MKDA designed A-CAP’s new upscale headquarters at 830 Brickell Plaza as a strategic extension of the firm’s brand, translating its New York roots into a distinctly Miami workplace within Brickell’s rapidly evolving business district. Drawing from New York’s pace and discipline and Miami’s mid-century modern ease, the project team shaped the workplace as a physical expression of this convergence—balancing technology with natural elements, organic forms with architectural clean lines, and moments of softness within a more structured framework. Rich materials, precise detailing, and customized, branded elements bring these ideas into focus, creating a space that feels luxurious and sophisticated while supporting both focused work and day-to-day connection.
MKDA realized the design through a highly customized interplay of geometry, materiality, and form, establishing a clear architectural language that carries throughout the workplace. Inspired by A-CAP’s logo, the team translated its linear and square forms into a system of gridded walls and architectural frameworks that organize the space and create a sense of rhythm. Breezeblock features—drawn from Miami’s mid-century architectural vernacular—are reinterpreted through custom metal detailing and plaster finishes, grounding the design in its context. This framework is layered with a palette of rich walnut tones, deep blues, soft greens, and high-contrast black and white with subtle brass accents, expressed through millwork, terrazzo, and curated furnishings. In contrast, curved ceilings, serpentine seating, and moss installations introduce a softer, more fluid counterpoint to the overall composition.
The arrival sequence delivers a strong and lasting first impression, reinforcing A-CAP’s presence from the moment guests and employees enter. A private elevator lobby transitions into a reception defined by a custom terrazzo floor that extends upward to form a monolithic desk, carved into the brand’s geometry and intersected by three black Tunisian marble cubes. The project team integrated a large-scale digital screen within walnut millwork as a dynamic, technology-driven focal point, while moss elements and soft, curved forms establish a more relaxed, hospitality-driven experience. Together, these elements create a space that feels both elevated and approachable, setting the tone for the workplace beyond.
The main boardroom facilitates seamless executive meetings and client interactions, balancing performance with a tailored presence. Anchoring the room, a custom marble conference table is paired with warm walnut millwork and integrated storage that maintain a clean, organized environment. A gridded ceiling detail overhead brings rhythm and depth, reinforcing the architectural language and enhancing acoustic performance. Brushed brass accents provide a final layer of refinement, resulting in a space that feels both professional and composed.
At the heart of the workplace, the café unfolds as a multi-use hub for socialization, collaboration, and informal meetings. Curved ceiling elements guide movement through a series of zones defined by varied seating—from communal tables and banquettes to more intimate lounge areas and built-in nooks—allowing the space to transition naturally between work and respite. Walnut millwork, terrazzo flooring, and moss installations maintain continuity with the broader workplace, while black Caesarstone surfaces provide contrast at the island, shelving, and dining tables. Framed by sweeping views of the city and bay, the café serves as both a social anchor and a place of retreat.
MKDA organized the work areas to support a highly functional and efficient day-to-day environment, complemented by adjacent lounge settings that offer alternative places to work throughout the day. The team arranged a mix of open workstations, private offices, and shared offices to balance individual focus with team-based collaboration, integrating height-adjustable desks, high panel systems, and ergonomic seating to enhance comfort and adaptability. Along the perimeter, breakout lounges take advantage of natural light to encourage movement and informal interaction, while privacy pods and a dedicated wellness lounge provide opportunities for retreat within the broader plan. Subtle references to New York emerge through cooler tonal inflections and reflective surfaces, including a custom coffee table by Uhuru inspired by subway glass openings, which adds a distinctive, brand-driven aspect.
MKDA crafted the executive suite as a tailored extension of the overall design language, introducing an elevated level of finish that supports focused leadership and a sense of exclusivity. A curved, glass-enclosed CEO office brings quiet transparency, while walnut millwork and expansive views create a cohesive and luxurious environment. The project team also curated residential-style furnishings to add a softer, more relaxed layer for meetings and moments of respite. The adjoining restroom completes the suite with a bold pairing of black Tunisian and white Carrara marble, referencing mid-century material clarity.
