Conversation with Allan T. Shulman: Miami Modern Metropolis

Allan T. Shulman is a Miami-based architect dedicated to balancing historic and contemporary design elements. Founder of Shulman Architect, P.A., he has worked on numerous preservation projects in Miami Beach, offering architectural work, interior design, consulting, and urban planning. His specialization in hotel and motel design has made his firm one of the most sought-after hospitality designers in South Florida. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, Shulman has made significant contributions to the beautification of Miami. Premier Guide Miami's Marie-Junie Pierre sat down with him at the Bass Museum of Art on October 14, 2009, where he launched his new book, Miami Modern Metropolis .

PGM: Thank you so much for meeting with Premier Guide tonight. Congratulations on your new book. Can you briefly summarize what Miami Modern Metropolis is about?

ATS: This book is a critical appraisal of Miami from 1945 to 1965. It provides an overview of the planning and architecture of the city and the significance thereof both nationally and internationally from those years as well as today. The book also tries to determine whether the objectives of the original architects and planners were met in building and developing the city.

PGM: How do you think your experience as an architect influenced the writing in this book?

ATS: I think my architectural experience had an immense influence on this book. This book culminates from driving around Miami with the mindset of an architect and seeing things that could be discussed when looking at certain buildings. The projects that I worked on allowed my academic side to take over and gave me the opportunity to notice a lot of things and to bring those things to light.

PGM: How much preservation work are you involved in and what does preservation work entail?

ATS: I do a lot of preservation work, expansion work, as well as redevelopment. I initially start with the study of the building in order to get a better understanding of the process involved. I then proceed with the practical side, which is the actual work on the building.

PGM: As an architect who has done a lot of preservation work in South Florida, do you feel that there are any particular areas that need to be worked on immediately for preservation purposes?

ATS: Definitely. Miami is a treasure trove of interesting neighborhoods. Some have a good quality of life but there are many more that need to be reintegrated into the larger picture of things. There are some neighborhoods that need to be revived and undergo development. It is up to each individual neighborhood to define itself better by speaking out about what it wants. This is what every city and every area needs in order to successfully develop.

PGM: Are you currently working on any projects?

ATS: I am currently completing the construction and development of the old Sabal in Miami Beach. This building will now be a SoHo House Hotel and it will be called the SoHo Beach House. It is scheduled for completion mid-next year and is definitely the largest project we are working on right now.

PGM: That sounds really exciting. I look forward to seeing it once it's completed. Thank you so much for taking the time and meeting with Premier Guide.

For more upcoming events across South Florida, visit the Premier Guide Miami Events Calendar .