Saint Claire Design Concepts, which focuses on custom residential construction and renovation services, uses a design-build approach from concept to master plan, budget and feasibility studies, to design and construction.
“We build what we design. We are big on the ‘design’ part,” said George Fernández, founding principal of the company.
Fernández is a general contractor with a difference. He brings an innate sense of design and decades of experience to the business as well as a discerning eye and exacting work ethic.
A native of Cuba, Fernández came to the U.S. during the Pedro Pan Project in 1962. He honed his skills in his uncle’s woodworking shop where he learned millwork, making everything from practical casement windows to ornate church altars. He also worked as a janitor in a company that made roof trusses. His natural talent for sketching cartoons and mechanical drawings (which he shared with his co-workers), landed him a new position with the same company as a draftsman.
Fernández left the woodworking shop at age 20 and began working for a hotel design firm, Jeffrey Howard and Associates. By the age of 25 he was the lead draftsman. In 1983, Fernández was recruited by local developers and he subsequently became licensed as a general contractor (GC).
“I have always been involved in my trade,” Fernández said.
The concept for a home-based office appealed to Fernández who decided to take the plunge in 2003, developing a boutique team of sub-contractors to work with him, a “hands on” GC.
Saint Claire Design Concepts uses a full turnkey approach to its upscale construction and renovation projects. Whatever is required for a given assignment, Saint Claire will facilitate the process from landscape design to interior finishes with meticulous detail. The designs range from traditional to contemporary, based upon the client’s input. Saint Claire understands the challenges and attendant anxieties that can accompany a large project like designing and installing a new kitchen or bath. Turning old Florida ranch homes into new and unique living environments is a specialty of the company. They also take great pride in their reputation for transforming luxury condos into one-of-a-kind residences; to create something far removed from the cookie-cutter appearance that often de-personalizes condominiums.
Saint Claire’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the photographs of completed projects displayed on its website.
“See this strong line that runs here,” Fernández said, pointing to stone countertops. “It is picked up in the room on the countertop across from it as one continuous line.”
An outstanding quality of Fernández’s approach is his ability to keep the overall look and feel of his completed projects inviting, approachable, and ready for people to enjoy. “I am absolutely dedicated to what I do,” Fernández said.
To contact Saint Claire Design Concepts, call 305-253-9323. The office is located at 8510 SW 124 St., Miami, 33156. Be sure to take a look at finished projects on the website at saintclaire.net.
