FIU Interior Architecture alumna Adriana Lacruz (M.I.Arch. ’16) continues to earn national and regional recognition for her contributions to the design industry. Most recently, she was featured in Brickell Magazine’s Design Minds 2025, presented by Addison House, a luxury contemporary furniture and interior design company.
Announced in the magazine’s November 2025 issue, Design Minds 2025 celebrates “a curated collective of South Florida’s most visionary creators, the tastemakers redefining how we live, feel and experience design.” The annual feature honors designers whose work is shaping the future of architecture and interior design throughout the region.
Lacruz is the Principal and Founder of Lacruz Design Studio, LLC, where she leads high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial projects throughout South Florida and beyond. A Venezuelan architect and Florida-licensed interior designer, she holds a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture from Florida International University and brings more than 12 years of professional experience to her practice.
Since founding her studio in 2015, Lacruz has designed exceptional homes, luxury apartments, boutique hotels, and commercial spaces across the United States and internationally. Her portfolio includes projects in some of South Florida’s most distinguished communities, including Fisher Island, Coconut Grove, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, Pinecrest, South Pointe, Fort Lauderdale, and The Bahamas.
The Design Minds 2025 recognition adds to an impressive list of recent accolades. Lacruz has also been recognized on the LUXE Gold List 2026 and as an AD PRO Directory Featured Designer 2025, further highlighting her growing influence in the design profession.
Reflecting on the honor, Lacruz shared that her passion for design began long before she understood architecture.
“I started building Legos before I knew what a floor plan was.”
She recalled spending hours reimagining spaces as a child, taking apart and rebuilding Lego creations based on what felt intuitive rather than following instructions. That same curiosity continues to guide her work today.
For Lacruz, the recognition was especially meaningful because it celebrated her individual vision as a designer.
“This recognition landed differently… it was given to Adriana Lacruz, not to a studio, not to a joint venture, not to a brand. To me, by name.”
She also reflected on the philosophy that continues to shape her work.
“Design is not only about creating beautiful interiors. It’s about crafting experiences that reflect how people want to live.”
Following the November issue’s release, Lacruz joined fellow honorees at a special celebration hosted by Addison House in partnership with Brickell Magazine and Key Biscayne Magazine. The soirée recognized the 2025 Design Minds recipients for their career achievements and lasting contributions to South Florida’s design community.
FIU’s Interior Architecture Department proudly celebrates Adriana Lacruz’s continued success and congratulates her on this outstanding recognition. Her accomplishments exemplify the creativity, leadership, and innovation demonstrated by FIU alumni who continue to shape the future of design around the world.
