2026

At Ad Residence, the staircase transcends its functional role, becoming a striking sculptural element that defines the spatial experience. The design is a study in contrasts, juxtaposing the solidity of the floating treads with the ethereal lightness of the suspended pendant lights and the organic softness of the integrated greenery.

The staircase itself is a composition of cantilevered treads, seemingly floating in space. Their robust, horizontal forms, rendered in warm timber, create a sense of grounded elegance, while the open risers allow light and air to permeate, maintaining a sense of visual openness. The geometric precision of the treads is softened by the organic forms of the integrated planters, creating a miniature indoor garden that adds a touch of natural vitality to the architectural composition.

The suspended pendant lights, cascading vertically along the staircase's ascent, act as a luminous counterpoint to the solid treads. The backdrop to the staircase is a textured wall, its vertical striations adding a layer of subtle visual interest and depth. The warm tones of the wall covering create a sense of intimacy and warmth, contrasting with the cool, polished surfaces of the flooring.

Discover more about this project: https://sdhstudio.com/portfolio/ad-residence/

Location: Pinecrest, Florida
Status: Design Development
Site Area: 37,026 sf
Project Area: 8,917 sf
Program: Single family residence

The pool area at the Sabal Palm Residence in Bay Point is an exquisitely designed aquatic landscape, serving as a primar...
01/23/2026

The pool area at the Sabal Palm Residence in Bay Point is an exquisitely designed aquatic landscape, serving as a primary focal point that flawlessly extends the interior living spaces towards the waterfront. The expansive, geometrically precise pool, with its shimmering surface, creates an illusion of boundless continuity, appearing to merge directly with the calm waters of the bay. This strategic integration is designed to maximize visual impact, allowing residents and guests an unhindered perception of the vast horizon and the serene beauty of the surrounding natural environment.

Thoughtful consideration has been given to framing the exceptional views that define this outdoor sanctuary. The strategic placement of sleek, minimalist lounge furniture along the pool's edge ensures prime viewing positions, inviting unadulterated relaxation against a backdrop of endless water and sky. Lush, carefully curated tropical landscaping, including mature palms, provides a verdant frame without obstructing the panoramic vistas, contributing to a sense of secluded luxury while enhancing the natural beauty of the Bay Point setting.

Discover more about this project: https://sdhstudio.com/portfolio/4355-sabal-palm/

Location: Bay Point, Florida
Status: Design Development
Site Area: 46,726 sf
Project Area: 12,328 sf
Program: Single family residence

This expansive kitchen and dining area presents a harmonious blend of contemporary design and natural materials, demonst...
01/20/2026

This expansive kitchen and dining area presents a harmonious blend of contemporary design and natural materials, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to open-plan living. The space is characterized by clean lines, integrated functionalities, and a thoughtful balance of warm and cool tones.

The kitchen zone is dominated by a grand, monolithic island rendered in a light-colored, subtly veined marble. This material choice extends to the backsplash, creating a cohesive and luxurious aesthetic. The island functions as both a prep area, featuring an integrated sink with a sleek black faucet, and a casual dining or social space, augmented by a series of low-back, dark green counter stools that introduce a vibrant accent color. Above the island, a minimalist, elongated linear pendant light with an undulating form provides task lighting while acting as a sculptural element.

Adjacently, the dining area extends the open concept. A large dining table, likely with a light-colored top, is surrounded by a collection of chairs upholstered in a similar dark green hue as the kitchen stools, ensuring visual continuity. The dining space is illuminated by a collection of avant-garde pendant lights, characterized by their slender, horizontal forms and varying heights, creating a dynamic overhead composition.

The overall architectural language emphasizes uncluttered surfaces, integrated solutions, and a strong connection to natural materials. The meticulous attention to detail, from the concealed lighting to the precise alignment of surfaces, culminates in a space that is both highly functional and aesthetically refined, embodying a sense of understated luxury characteristic of modern architectural interiors.

Discover more about this project at https://sdhstudio.com/portfolio/1925-residence-interior/

Location: North Miami, Florida
Status: Under Construction
Site Area: 9,150 sf
Project Area: 8,996 sf
Program: Single family residence

This modern family room, characterized by its minimalist aesthetic, exemplifies contemporary interior design principles ...
01/15/2026

This modern family room, characterized by its minimalist aesthetic, exemplifies contemporary interior design principles through a carefully curated palette of materials, integrated lighting, and strategic spatial organization.

The dominant feature is a large L-shaped sectional sofa, upholstered in a light, neutral fabric, providing a sense of understated comfort and ample seating. Its low profile contributes to the room's expansive feel. A complementary ottoman extends the lounging area, while a round, two-tiered coffee table with a dark base and light top serves as a central focal point. The choice of materials for the coffee table, likely a combination of metal and stone or glass, adds a touch of refined sophistication.

