Austin Fox, Principal, Austin Fox Architecture
In an interview with Invest:, Austin Fox, principal at Austin Fox Architecture, discussed how the firm is working to address South Florida’s housing crisis. In addition, he noted that there is a significant interest in the luxury housing and condo market fueled by out-of-state investments, and talked about how the firm is embracing AI to strengthen client relationships.
Looking back at 2024, what were the main highlights for Austin Fox Architecture in South Florida?
One specific development that comes to mind is our Live Local project in Pembroke Park. It consists of 325 units utilizing the Live Local law. This was a significant development that leveraged something very new. The Live Local law is popular in Miami, Broward, and all throughout Florida, so this was a major accomplishment for the firm.
What part does Austin Fox Architecture play in the design landscape of Broward County?
We are part of the revitalization of apartments, hospitality, and commercial real estate as we are involved in hotels, restaurants, and housing. Most importantly, we are addressing the housing crisis, helping local businesses get off their feet, and bringing restaurant and hospitality life to Fort Lauderdale. Solving the housing crisis, bringing hospitality to the region, and supporting local businesses are three key areas where we, alongside our partnerships and developers, are making a difference in the landscape of Broward County.
How does the firm stay competitive and diverse in a growth environment?
We stand out through our diverse designs and innovative approach. Our designs are a breath of fresh air, reflecting the energy and aggressiveness of a young, dynamic firm. Developers and cities appreciate our forward-thinking approach. We are also open to new solutions, asking questions, and maintaining an open-minded attitude as we move forward in the right direction. That adaptability is a key factor in our competitiveness.
What is your strategy to retain clients and expand your network?
We are pushing our presence on social media as part of our overall strategy. It helps us connect with a broader audience and showcase our work. We are also focusing on building relationships and delivering quality. As we say, the first job is always the easiest, but the second job is the hardest. By focusing on results and creating lasting relationships, we secure second and third projects with our clients. Continuity, partnership, longevity, and loyalty are the cornerstones of our approach.
South Florida has shown quite an appetite for luxury housing, and condos in particular, how has this affected your firm’s strategy and what opportunities does this present?
We have made a significant impact in the condo market and the luxury single-family residential market. With the influx of out-of-state money, we provide solutions through luxury housing. We have condos going up on the water, offering out-of-state investors an opportunity to park their money in a beautiful, sunny state. These properties are near the water, and the luxury housing market offers buyers a chance to own homes with land and pools at costs comparable to what
people pay in California and New York, which is where many of these investors are coming from.
Are there any opportunity areas that the design industry should be taking into consideration to assess the region’s housing affordability?
Certainly. There are opportunities in less populated submarkets. For example, the Pembroke Park project using the Live Local law demonstrates how we can provide housing with cost effective solutions in secondary counties or cities that are not as thriving. Developing these areas helps address the housing crisis by offering affordable options.
Take Miami as an example. Brickell is booming, but projects are now extending to secondary markets like Little Havana. We are working on an apartment redevelopment project there. Similarly, in Fort Lauderdale, development is gradually moving westward. It is the same dynamic you see in New York, where Manhattan’s growth has shifted to areas like Brooklyn. These secondary markets are where the growth is happening now.
How does South Florida’s diverse population influence decision-making in the real estate market?
I have been a Florida local my whole life, and I have witnessed the influx of out-of-country and out-of-state people. This diversity influences local architecture, the economy, and even decision making. In my office, I am now the minority, which reflects the changes in the population. These diverse perspectives are shaping the way we approach projects.
How do you use new technologies such as AI in your firm?
Every industry evolves with technology, and architecture is no exception. We are embracing AI rather than ignoring it. In our practice, we use AI for site studies, feasibility assessments, and zoning analysis at a macro level. However, we make the final decisions. AI is not a solution but a tool in our toolkit, and that is how we approach it.
You have previously mentioned the challenges of breaking into government projects. Have you made any progress on that front?
We have made progress, but it takes time. It is a relationship-building process. As new architects and professionals enter the field, cities are becoming more open to collaboration. The old guard is retiring, and new people are stepping in, which is creating opportunities for us.
I believe being a risk-taker sets us apart. As a young firm, we are not afraid of challenges, saying no, or figuring things out. That willingness to take risks and innovate is our key differentiator.
Looking ahead to the next half-decade, what is your outlook for Austin Fox Architecture and the South Florida region?
In the next five to 10 years, I see us becoming a prominent name in the Fort Lauderdale market. As older firms phase out, we aim to establish ourselves as a major stakeholder in the industry. It is just a matter of time as we continue to build on what works. We observe what others are doing, and we are striving to do it better.
