We had the good fortune of connecting with Susan Knof and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Susan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk has played a vital role in my life and career. Taking the risk in believing in yourself, believing in positive outcomes, and believing in your own strength to navigate when things don’t go according to plan. I believe risk equals reward. Risk is having the courage to step out of your comfort zone and take that leap into the unknown – diving into the deep end. Risk creates opportunities to overcome challenges. The more risk the more opportunities!

What should our readers know about your business?
KNOF design is an award-winning global interior design studio servicing ultra high-end residential and recreational properties and products. Completed projects as seen in Vogue, Forbes, Elle Decoration, Objekt, AD Mexico and a publication with Rolls Royce, ‘The Pursuit of Excellence’.

I started my career working on Commercial Interiors in America for Fortune 500 companies to Casinos, Restaurants, and Hotels before transitioning into Ultra High-end Residential Interiors in London and have completed projects in New York, London, Dubai, Baku, Russia, Bulgaria, Lisbon, and Miami.

The path of where I have gotten to today is the story of a true journey! One that started in New York City and has taken me to Dubai, London, Baku, Bali, Moscow, Milan, Lisbon, Luanda, Sofia, and beyond. It certainly was not easy or immediate, but anything worth it rarely is.

After witnessing first hand the devastation in New York on 9.11, I felt a strong need to have a different impact and I took a slight career change to do volunteer construction work for ‘Habitat for Humanity International’ in mainland USA and Hawaii. I then began a teaching career at Berkeley College and became a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional. This year my time as ‘Prof Knof’ has come full circle as I have just launched my first Youtube tutorials to help designers and architects with visual communication. You can check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4jPLwis0SZoxV93lsfJew

In 2007, another journey and greater change took place. I moved overseas to be a Creative lead designer with a luxury London based architecture and design practice where I lead a team focusing on high-end Residential interiors throughout the UK and Europe. I had the privilege of working with heads of state, celebrities and the world’s top developers and architects.

A decade ago, after over 15 years in the architecture and design industry, I started my own practice, KNOF design. I am proud to see our work grace the covers of over fifteen leading global magazines, including ELLE Decoration, Forbes, Vogue and OBJEKT. I have had the pleasure and privilege of working on projects in Europe, Africa, and America.

My passion and career has taken me around the world and has allowed me to meet incredible people that have trusted me to create one’s most sacred space, their home.

In 2018, I returned to the states to begin KNOF design’s new chapter in Miami!



Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I get asked this question a lot! So much so that I created a little travel guide for Miami Beach
https://www.knofdesign.com/interior-design-trends-miami/curiocity-miami-beach-with-susan-knof

My personal picks would be to soak up the light, sea, salt, and sun! I love sitting poolside or on the beach at Soho House, by the pool and garden area at The Plymouth Hotel, sitting in the shade at South Pointe Park or Key Biscayne to catch a sunset.

I love to go Paddle Boarding so you can often find me in Biscayne Bay on my Board. There is a great launch site at Pine Tree Park where I like to board with my dog, Charlie. Oleta State Park is also great for some SUP yoga.

Another favorite is Miami Beach Botanical Garden – I love when I catch a meditation or full moon yoga in the gardens. Pure magic!

And, of course, food! Fiorito for an Argentinian steak, Mandolin near the Design District for a glass of wine and lots of Greek food in the most idyllic setting and the The Drexel on Espanola Way are my favorites.



Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my Mom – Nancy Louise Knof. My guiding light and support system that instilled in me timeless values and a strong moral compass that has allowed me to navigate the globe guided by kindness and compassion.

Website: https://www.knofdesign.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knofdesign/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-knof-biid-and-leed-ap-7a201b24/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/KNOFdesign

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knofdesign/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4jPLwis0SZoxV93lsfJew

Image Credits
ASSEN EMILOV DAVID CLEVELAND SEAN LITCHFIELD

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.