The transformation of an overlooked area of Downtown Miami has been aided by entrepreneur and real estate developer Craig Robins. The founder and co-owner of Design Miami, Robins is known as the visionary behind the Miami Design District, shaping the area into a thriving hub for art, architecture, fashion, and luxury hospitality. Robins’ business vision has benefitted from his passion for art and design, blending the two together in a way that enables him to see creative opportunities where others may only see empty spaces.
Design in the 21st Century
“Design today is a universal language that bridges the gap between disciplines, from technology and architecture to fashion and art. It’s not limited to aesthetics or functionality—it has become a cultural connector that sparks collaboration and innovation,” shared Robins, who believes design is the heart of human experiences, especially within the creative industries.
When it comes to the hospitality and real estate sectors, careful consideration of how to transform spaces into destinations via design can help foster a sense of community. Robins expressed, “It’s about creating environments that resonate emotionally while meeting practical needs. Design, in its broadest sense, can define how we live, work, and connect with each other.”
The Miami Design District was inspired by Robins’ desire to reimagine an overlooked neighborhood as a cultural hub that celebrates creativity in all its forms. Initially, Robins wanted to create a space where art, design, and luxury could come together and offer both local and global audiences a unique experience. However, over time, the area has become more than a real estate project for Robins: “It has evolved into a living, breathing ecosystem where innovation thrives. Today, it’s a destination that fosters connections between art, fashion, food, and architecture. It’s exciting to see how it continues to grow and adapt, constantly redefining what it means to be a creative and cultural hub in Miami,” shared Robins.
Robins: The Art Collector
Art has served as a profound source of inspiration for Robins, teaching him how to look beyond what’s visible and see potential where others might not. This perspective has served Robins well in his business ventures, helping him tap into unseen opportunities and foster connections between different sectors.
“Art’s ability to challenge conventional thinking encourages me to take risks and embrace innovation, whether we’re inviting artists to take over spaces in the Design District or developing real estate projects. It’s not just about acquiring pieces—it’s about integrating creativity into every aspect of what I do and ensuring that each venture contributes to a more significant cultural dialogue,” said Robins.
Robins’ journey into art began at just 19, while he was living in Barcelona and purchased his first piece of art—a work by Salvador Dalí.
“Early on, I was drawn to iconic works by established artists, pieces that defined movements and set benchmarks in contemporary art. Over the years, my focus has shifted toward emerging voices, but I have kept a focus on historical pieces,” reflected Robins on his journey as an art collector.
Today, his collection has grown to include more than 1,200 pieces of contemporary art and groundbreaking design, with many of these works showcased in exhibitions at the headquarters of his real estate firm, Dacra, located in the Miami Design District.
The art collector stated, “Recently, I’ve been particularly interested in the works of Kai Althoff and Jana Euler, and some of my recent acquisitions include works by Richard Tuttle, Jill Mulleady, Mario Ayala, Karon Davis, Bony Ramirez, Alteronce Gumby, and many others. These will all be exhibited as part of the rehang of my collection in our Dacra offices. We rotate the collection every year and open it to the public by appointment at the start of Miami Art Week.” The latest jewel added to Robins’ collection is a large-scale mural by artist Bony Ramirez titled Musa Coccinea (2024) that celebrates Caribbean culture and its legacy, which was unveiled just ahead of Miami Art Week.
With the Design District always aiming to stay ahead of the curve, the art scene in this area has served as a platform for innovation and a meeting point for global and local creatives.
“As it continues to grow culturally, the district will play an essential part in shaping Miami’s identity on the world stage. While growth is exciting, maintaining a balance is critical. It’s about curating the right mix of art, fashion, design, and culinary experiences to keep the district fresh and authentic,” shared Robins.
