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KZ Architecture
MIAMI, FL
Jaya Kader, founding principal of KZ Architecture, has always been
passionate about beauty and how it is expressed in nature, but it
wasn't until she took an architectural history class in college that she
knew how to manifest her core interests of art, humanities, nature, and
culture—and the rest is, well, history. She has worked on numerous
projects including public libraries, schools, municipal centers, houses
of worship, residences, and resorts. As a Costa Rica native, her travels
have afforded the opportunity to experience world-class architecture
and understand the higher calling of her craft.
Many have described KZ Architecture projects as tropical modern, but
rather than being confined to a particular style, she simply believes
her work to be humanistic and in tune with nature, mindfulness, and
spirituality. Her best advice is always to start with a blank slate and let
go of any preconceived notions of what a building should be. Jaya
has also been an advocate for sustainable design since the inception
of her firm in 2003—one of her projects was the first LEED certified
residence in Miami. Her firm exemplifies how to use the power of
design to extend sustainability across environmental, social and
economic concerns.
Above everything, though, Jaya considers the most important
technique of her work to be good listening. Understanding her clients'
needs is the key to creating projects that merit the purpose they are
meant to serve—and, indeed, the process of helping others manifest
their dreams through creativity and design is what she enjoys most.
