SDH Studio
Tropical Modern Luxury Along the Coast
In the sun-drenched landscapes of South Florida, where the ocean whispers inspiration and the tropical climate shapes every horizon, SDH Studio emerges as a beacon of architectural brilliance. Founded in 2009 by Stephanie Halfen, AIA, this Miami-based architecture and interior design firm has carved a niche in the world of luxury residential design, earning acclaim for its seamless fusion of contemporary elegance and tropical modernism. With a team of over 35 passionate designers and a reputation that extends across Florida, the Caribbean, and beyond, SDH Studio transforms dreams into bespoke sanctuaries that celebrate individuality, nature, and the art of living well.
A Vision Rooted in Collaboration
SDH Studio’s story begins with Halfen’s vision to create spaces that reflect the heart and soul of each client. A graduate of the University of Miami with a focus on architecture and environmental design, Halfen founded the firm after years of honing her craft, driven by a belief that great design stems from a deep understanding of the client’s lifestyle. “We listen first,” she says, emphasizing the firm’s holistic approach. This process starts with attentive conversations, uncovering what inspires each client, and evolves into a co-creative journey that shapes every project from site selection to the final details.
Supported by partner Cristina Magdaleno and a richly talented team, SDH Studio operates as a comprehensive resource, guiding clients through every phase with state-of-the-art technology like 3D modeling and virtual reality. Their mantra, “The Art of Luxury Living®,” encapsulates their mission to craft homes that are not just structures but immersive experiences—spaces where form, function, and environment dance in perfect harmony. This commitment has earned them recognition as one of Ocean Home Magazine’s Top 50 Coastal Architects for six consecutive years and multiple AIA Miami People’s Choice Awards.
Masterpieces of Tropical Modernism
SDH Studio’s portfolio is a gallery of architectural poetry, with projects that redefine luxury living in Florida’s coastal and inland landscapes. One standout is the Oaks Residence, a Bal Harbour gem that clinched the AIA Miami People’s Choice Award in the Residential Architecture category. Set on a magnificent corner lot, this contemporary home features an open floor plan with courtyards that invite nature inside, maximizing natural light and family living. The design’s clean lines and expressive materials—like rare South American woods and stone—create a warm yet balanced aesthetic, reflecting SDH’s signature style.
Another highlight is the 301 Golden Beach Residence, a sparkling example of Miami architecture that optimizes outdoor living. Located in the prestigious Golden Beach area, this home integrates indoor and outdoor spaces with sliding window technology, offering immaculate ocean views and a seamless flow for entertaining. The project’s emphasis on natural scenery and light-filled interiors showcases Halfen’s knack for turning challenges—like narrow lots—into opportunities for brilliance.
Internationally, SDH’s influence shines in projects like the Lake Norman Residence in North Carolina, where tropical modern elements meet a cooler climate, and the Three Villa development, blending luxury with community planning. These works, featured in HomeAdore and Lifestyles South Florida, underscore the firm’s versatility and global appeal, proving their designs transcend regional boundaries.
Core value
At SDH Studio, luxury is inseparable from sustainability—a principle that resonates with today’s environmentally conscious clients. The firm employs passive design strategies, orienting homes to harness natural elements like sunlight and breezes, reducing energy costs and enhancing comfort. Their use of drought-tolerant plants, water features, and state-of-the-art materials like hurricane-resistant glass reflects a dedication to creating residences that coexist with their surroundings.
A notable example is the Wol Residence, designed for a family passionate about entertaining. This U-shaped home with Balinese flair integrates indoor-outdoor living, using ventilation and climate-responsive design to ensure functionality alongside beauty. SDH’s proactive approach extends to overseeing construction, ensuring compliance with local codes and sustainability goals, a process detailed in their schematic design and construction documentation phases.
Inspiration and Education
SDH Studio’s impact goes beyond buildings, reaching into the education sphere with a passion for sharing their craft. Halfen’s interview with The Verge on climate-proof housing highlights their proactive stance on environmental challenges, while their recognition as a top Miami architect by Expertise (2017–2022) cements their authority. This educational drive aligns with their partnership with platforms like Luxury Coastal Design.
The Mastering Luxury Coastal Design course, an NCIDQ-certified program, draws on SDH’s real-world expertise, offering 12–16 weeks of video lectures, interactive tools, and a certification that opens doors in the industry. Paired with the Coastal Mastery PDF, which features insights and visuals inspired by firms like SDH, this suite empowers design students, aspiring architects, and DIY enthusiasts.
Navigating Challenges with Innovation
Designing in South Florida’s dynamic environment—where hurricanes, salt air, and regulatory hurdles loom large—requires ingenuity. SDH Studio thrives here, as seen in the 96 Golden Beach Drive project, where a 27-foot triple-height space serves as the home’s heart, opening toward the water with natural light. Their use of BIM and a multidisciplinary team ensures precision, turning potential obstacles into opportunities for creativity.
The firm’s resilience is also evident in commercial projects like the Jaffa Restaurant renovation, where they balanced aesthetic integrity with functional demands. These successes, coupled with features in over 30 design magazines, highlight SDH’s ability to deliver excellence under pressure.
A Future of Boundless Creativity
Looking ahead, SDH Studio is poised to expand its footprint, with plans for new luxury homes in Naples and beyond. Their commitment to co-creation and environmental stewardship promises to shape the future of coastal architecture. As Halfen and Magdaleno lead with a vision of timeless design, SDH remains a hub of innovation, inspiring clients and designers alike.
For those captivated by SDH’s work, the Mastering Luxury Coastal Design course and Coastal Mastery PDF offer a chance to learn from their expertise. Whether you’re sketching your first coastal plan or enhancing a seaside retreat, SDH’s legacy invites you to join the craft. In a world where the coast is both a privilege and a challenge, SDH Studio proves that design can elevate life with every wave.
