INTERVIEWS / DESIGN
A True Original
Top interior designer Victor Diaz is the ultimate in "Nikki Style"
By Kathryn Michelle Panas

More than a decade since Nikki Beach first opened the doors to their flagship Miami Beach location, iconic elements of effortlessly chic style and dazzling elegance have transcended into the ultimate blueprint for luxury. For Victor Diaz, observing the clean lines and modern sophistication of the original pioneering design became more than just an inspiration—it became the work of art that would prove to change the path of the future designers own pioneering career. As Nikki Beach became a world renowned success, a passionate Diaz returned to school to study interior design, marching on to establish himself firmly within design’s elite; leading the way in intelligent design and injecting unique elements of innovative sophistication into every new concept.

A proud Miami native, Diaz attended the International Fine Arts College in Downtown [Miami], electing to both undertake specialty courses at design schools across the country, and to independently study world design, graduating into a highly seasoned traveler. Having lived between 45th and 57th Street on Miami Beach for his entire life, Diaz explains how he has seen the Vice City’s style evolve over the years, “I see Miami’s residence only growing more and more sophisticated: As they learn and are exposed to a higher level of design, they expect more out of their spaces,” noting, “Miami has grown into such a fashionable and cultured city, due to both the large group of world class architects and designers that have come from around the world, and the few Miami grown, who have put their mark on the city.”

" I see Miami's residence only growing more and more sophisticated: As they learn and are exposed to a higher level of design, they expect more out of their spaces"

Indeed, a homegrown visionary within his field, Diaz has made his mark on Miami’s design world not only a visually creative talent, but as an innovator of technology, successfully introducing the next generation of Miami homes and businesses to automation; the use of control systems such as computers, to centrally control interior elements such as lighting, sound, temperature, drapery and home theater, with the focus of bringing simplicity into the lives of his clients through the hidden complexity of his designs. Diaz explains, “I prioritize on my clients needs. I like to get to know them and understand their lifestyle in order to create a personalized design that would most enhance their quality of life.”

Today, Diaz describes his most recent works as “modern and clean, but extremely eclectic. I love to mix fine antiques and vintage pieces from all over the world into a clean and well planned space.” And while he explains that all aspects of art influence his projects, it is the fashion world that he credits with being his biggest inspiration, “I like to keep in tune with fashion because I think it has a great influence on design,” Diaz says, “I follow it because it is so rapidly evolving. I interpret what is going on in the world into a timeless design.”

Beyond his designs, Diaz is also noted for a prominent personal art collection, including contemporary pieces by Luis- Garcia-Nerey, John La Huis, Maximo Caminero, A. Dale Nally, Gustavo and Lopez Armentia, contrasted by classic antique sterling silver pieces crafted by Georg Jensen, Martele and Gianmaria Buccellati, and mixed metals by Tiffany & Co. “I am a collector of everything I find to be beautiful,” explains Diaz. Though there is one definitive piece that you won’t find in the designer’s personal collection, “The most beautiful part of Miami; the ocean, which no architect or designer could create.”