Frank Paredes first became interested in architecture at his family’s home in Coral Gables, when his parents considered adding a backyard swimming pool. An architect friend of his father sketched the options, and the sight of a drawing becoming a plan led Paredes to the profession. About 20 years later, he designed that pool himself for his parents.
Paredes, the founder of Miami-based Paredes Architects, began working in the field while studying at the University of Miami. At 18, he started contributing to Grove Hill while working at another practice, and his early work included the project that became Miami’s Four Seasons Hotel and Tower. He later worked at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in New York before returning to South Florida. “I always knew I needed to find a way back to Miami,” he said.
He kept his practice small on purpose so he could stay involved in meetings, coordinate with engineers and follow how a single design change affects the rest of a building.
In Coconut Grove, that approach extends to the street. For The Lincoln, a residential project at Lincoln Avenue and Southwest 27th Avenue, Paredes focused on the corner entrance, vehicle access and the view of pedestrians walking past. The design also uses vertical aluminum fins, developed with Brazilian facade consultant Cité Arquitetura, to filter views, add privacy and shade residences from direct sun. “The amenity is really Coconut Grove,” he said.
The Paredes Architects office is at 12915 SW 132 St, Suite 3, in Miami. Information is available at paredesarchitects.com or by calling 786-732-2693.
