Photo courtesy Oppenheim architecture + design

The water courtyard at the Setai / Photo courtesy Setai Hotel and Resort (top), Tomas Maier in the Design District / Photo courtesy Tomas Maier.

Chad Oppenheim, AIA, received a bachelor of architecture from Cornell University in 1994, and founded Miami-based Oppenheim architecture + design in 1999. Oppenheim is known for his luxury condominium and hospitality designs.  He also serves as an adjunct professor of architecture at Florida International University and lectures globally.

Best Historic Architecture
Palm Bay Yacht Club
“Super swank condo constructed over the water in 1972 by Connie Dinkler as Miami's ultimate luxury high rise address. The Towers has 72 lavishly spacious apartments, just 3 per floor.”

Best Restaurants
Casa Tua
“So amazingly elegant.  The most beautiful place in Miami.”

Fifi's Place
“Very under the radar—scrumptious fish—so fresh.”

Best Shopping
Tomas Maier
“Very cool clothes, homewares, and accessories.”

Luminaire
“Luminaire—need I say more? Check out Luminaire Outdoor Therapy, also in the Design District.”

Best Hotel
The Delano Hotel
 “Very simple and dramatic moves show how much excitement you can achieve with minimal effort. Incredibly romantic, it’s Philippe Stark’s masterpiece. I met my wife there, so it is sacred ground.”

The Setai Hotel and Resort
“I absolutely love the water courtyard.  Sensational.”