The Preserve South Beach Building: Gensler’s Innovative Miami Headquarters

Situated in the heart of Miami Beach, United States, The Preserve South Beach Building by Gensler redefines corporate architecture by blending historic Miami design with contemporary workplace innovation. Completed in 2022, this LEED-NC Gold certified headquarters occupies 235,000 ft² across seven uniquely shaped floors, thoughtfully stacked above parking and retail spaces to create a vibrant mixed-use environment.

Bridging Miami’s Architectural Past and Present

The design pays homage to Miami Beach’s iconic Art Deco heritage, merging the city’s celebrated architectural language with modern glass façades. Natural materials, expressed stucco floor plates, and bronze and stone finishes are carefully interwoven into the building’s exterior, evoking Miami’s warm Modernist legacy. Inside, raw elements like exposed concrete, wood accents, and a striking green wall connect occupants to the city’s lush coastal environment while reinforcing Gensler’s commitment to sustainable and biophilic design.

Thoughtful Design for Work, Play, and Collaboration

Set across a 1.2-acre lot, the building is bifurcated by a communal breezeway on the fourth level, flanked by two three-story towers. One tower serves as the headquarters for The Preserve South Beach team, while the other provides boutique office spaces for lease, catering to tech startups, financial firms, and creative enterprises.

The orientation and terracing of the building optimize natural light and panoramic views, while self-shading features reduce energy consumption. Integrated landscaping and water features extend outdoor environments into workplace areas, promoting employee wellness, collaboration, and stress reduction.

A Headquarters That Embodies Brand Identity

Owner Barry Sternlicht envisioned a headquarters that reflects the company’s culture of “live, work, play”, keeping employees connected to Miami Beach while embracing luxury hospitality traditions. The dynamic mix of indoor and outdoor workspaces, combined with glass façades reflecting Miami’s vibrant energy, ensures the headquarters functions as a beacon for innovation and sustainability.

The building’s striking architecture communicates the brand identity without reliance on signage, standing as a modern icon within Miami Beach’s skyline. From sunrise to sunset, The Preserve South Beach Building embodies the future of office design, blending artful architecture, environmental responsibility, and community integration.

All photographs are works of  Connie Zhou