FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you’ve got a question about architecture, our design process, or how to start a project with our team, take a look at the FAQ’s below, and if you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to a member of our team on our Contact Us page, just click here.
About SDH Studio FAQs
What kind of projects does SDH Studio specialize in?
SDH Studio specializes in custom luxury residential architecture and interior design across South Florida. Our work centers on tropical modern homes that integrate indoor and outdoor living, respond to the South Florida climate, and reflect each client’s individuality. We design new custom homes, full-scope renovations, and master-planned residential properties.
Who founded SDH Studio?
SDH Studio was founded in 2012 by Stephanie Halfen, AIA NCARB. Stephanie holds an architecture degree from Universidad Simón BolÃvar (Summa Cum Laude) and an interior design degree from Parsons School of Design (Highest Honors). She is a licensed Florida architect and an active member of AIA Miami.
How large is the firm?
SDH Studio is intentionally boutique in scale. Our team includes approximately 30 architects, designers, and project managers, which allows us to maintain a white-glove client experience while taking on complex projects. Stephanie is personally involved in every project from concept through construction administration.
Geography & Service Area FAQs
Where does SDH Studio work?
We are based in North Miami Beach and work throughout South Florida and select international destinations. Our Florida footprint spans the Miami-to-Boca Raton corridor — including Golden Beach, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside, Miami Beach, Aventura, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale, and Boca Raton — and extends to the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast, including West Palm Beach, Jupiter, and Hobe Sound, as well as Naples on the Gulf Coast. Internationally, we accept select commissions in the Caribbean and Latin America, including The Bahamas, Barbuda, Jamaica, Belize, Panama, Colombia, and Cancún.
Do you work outside South Florida?
Our primary focus is South Florida and the Caribbean, where our deep familiarity with local building departments, climate considerations, and trades is part of the value we deliver. We will consider projects further afield on a case-by-case basis where the design opportunity is exceptional.
Process & Services FAQs
What services does SDH Studio offer?
We provide three primary services: full-service custom residential architecture (programming through construction administration), luxury residential interior design, and architectural consultancy for private clients and developers. We also offer master planning for complex sites.
Do you handle both architecture and interior design in-house?
Yes. SDH Studio is a fully integrated architecture and interior design practice. Many of our projects benefit from a single team coordinating both disciplines, which produces a more cohesive final result and a smoother client experience. We are also happy to collaborate with a client’s preferred interior designer when the architecture-only engagement is the right fit.
What does the design process look like?
Our process moves through five phases: programming (defining the project brief), schematic design (initial concept and 3D modeling), design development (refining materials, systems, and details), construction documents (the technical drawings used for permitting and construction), and construction administration (overseeing the build). Stephanie and your dedicated project team are involved at every phase.
How long does a custom home project take?
A new custom home typically takes 18 to 36 months from initial engagement to move-in, depending on size, complexity, jurisdiction, and contractor schedule. The design phase alone is usually 6 to 12 months. We provide a more specific timeline once we understand the project scope during initial conversations.
Do you work with my contractor or do you recommend one?
Both. We have long-standing relationships with the leading custom-home contractors in South Florida and are happy to recommend a qualified shortlist for competitive bidding. If you have already selected a contractor, we work collaboratively with their team. We always recommend involving the contractor early so they can contribute to constructability and budget conversations during design.
Permits & Local Expertise FAQs
How long does the permitting process take in South Florida?
Permitting timelines vary significantly by jurisdiction. In Miami-Dade municipalities, expect 4 to 9 months for a custom home permit; some Bal Harbour and Golden Beach projects can run longer due to architectural review board approvals and design district guidelines. Our team manages the full permitting process and has deep familiarity with each local building department’s requirements.
Do you handle architectural review board submissions?
Yes. Many of the municipalities we work in (including Bal Harbour, Golden Beach, Bay Harbor Islands, and Coral Gables) require architectural review board approval before permits are issued. Stephanie has served on architectural review boards herself, and our team manages these submissions and presentations on your behalf.
Design Philosophy FAQs
What is tropical modern architecture?
Tropical modern is a design language that responds directly to a tropical or subtropical climate. It emphasizes generous natural light without solar overheating, cross-ventilation, deep overhangs, indoor-outdoor flow, and a material palette of expressive natural materials. SDH Studio’s interpretation pairs these climate-responsive principles with the clean lines and warmth of contemporary design.
How do you approach climate resilience and sustainability?
Climate resilience is built into our design process from the earliest sketches. We use passive design strategies (siting, orientation, shading, ventilation) to reduce mechanical loads, specify resilient materials and systems suited to hurricane and flood exposure, and increasingly integrate energy-efficient and renewable systems. Stephanie has spoken publicly with The Verge and other publications about climate-proof housing.
What's important to you in a client relationship?
Trust, honesty, and shared commitment to design quality. Our best work happens when clients are genuinely engaged in the process — sharing what they love, what they want their home to feel like, and how they want to live in it. Our boutique scale means you work directly with Stephanie and a dedicated project team throughout, not a rotating cast.
Working Together FAQs
How do I get started?
The best first step is the inquiry form on our Contact page. We’ll respond to learn about your project, site, timeline, and goals, then schedule an initial conversation to determine whether we’re the right fit.
What is your fee structure?
Our fees are tailored to the scope, complexity, and phase mix of each project. Please inquire for details — we are happy to walk through how we structure engagements during our initial conversation.
Have you been recognized for your work?
Yes. SDH Studio has been featured on the covers of Florida Design Magazine (Bal Cross Residence; AMA Residence) and in Luxe Interiors + Design, Ocean Home, The Verge, The Real Deal, Authority Magazine, and Lifestyles South Florida, among others. We are AIA, NCARB, and SBA-WOSB certified, and have been named one of the top architecture and interior design firms in South Florida.