French Connection- Juliana Touma, Atelier Akari

Atelier Akari Architecture

A Parisian at heart, I immigrated to Paris in 2007, where I worked as an architect and learned about sustainable development at Paris IV Sorbonne.

After 3 years in Paris, I decided to return to Miami, where I received my degree in architecture. My experience was majorly in luxury residential architecture.

Fascinated by the new initiatives around urban ecology, eco-districts, etc., in 2012, I decidedto dedicate myself exclusively to ecological and luxury architecture in Miami.

You and your company…

What do you have to offer – services, products, activity?

Atelier Akari is an architecture firm specializing in sustainable, eco-friendly, green architecture and especially luxury. In line with their needs, the customer will be able to visualize their project done with equipment that consumes less electricity, conservative water systems, natural materials, and sustainable elements.

Atelier Akari focusses on balance and movement, the redevelopment of interiors while doing away with as much clutter as possible and taking care of the needs of each of its clients on a case by case basis.

It is an approach that we practice for all projects: architecture and interior design, renovation, project management and assistance in the tasks of the projects like, filing of a building permit, advice on eco-materials and green building.

What is the spirit, the nature of your business? What categorizes it?

Atelier Akari’s main idea is ecological architecture, respectful of man and the environment.

There are no restraints to the ecological and luxury projects we take on; we work on different types and sizes of projects of modular housing, apartments, and single family homes. We can work on small apartments of 50 sq.feet, or residences of 700 sq.feet.

Why did you decide to settle in Florida?

Miami is a city where I feel perfectly in my element, “a city where initiatives of eco-construction and green building are in synergy“.

What advice would you give to those who want to move to Florida?

When it comes to architecture, it is important to search and choose your area in Florida and to contact the local city hall. In Florida, each city hall has their own urban zoning code that can be very limited.

For example, if you prefer modern homes, the Coral Gables area is not best suited for this style of architecture. on the contrary, Miami Beach is more open to modern architecture.