Discover how ATF Builders leverages its architectural eye to craft Miami’s most challenging luxury residences
Based in Miami, Florida, ATF Builders (ATF) is a boutique design-build contractor specializing in new construction of single-family residences and high-end condominium renovations. Most notably, the company stands out through its integrated multidisciplinary approach, bringing together the architect, engineer, interior designer and builder from the start to smoothly deliver even the most complex projects. Carlos Rey Valenti, President and CEO, introduces us to ATF and its latest work.
“We started out as a municipal contractor carrying out capital improvement projects, such as pre-engineered metal buildings, park and recreation contracts, demolitions, and site restorations. Over time, we transitioned into the residential space, driven by my interest in architecture, which is where my academic background lies, having studied at Boston Architectural College. Today, we focus on luxury residential construction, including new builds and high-end condo renovations. Over the last four years, we have been fortunate to work in some of the most prestigious buildings in the area, including Oceana Bal Harbour Residences and Five Park Miami Beach,” he begins.
Connecting construction
What sets ATF apart as a builder is Carlos’ architectural background, which gives the team an understanding of not just how to build, but why – something that goes beyond simply following what is on the plans. “That perspective has allowed me to progress quickly in my career. I can take a set of drawings and read them the way another person would read a book, absorbing the information rapidly, understanding how everything connects, and cross-referencing it against the other trades to identify conflicts before they become problems.
“At this level of luxury residential work, projects typically involve an architectural design set, an engineering set and an interior design set, all of which can conflict with one another. Therefore, we need someone at the table who can navigate those conflicts and bring everything back to the original design intent. Most change orders are born from exactly this kind of uncoordinated, unforeseen clash.
“A traditional builder may put their head down and build to the plans as drawn, only to discover coordination issues little by little over the life of the project. By the end, there can be significant change orders and delays, and nobody quite knows how they got there. Often, it comes down to the disconnection between architecture and construction. At ATF, we bring an architectural perspective to the process from the very beginning precisely to avoid that disconnect,” Carlos explains.
That approach is currently being implemented through ATF Builders’ work on Eden Estates, a two-residence custom development in Davie, Florida, designed by CGA Design. ATF is serving as both the local architect and contractor of record for the Yin and Yang Residences, each with an estimated construction cost of approximately $10 million. The project has already received international recognition, earning the International Property Award for Architecture Single Residence in Florida.
Impressive project portfolio
It also brings together an exceptional team: developer Fernand Talpe of The Private Collection, concept design architect Carlos Guevara, interior designer Sagrav Studio, and landscape architects Pacheco Landscape Design. As the project sits within a designated wetland parcel, it requires civil engineering expertise, which Pillar Consultants brings on board. The 3D modelling is done by Ulises Del Llano and Miguel Acosta, whose work spans some of the most prestigious architectural practices locally and internationally, while property curation and disposition are handled by Christina and Eddy Rodriguez of The Rod Team.
“Overall, it is a great project. With around 22,000 square feet of gross buildable area, it is a decently sized project that will take approximately two years to build. We are currently in pre-construction and working through our buyout process, so realistically, we expect to break ground within the next six to eight months,” Carlos notes.
Another notable project Carlos is particularly proud of is a beachfront home in Fort Lauderdale that is just days away from being handed over to its owners. “It is a private residence on North Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, designed by Jose Sanchez of Praxis Architecture & Design, a firm known for beautiful luxury residential waterfront projects. Joanna Tamer of Joanna Tamer Designs handled the interior design, while we served as the builder. The lot itself was quite interesting and presented a unique set of challenges, as it is completely enclosed to the north, south, and east, with only a narrow alleyway providing access from the west,” he continues.
Schedule success
The scope of work required full demolition of the original home, a deep foundation system, and underpinning of the adjacent structures to prevent any movement or collapse during earthwork excavation for the project’s own foundation. On top of that, the high water table meant the site required continuous dewatering throughout the foundation phase. “Delivering a project of this complexity on such a restricted and access-limited lot was not without its difficulties, but we navigated them successfully, and the result is something we are very proud of,” he concludes.
Rooted in foresight and technical fluency, ATF’s ability to catch conflicts between architectural, engineering, and interior design sets before they become schedule setbacks or expensive change orders has been key to its success. Indeed, it has carried the company from municipal projects to luxury residences in Surfside, Bal Harbour, Coconut Grove, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and now Davie for the innovative Yin and Yang Residences. By ensuring a smoother build across every discipline, ATF has earned its place in luxury residential construction – delivering refined homes with precision, clarity, and far less chaos along the way.