Collaboration Over Competition

Collaboration over competition. That’s the mantra behind Design Force Miami a group of talented South Florida interior designers who individually run separate design firms, yet have come together to inspire each other, motivate others, and create exceptional projects as a unit.

If you haven’t already heard of Design Force Miami, it’s only a matter of time. They are the creative minds behind Luxury Living Group’s first US Showcase open right now in Miami’s Design District, and they’ve got plenty more up their stylish sleeves.

Together the driven designers are a force to be reckoned with. It all started on a group vacation to Aspen to celebrate one of their birthdays where they created a unique bond. Then earlier this year they took another trip, this time to Milan for Salone del Mobile. While in Italy, the founders of B&G Design, House of Odalys, Joseph Fava Designs, Janet Patterson Interior Design, and Miguel Lewis Interiors were inspired to join forces. They became one as Design Force Miami – each bringing their individual style and design perspective to the collaborative team.

“I believe in the idea that colleagues can be friends and competitors simultaneously,” says Joseph Fava of Fava Design Group. “I love learning and growing from each other. We each have unique visions and a sense of style, and it helps me creatively as an individual.”

Competitors in the same market, they are breaking the stigma that designers can’t be friends. The industry veterans have developed a support network to share their expertise, knowledge, tips, tricks, and trends.

“I love surrounding myself with people who go through the same professional struggles as I do,” says Janet Patterson of Janet Paterson ID. “Many of us have known each other for over a decade. The camaraderie is the best.”

Together, this eclectic group of veteran designers have produced projects in more than 40 countries, but South Florida is home. They have an extensive portfolio of residential, hospitality, and commercial projects completed throughout, but giving back is a universal unifier for the team.

“We created a vignette for this year’s Design on a Dime event, a charity event hosted by Housing Work,” says Miguel Lewis of Miguel Lewis Interior Design. “The design community came together with help from vendors who donated products sold at the event to raise funds for the homeless and people with HIV. Profits from the event go toward the mission of ending Aids in the US by 2025.”

Design Force Miami is currently collaborating with several local vendors and furniture showrooms on industry-related panel discussions that will be announced soon. This fall, the group is headed to North Carolina for High Point Market, the world’s largest furnishings industry trade show, where they will be featured panelists at Baker Furniture.

To learn more about Design Force Miami, visit their website and check out their YouTube channel for a documentary-style reality show that just might hit your television screen soon!