Entrepreneur and real estate developer Craig Robins has always had a talent for combining his love of art and design with his business activities, and his ability to see creative opportunities where others see empty spaces has fueled a forward-thinking strategy that integrates cultural and artistic growth. with stable housing investment. But Robins, the founder and owner of Design Miami, is best known to many as the epitome of Miami Design, where he transformed the neglected area of Downtown Miami into a thriving area of art, architecture, fashion and luxury hospitality.
Robins' relationship with art began early and seriously: at the age of just 19, while living in Barcelona, he bought his first piece – the work of Salvador Dalí. Today, his collection has grown into a powerhouse, boasting more than 1,200 pieces of contemporary art and whimsical design. Many of these works are displayed in rotating exhibitions at the headquarters of his real estate firm, Dacra, in the heart of the Miami Design District. For more than two decades, his commitment to the region has extended beyond business; His public art commissions have transformed his neighborhood into a living, open gallery. Highlights include a mural by John Baldessari, a sculpture by Brazilian designers Campana Brothers and an original mural by rising star Amani Lewis.
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The latest jewel in this cultural crown is a large-scale mural by artist Bony Ramirez titled Musa Coccinea (2024), presented just before Miami Art Week. Ramirez's first public art project, the mural occupies the second floor of Palm Court, celebrating Caribbean culture and its enduring legacy. Meanwhile, this year's Design commission highlights Nicole Nomsa Moyo, a native of Zimbabwe, who grew up in South Africa, and is based in Toronto. Her project, inspired by the living beauty of South Africa's Ndebele tribe, is a human-centered wonder. Sculptures of bejeweled jewelry—including gigantic pearls, an adjustable necklace and a wraparound bracelet—adorn Paradise Plaza and Paseo Ponti. This installation was created in collaboration with indigenous Ndebele women, and will be exhibited in March next year.
As Miami prepares for another powerful art week, the Observer sat down with Craig Robins to explore how his passion for art and design continues to inspire his vision, drive his business success and leave an indelible mark on the city's evolution and culture.
He was instrumental in establishing Design Miami as the first contemporary design fair, and it now has editions in Basel and Paris. How has the definition and relevance of design evolved over the last decade, particularly in the arts, tourism and architecture industries?
Design today is a universal language that bridges the gap between disciplines, from technology and architecture to fashion and art. It is not limited to aesthetics or functionality—it has become a cultural connector that sparks collaboration and innovation. For me, design is the essence of shaping human experience, especially in the creative industries. In the hospitality and real estate sector, thoughtful design transforms spaces into destinations, fostering a sense of community and elevating everyday connections. It's about creating emotional spaces while meeting practical needs. Design, in its broadest sense, can define how we live, work and communicate.
After founding the show, he began to develop the Miami Design District, which is now an important cultural and artistic center of the city and an outstanding real estate success. What inspired the idea, and how have your original goals and vision evolved over time?
The vision for the Miami Design District stems from a desire to reimagine a neglected area into a cultural hub that will celebrate art in all its forms. Initially, the idea was to create a place where art, design and luxury could coexist in harmony, providing both a local and international audience with an unparalleled experience. Over time, this district has become more than a real estate project—it has evolved into a living, breathing place where innovation thrives. Today, it is a place that promotes the connection 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 Miami's arts and culture hub.
Your valuable contemporary art collection reflects the passion that seems to fuel your businesses, prompting you to open up untapped opportunities and create fruitful collaborations across the board. How has this idea of art influenced your approach to business?
Collecting art has been a deep source of inspiration for me. It teaches you to see beyond the obvious and to be able to see strengths where others may not. This perspective has been invaluable to my businesses, helping me see untapped opportunities and fostering connections between different disciplines. Art's ability to challenge conventional thinking encourages me to take risks and embrace innovation, whether we invite artists to occupy spaces in the Design District or develop real estate projects. It's not just about getting the pieces—it's about incorporating creativity into every aspect of what I do and making sure that every business has a big part of the cultural conversation.
Our art collections evolve along with our lives, shaped by changing tastes and experiences. How has your collecting journey changed over the years, and what have you found yourself gravitating towards lately?
My journey as a collector was written by my personal experience and the times we live in. At first, I was attracted to the iconic works of older artists, pieces that define movement and set standards in contemporary art. Over the years, my focus has shifted to emerging voices, but I have focused on historical pieces. Recently, I have been particularly interested in the works of Kai Althoff and Jana Euler, and some of my recent discoveries include the works of Richard Tuttle, Jill Mulleady, Mario Ayala, Karon Davis, Bony Ramirez, Alteronce Gumby and many others. All of this will be on display as part of the reorganization of my collection at our offices in Dacra. We rotate the collection every year and open it to the public by appointment at the beginning of Miami Art Week.
Miami's art and culture ecosystem has grown exponentially, fueled by Art Basel and the contributions of local collectors and patrons like you. With the Design District hosting a dynamic mix of fashion, design and art—along with annual commissions, seasonal fairs and the expansion of ICA Miami—what do you see as its future in Miami's ever-growing art scene? Do you believe this growth can continue in a sustainable manner, or is the city in danger of overcrowding?
The Design District has always been about pushing boundaries and staying ahead of the curve. Its role in Miami's art scene is significant, serving as a platform for innovation and a meeting place for international and local creatives. As it continues to grow culturally, the region will play an important role in shaping Miami's identity on the world stage. While growth is exciting, maintaining balance is important. It's about curating the right mix of art, fashion, design and culinary experiences to keep the region fresh and authentic. I don't see overload as a danger if we stay true to our vision. Instead, I see the district continuing to thrive, setting new benchmarks and inspiring Miami's next wave of cultural development.
