Leslie Wolfson, Design Miami Mag Publisher

Design and Miami are words that go together. This magazine has the good fortune to share its name with an event that William L. Hamilton of the New York Times recently called "a stupendous success" and "the new place to make the big sale." But the magazine and the event ­ which returns this year (see page 48) ­ share more than a name: they share an attitude. Whether you're a lifelong Miamian, or a first-time visitor, you'll see design everywhere, from Michele Oka Doner's alluring floors at Miami International Airport ­ what other airport has alluring floors? ­ to the way your food is presented at restaurants, like Michy's, in the booming Biscayne Corridor. Miami has a Design District, but more importantly, Miami IS a design district. All over town, from the Upper East Side (Biscayne Boulevard in the 70's), to Wynwood, Midtown Miami and the new "cultural district" adjacent to downtown (soon to include Herzog & de Meuron's Miami Art Museum; see page 62), design is at the forefront.

Indeed, Miami designers are reaching for the sky. Check out Fred Bernstein's essay on ceilings ­ which begins on page 52 ­ for a look at one way they're succeeding.

Welcome to the magazine of the new Miami.