Michael Dolatowski
Michael is a Miami Beach multi-hyphenate across the areas of architecture, interiors, and furniture design. He studied at Architecture at the Pratt Institute and has been key in the design process of popular spots around Miami. His aesthetic creates layered and textural hospitality spaces from spas to restaurants, with a dash of residential design projects, and his taste is impeccable. He also has some thoughtful advice on the human factor of design, which we totally agree with. Meet Michael.
DS: Hi Michael, thank you for joining us. Let’s kick things off! What’s your profession and how long have you been at it?
Michael: I have been working in the design field since 2011. I have had a version of my own practice since 2015, with my Eponymous design studio launching in 2023. Most of my focus is on high-concept commercial spaces in the retail and hospitality sectors. Still, lately, I have been taking on select private clients’ residential projects when the alignment is a great fit with a shared vision and passion for design.
DS: I love hospitality design! What’s project are you most proud of?
Michael: Bey_Bey – it's the project most closely tied to my personal taste, I was given a lot of freedom and trust creatively on it and that is invaluable to me. I'm also a partner on this project, which is a restaurant and lounge concept, and the whole team is exceptional. It’s also part of the neighborhood that I call home. Its quite cool to be the target demographic for a project you are working on. Like “what do I want in my backyard?” So yeah, I am invested in it and proud of it for many reasons.
Michael’s designs come to life at Bey_Bey
DS: You mentioned your personal taste, how would you describe that? What’s your favorite design style?
Michael: It depends on the project really, but where I’ve been have fun lately is something I’ve been referring to as "the collected home." A layered and eclectic style that is a mix of eras and styles carefully curated and coordinated. A sense of taste should connect everything but its should also feel representative of a broader experience and emotion.
DS: Love that. What do you enjoy the most about your job?
Michael: So many people say the beginning and the end of the projects are the best but I find myself really loving being on-site in the middle of construction, solving problems in real time. Seeing the guts of a project as it comes to life, especially if I am collaborating with teams deeply invested in achieving shared success, which we can only accomplish together.
DS: Where do you find inspiration? Please give 3 examples.
Michael: I find the most inspiration when I travel. Context is a critical part of my design process and I always say you never really know where you are until you leave. Exploring the world is creatively energizing for me and I tend to return inspired and refreshed with new ideas for my projects.
Connecting with and observing humans plays a big part in my creative process. There is nothing better than late night conversations that can span a myriad of topics, getting to connect on a deeper level by sharing perspectives and experiences. You have to stay curious about the human experience. Especially since I work with clients in commercial and retail to residential, there’s such a human component to what I do. I create projects that people live, work, and play in, and inspiration often comes from the interactions I have with people.
I try to make it to multiple design and art fairs every year. They are great to understand the current market trends and make connections with brands that are inspiring. We are so lucky in Miami to have Art Basel and Design/Miami in our backyard, and I try to make it to New York, Mexico City, or Milan to see the shows and fairs there. I'm dying to go to 3 days of design in Copenhagen. Maybe next year.
Michaels design details at Sana spa in Miami
DS: I agree, travel is so inspiring and so important. If you had to choose, what are your favorite 3 cities in the world?
Michael: Rome: My heart is in Rome. I studied there, I love everything about it, and always feel at home. I don't bother with the monuments and touristy aspects of the city;when I’m there I just want to live like a local. Have a picnic on the Janiculum Hill, wine, sunshine, food, friends, and beauty. Mexico City: For me, Mexico City is the most exciting city in the world right now, especially in the design space. It's a place I never want to leave and always want to return to and a constant source of inspiration for me both personally and professionally. Ho Chi Minh City: The energy, the food, the people, the architecture and urban density. I spent some time there years ago. Maybe it was my youthful energy but it left such an impression on me. I've been wanting to return ever since.
DS: Who are some creative people you find interesting?
Michael: Fashion, design, and brand building contemporaries that I follow and fan over: Simon Porte Jacquemus , Richard Christiansen, Héctor Esrawe, Gabriel Hendifar, Jonathan Anderson
DS: What advice would you give to aspiring interior architects and designers?
Michael: Figure out what you truly love and pursue it with passion. Make it a lifestyle rather than worrying about work-life balance. For me, design influences so many aspects of my life, and when you embrace that in a more holistic way, you can add purpose and meaning to your life.
DS: What are you exploring next in your career?
Michael: While I’m focused on some exciting design projects right now, I’m slowly but surely working on the launch of my own lighting and furniture pieces. I'm in the early stages of some prototypes and really looking forward to sharing them.
DS: Incredible news, congratulations. We will be sure to share it here too, when the time comes!
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Find Michael:
Website HERE
Instagram HERE
LinkedIn HERE
