We had the good fortune of connecting with Re-Forma Architecture-LLC Teresa Verez Estenson and Lisa Mishurda and we’ve shared our conversation with them and their team below.

Let’s kick things off by chatting about what inspires Teresa and Lisa.
Travel and fashion inspire Teresa. Of all the places that she has been, Teresa is most allured by the modular designs and clean lines of Japanese architecture, but she is also fascinated by how architecture is influenced by culture and customs around the world. While she loves the indoor/outdoor aspects of modern architecture and the integrated designs from iconic mid-century architects, she also finds something incredibly special about more traditional and old-world architecture with cozy spaces that wrap the homeowner like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day. Her goal as an architect is to bring pieces of all of these inspiring moments to each home that she designs.

Teresa’s love of fashion is also as eclectic as her travels. She loves the elegance of Chanel and the grandeur of Christian Dior classic designs, but don’t be caught off guard when she shows a louder side with Dolce & Gabbana animal prints and wild flower patterns, which she finds irresistible and fun. You might even find her in a pair of biker boots or just plain old flip flops on a hot summer day!

Lisa is also inspired by nature and travel. With a passion for the outdoors, Lisa is an avid skier and hiker. Whether she is on a mountain top with crisp white snow- capped peaks as far as the eye can see, deep in the trails surrounded by silence and rich jewel tones playing peak-a-boo with the warm sunlight, or in a vibrant street market basked in the rich colors of fresh produce, spices and fabrics from around the world, Lisa pulls these visions into her rich designs, playing with colors and textures to create surprising, and yet comfortable, spaces.

At the end of the day, though, both ladies are inspired and driven by their families, and especially their kids. Seeing how children develop and learn is such an eye-opening experience – it breaks routine and challenges both architects to design with fresh eyes, passion and a curiosity untainted by the stress of everyday life.

What should our readers know about your business?
Founded by two long-time friends, Re+Forma Architecture is special because it brings a global architectural perspective to the market. Although partners Teresa Verez Estenson and Lisa Mishurda come from distinct backgrounds, their individual talents blend in a way that enables the duo to develop designs that awaken the senses and invite homeowners to envelop themselves in luxurious, yet down-to-earth style.

Teresa was born and raised in Spain where mixing old and new styles is a way of life. Her technical training surrounded by the mountains of Montana also inspires her layering of clean, crisp lines with warmer textures and rich fabrics that creates a modern, yet livable, home. Teresa did stints in New York City with KBA and in Sydney, Australia with Sorin Dascalu & Associates, which continued to refine her eye for modern comfort in both her architecture and her design.

Born in Ohio, Lisa livedin Santiago de Chile, and attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY, where she earned a B.S. in Architecture and a B.S. in Building Science. She has worked with Schmidt Valdes Arquitectos in Santiago, Chile; Prellwitz Chilinski & Associates, Cambridge, MA; Tichenor & Thorp Beverly Hills, CA; & ADD Inc. Miami Beach, FL. With an eye for detail and a unique ability to combine practical function with luxury and design, Lisa is known for being able to bring clients’ thoughts to life while delivering projects on time and on budget.

Being women in a male-dominated field has never intimidated Teresa nor Lisa. The fact that they “speak the language” and can address both construction and design details as they arise has always been a huge benefit to clients and contractors alike. Clients quickly learn that both partners are problem-solvers and can address a wide range of possible situations that inevitably happen during any construction project. They are very hands-on and approachable, so solutions will be put in place swiftly and projects will stay on track.

The main lesson that Teresa and Lisa have learned along the way is to stay focused and to keep going. Identifying the right clients and projects is one of the most important steps in the overall process. Finding an architecture and design partner is as important as picking out the right materials because this process is inherently personal and emotional. It is critical that the personalities of the architecture/design team match the client to achieve a harmonious design that is on target with the homeowner’s expectation and budget. Knowledge, creativity and people-first personalities always convert clients to friends through this process when working with Re+Forma.

The field of architecture and design is a competitive one, and one where grit, integrity and – most importantly – knowledge and creativity are the key ingredients for a dynamic team to succeed. Teresa and Lisa are making their mark on Miami and beyond with residential, educational, and commercial projects across Florida, Utah, and Wyoming. Call for a consultation today!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
To have the best time in Miami, Teresa would be out on the boat for sure, in and out of all the little islands – especially Boca Chita – enjoying the gorgeous sunshine, blue skies and all that is this tropical paradise. She loves Stiltsville and its history, but also the allure of the houses and their individual design and architecture. It is just so incredible to think about all that has gone on in those houses over the years and how they have survived so many hurricanes, drama, and more! Once she gets off the water, she would take her friends antiquing in the Miami Shores area, all followed by dinner at her favorite neighborhood hangout, Shuckers On the Bay in North Bay Village, where she recommends chicken wings and fish tacos along with a glass of white wine on the patio. She loves this hidden gem because of its relaxed atmosphere and beautiful views over the intercoastal.

Lisa loves some of the hidden and old-time attractions that are off of Miami’s beaten path. One of her favorite spots is a Miami classic for over 85 years – Monkey Jungle – where she used to take her boys when they were young. Her family loves that the animals are in a protected habitat and that you can learn so much about primates and other wildlife in a more natural setting. Another favorite is the old Parrot Jungle, which is now Pinecrest Gardens. Lisa loves the huge trees and lush forest that you can wander through and see turtles and giant fish swimming in the stream that meanders throughout the property. It is a really important piece of Miami history, as well as its natural landscape, and it offers a chance to enjoy a dense rainforest setting, as well as incredible art and culture through all of the shows that are presented in the Banyan Bowl. And, finally, Lisa loves to take visitors to Wynwood Arts District for a walk through this unique and colorful neighborhood where they can enjoy sights, sounds and all of the flavors that make Miami special.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Re+Forma’s story is definitely richer thanks to the support of our amazing clients who continue to recommend us to friends and colleagues, but we also want to recognize our relationship with Karim Bayzid of Norway Builders. Karim has brought us into some incredible projects, giving us the opportunity to work with a world-class builder on some high-end projects that have really afforded us a level of creative freedom that has enabled us to create some truly inspired homes.

Website: https://www.reforma-architecture.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/re.forma.design?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Image Credits
Gustavo Maccio — Maccai Films

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