The room's layout demonstrates a clear understanding of functional zoning, with distinct areas for relaxation, entertainment, and display. The clean lines, restrained ornamentation, and emphasis on built-in elements underscore the room's contemporary architectural language, prioritizing functionality and an uncluttered aesthetic. This family room is a testament to the power of thoughtful design in creating a space that is both visually appealing and highly livable.

Discover more about this project at https://sdhstudio.com/portfolio/1925-residence-interior/

Location: North Miami, Florida
Status: Under Construction
Site Area: 9,150 sf
Project Area: 8,996 sf
Program: Single family residence

The recently completed Pine Tree Residence in Miami Beach stands as a paradigm of contemporary luxury, meticulously craf...
01/07/2026

The recently completed Pine Tree Residence in Miami Beach stands as a paradigm of contemporary luxury, meticulously crafted to respond to its verdant tropical context while embodying a refined modernist aesthetic. This high-end residential project is characterized by its sculptural massing, thoughtful material selection, and a profound connection between its interior volumes and the lush exterior landscape.

The primary facade presents a sophisticated composition of planar elements and recessed forms. Clean, expansive white volumes are articulated by deep overhangs and precisely placed fenestration, providing both solar shading and visual interest. A robust, lighter-toned stone cladding anchors the lower mass, including the garage volume, creating a tactile contrast with the smoother, lighter upper levels. The entry sequence is deliberately choreographed, featuring a structured pathway of pavers integrated with strips of greenery, leading to a prominent, yet subtly recessed, main entrance. The interplay of light and shadow across these varied surfaces imbues the elevation with dynamic depth throughout the day.

Discover more about this project https://sdhstudio.com/portfolio/pine-tree/

Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Status: Completed
Site Area: 14,193 sf
Project Area: 7,500 sf
Program: Single family residence
Construction:

The recently completed Pine Tree Residence in Miami Beach stands as a paradigm of contemporary luxury, meticulously craf...
01/06/2026

The recently completed Pine Tree Residence in Miami Beach stands as a paradigm of contemporary luxury, meticulously crafted to respond to its verdant tropical context while embodying a refined modernist aesthetic. This high-end residential project is characterized by its sculptural massing, thoughtful material selection, and a profound connection between its interior volumes and the lush exterior landscape.

The primary facade presents a sophisticated composition of planar elements and recessed forms. Clean, expansive white volumes are articulated by deep overhangs and precisely placed fenestration, providing both solar shading and visual interest. A robust, lighter-toned stone cladding anchors the lower mass, including the garage volume, creating a tactile contrast with the smoother, lighter upper levels. The entry sequence is deliberately choreographed, featuring a structured pathway of pavers integrated with strips of greenery, leading to a prominent, yet subtly recessed, main entrance. The interplay of light and shadow across these varied surfaces imbues the elevation with dynamic depth throughout the day.

Discover more about this project: https://sdhstudio.com/portfolio/pine-tree/

Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Status: Completed
Site Area: 14,193 sf
Project Area: 7,500 sf
Program: Single family residence
Construction:

The upstairs hallway of this Miami Beach residence is conceived as a refined transitional space, masterfully blending ci...
01/03/2026

The upstairs hallway of this Miami Beach residence is conceived as a refined transitional space, masterfully blending circulation with visual experience. The design employs a sophisticated interplay of materials, featuring a warm, light-toned timber flooring that extends along the corridor, guiding the eye and providing a sense of continuity. One wall is clad in a rich, dark wood paneling, subtly contrasting with a lighter marble or stone on an adjacent surface, creating textural depth and visual interest.

Expansive floor-to-ceiling glazing dominates one side of the hallway, offering strategic views into the lush exterior landscape and allowing abundant natural light to permeate the space. This transparency extends to the balustrade, where frameless glass panels provide an unobstructed visual connection to the lower level and the sculptural staircase, reinforcing the vertical flow and openness of the home. The ceiling is kept clean and minimalist, punctuated by linear recessed lighting that elegantly illuminates the pathway.

The thoughtful integration of these elements transforms a mere hallway into an architectural gallery, where views of the exterior environment become living art. The material harmony, coupled with the strategic use of light and transparency, defines a circulation core that is both functional and aesthetically compelling, reflecting the residence's commitment to high-end contemporary design.

Discover more about this project: https://sdhstudio.com/portfolio/pine-tree/

Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Status: Completed
Site Area: 14,193 sf
Project Area: 7,500 sf
Program: Single family residence
Construction:

The central circulation element of this residence is expressed through a striking sculptural staircase, a testament to m...
12/27/2025

The central circulation element of this residence is expressed through a striking sculptural staircase, a testament to minimalist design and material purity. Comprising elegantly cantilevered timber treads, each seemingly floating independently, the structure is anchored by slender, dark-toned vertical supports and framed by transparent glass balustrades. This delicate composition allows light to filter through, maintaining an open and airy spatial quality.

