Eddie Seymour, Principal & Founder, Flux Architects

Invest: met with Founder and Principal of Flux Architects Eddie Seymour to discuss recent milestones, industry trends, technological advancements, and the challenges faced by the architecture and construction industry in Miami and South Florida.

What have been the main highlights and key milestones for Flux Architects over the past 12 months?

One of our major achievements is that we are nearing the opening of a five-story, 80-unit affordable housing project on Florida’s west coast, specifically in Bradenton. This project was developed by the Housing Trust Group, one of Florida’s largest affordable housing developers. We’re proud of this project because, as we know, Florida needs more affordable housing, given the current challenges many face. While Miami and South Florida are attractive places to live, the increasing housing prices make it difficult for long-time residents to afford to stay. At Flux Architects, we are committed to affordable and workforce housing projects, even though they can be quite challenging. This project is set to open in the next three to four weeks, and we are very proud of it.

We’ve recently been certified as a minority-owned business enterprise by the state of Florida. This certification should open doors for us to participate in government projects, which is an exciting prospect for us.

How do you view the state of the residential and commercial architectural construction industry in Miami and South Florida?

The architecture and construction industry in Miami and South Florida has been bustling, especially since the pandemic, and even before it. After the pandemic, construction surged, driven by increased demand, though inflation and higher interest rates have slowed things down compared to 2021 and 2022. We saw a notable slowdown in the first half of this year, but there was renewed interest starting in August when the Federal Reserve hinted at possible interest rate decreases. Despite this slowdown, our state remains stronger than others, with plenty of ongoing construction projects.

Another factor affecting the industry is that 2024 is an election year, which often creates uncertainty. Developers tend to wait until after elections to have a clearer idea of what direction policies will take. These two factors — the interest rate hikes and the election year — have contributed to the slowdown, but overall, the industry remains strong.

What sets Flux Architects apart from other architectural and construction firms that focus on the commercial and residential real estate sector in Florida?

We pride ourselves on offering highly personalized service. Our clients have direct access to our leadership 24/7, and we are committed to responding promptly. We ensure our designs are tailored to the project and budget while also providing the quality you’d expect from a larger firm. The difference is that, with us, clients get a more accessible and responsive experience. Larger firms may not always offer that level of direct communication, which is something we believe sets us apart.

Could you share any specific technologies, software, or AI tools Flux Architects uses to enhance efficiency and project outcomes?

At Flux Architects, we prioritize efficiency and staying up-to-date with the latest technology. We rely heavily on Revit, a building information modeling (BIM) software that helps coordinate architectural designs with other disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering. This ensures potential conflicts, such as a beam interfering with ductwork, are caught early in the design phase rather than during construction, which used to happen with traditional 2D drawings.

I’m particularly excited about the potential of AI. While we use BIM extensively, I believe AI will be transformative, especially for the building review process. Currently, plan reviews by city officials can take weeks. An AI programmed with building codes could review plans in minutes, speeding up the process significantly. However, government adoption of such technology may take years, possibly a decade. But when it happens, it will be a game changer for the industry.

The building review process is often delayed due to the sheer volume of projects and limited city resources. In cities like Miami, it can take a month or more just to have plans looked at, even before any feedback is provided. Introducing AI to expedite this process could make a significant impact, enhancing overall efficiency.

How is Flux Architects working to address challenges, whether it’s labor shortages or other concerns?

The industry faces numerous challenges. Post-pandemic inflation has made construction more expensive, and costs haven’t returned to pre-pandemic levels. The rising cost of land in Florida adds another layer of difficulty, especially with the high demand for property. To navigate these challenges, we collaborate with nonprofit organizations on affordable housing projects, designing with cost-efficiency in mind. Each project has different parameters, so we prioritize essential components while balancing budget constraints.

Climate change is another significant challenge, with stronger storms and increased flooding impacting design considerations. Cities like Miami Beach are adopting higher base flood elevation requirements, which is a positive step. Beyond economic and climate issues, public transportation infrastructure in Miami is another major challenge. Without significant investment and commitment, traffic congestion will worsen, potentially turning Miami into another gridlocked city like Los Angeles.

How does your team incorporate sustainable practices in its projects, and how has this focus on sustainability impacted your relationships with clients and partners?

Sustainability is a key part of our projects. We use efficient mechanical equipment, recycled or locally sourced materials to reduce carbon footprints and WaterSense-certified plumbing fixtures. We also prioritize energy-efficient lighting, like LED-certified fixtures. However, incorporating sustainable practices can increase overall costs, so there’s always a balance to strike based on project budgets. 

Resilience is equally important, especially with Miami’s stringent building codes that require hurricane-impact windows. These codes, which are among the strictest in the country, have proven effective in reducing damage from storms, unlike areas that haven’t fully adopted them. We’re pleased that both the public and private sectors are committed to sustainability. For instance, many of our public bid projects require sustainability certifications like LEED or NGBS. Our recent affordable housing project on the west coast, for example, is NGBS Green Building-certified.

What are the main priorities and goals for the firm over the next two to three years?

Our main focus will continue to be on multifamily housing, whether market rate or affordable. We want to provide value to the community and may even explore developing our own projects, starting with single-family homes and eventually expanding to multifamily units. I’m optimistic about the future of Miami; despite its challenges, I believe it’s a city with great potential. If we address these challenges effectively, we’ll look back in a decade and recognize this as the time when Miami truly came into its own.

One important point is that Florida’s business-friendly environment, including no state income tax, attracts entrepreneurs and businesses, especially when compared to states like California or New York. This is a vital aspect that contributes to our state’s success, and I hope it continues to be a draw for young talent. Miami offers a unique lifestyle and climate that, despite some weather challenges this year, historically has been appealing.