Strategically positioned amidst expansive glazing, the staircase becomes a dynamic feature that engages with the surrounding landscape. The verdant tropical foliage outside acts as a living backdrop, creating an immersive experience as one ascends or descends. Opposite the transparency, a wall clad in rich, horizontally laid wood veneer adds warmth and texture, contrasting with a subtle vertical strip of veined marble and concealed lighting that draws the eye upward.

At its base, the staircase is complemented by an elongated bench in a dark, minimalist design, providing a moment of repose. A compelling sculptural piece on a dark pedestal adds an artistic anchor to the entry vestibule, further enhancing the gallery-like atmosphere. The flooring, in a light, reflective stone, unifies the space and amplifies the abundance of natural light, solidifying the staircase's role as both a functional connector and a captivating architectural statement.

Discover more aboit this project at https://sdhstudio.com/portfolio/pine-tree/

Location: Miami Beach, Florida
Status: Completed
Site Area: 14,193 sf
Project Area: 7,500 sf
Program: Single family residence
Construction:

At Bay Point Residence, the staircase is not merely a functional element but a captivating architectural centerpiece, a ...
12/23/2025

At Bay Point Residence, the staircase is not merely a functional element but a captivating architectural centerpiece, a sculptural expression that marries form and function with a playful twist. The design reimagines the traditional spiral staircase, incorporating an integrated slide that transforms the act of moving between levels into a whimsical experience.

The staircase's form is a study in curvilinear elegance, its smooth, white surfaces creating a sense of fluidity and lightness. The sweeping spiral, ascending gracefully through the double-height space, acts as a dynamic focal point, drawing the eye and inviting exploration. The integrated slide, seamlessly incorporated into the staircase's form, adds a playful dimension, transforming the act of descent into a moment of joy and surprise.

Discover more at https://sdhstudio.com/portfolio/bay-point/

Location: Miami, Florida
Status: Completed
Site Area: 15,450 sf
Project Area: 7,540 sf
Program: Single family residence
Architecture:
Construction:
Interiors:

At Baypoint Residence, the poolside is conceived as an extension of the living space, a serene sanctuary where architect...
12/18/2025

At Baypoint Residence, the poolside is conceived as an extension of the living space, a serene sanctuary where architecture and nature converge. The design prioritizes a seamless transition between interior and exterior, achieved through expansive, floor-to-ceiling glass panels that dissolve the boundaries between the living areas and the pool terrace. This transparency not only floods the interior with natural light but also creates a continuous visual connection with the lush, tropical landscape.

The pool itself, a linear expanse of crystalline water, acts as a reflective element, mirroring the sky and the surrounding foliage. Its clean, rectilinear form aligns with the contemporary architectural language of the residence, emphasizing simplicity and elegance. The terrace, clad in warm, rich timber decking, provides a natural counterpoint to the cool, smooth surfaces of the pool and the architectural elements. This material choice adds a sense of organic warmth and texture, enhancing the overall sensory experience.

A cantilevered balcony, extending from the upper level, provides a shaded area over a portion of the terrace, creating a comfortable transition zone between the sun-drenched pool and the interior spaces. This architectural feature, with its clean lines and minimalist detailing, reinforces the modern aesthetic while offering practical shade and shelter.

Discover more about this project here https://sdhstudio.com/portfolio/bay-point/

Location: Miami, Florida
Status: Completed
Site Area: 15,450 sf
Project Area: 7,540 sf
Program: Single family residence
Architecture:
Construction:
Interiors:

We’re proud to share that SDH Studio has once again been recognized by Ocean Home Magazine as one of the Top 50 Coastal ...
12/15/2025

We’re proud to share that SDH Studio has once again been recognized by Ocean Home Magazine as one of the Top 50 Coastal Architects of 2025—a distinction that celebrates the leading minds shaping the future of coastal living. This continued recognition reflects our team’s dedication to crafting homes that honor their natural surroundings while elevating the experience of waterfront living.

Each year, Ocean Home curates a prestigious list of firms whose work redefines innovation, sustainability, and design excellence along the world’s most breathtaking coastlines. Being featured among this group is an incredible honor and a testament to the creativity and passion that drive every project at SDH.

Explore our award-winning homes across Miami’s coastline and discover the design philosophy that continues to place us at the forefront of coastal architecture.

Discover more at www.sdhstudio.com

Address

18200 NE 19th Avenue Suite 100
Miami, FL
33162

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+13055015013

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