Alejandro Bonet: Personalization and Technology Shaping Miami’s Real Estate

To start, could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your professional background? How did you come to lead LD&D and develop InteriorSelect?

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I co-founded LD&D in 2008 with the vision of creating a fully integrated design, architecture, and construction company that could oversee projects from start to finish, ensuring seamless collaboration under one roof. Over time, the firm has grown steadily, delivering a diverse portfolio of over 600 custom construction projects.

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As technology has advanced, so have the expectations for modern homes. From smart lighting and AC systems to synchronized flooring solutions, buyers now expect homes to be more intelligent and adaptable. However, we recognized that technology also plays a crucial role in the planning and design process itself. With this in mind, InteriorSelect was created to streamline the planning phase by offering a user-friendly platform where residents can conceptualize their future homes. It provides the tools to make design decisions earlier in the system, allowing users to feel connected to their homes from the very beginning. This shift in expectations, combined with our desire to offer a more personalized experience, has made it possible to create homes that are truly reflective of individual style.

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InteriorSelect recently reached a major milestone at Aria Reserve. How would you describe the vision behind the platform and its impact on the buyer experience in Miami?

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The goal behind InteriorSelect was to enhance the home-buying journey by providing an intuitive platform where buyers can make design selections soon after unit purchase. Augmented reality demonstrates how materials will interact with the space, ensuring their choices are fully aligned with their wishes. Once selections are made, materials are set aside specifically for their home, eliminating any surprises regarding availability or readiness. This approach removes the uncertainty and interruptions typically associated with post-CO build-outs, allowing residents to move into fully bespoke homes from day one. 

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Buyers who used InteriorSelect were able to move into fully finished, personalized homes as soon as the TCO was granted. Why do you think this delivery model—custom interiors completed before closing—has been so rare until now?

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Traditional developers face challenges when trying to synchronize design decisions and construction schedules. With InteriorSelect, we’ve built a model that ensures materials are pre-selected and ready to go when construction reaches a specific milestone, avoiding the post-CO delays that are common in the industry. It requires careful coordination between the developer, the general contractor, and our design and construction team, which historically has been difficult to manage at scale.

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You’ve proven that personalization can be operationally efficient. How do you manage that level of complexity at scale without disrupting development timelines?

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It all comes down to planning, and working with a developer that understand what it takes. InteriorSelect allows us to manage design decisions early on, and we ensure that everything is fully embedded into the construction schedule. By working closely with both the developer’s and our design and construction teams, we can guarantee that once the TCO is granted, the home is ready for move-in. Managing this complexity at scale involves a proactive approach to sourcing materials, technology integration, and communication between all parties involved.

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Tech integration in design is still relatively new in real estate. What are some of the biggest myths or points of resistance you encounter around it?

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A common myth is that technology in design will slow down the workflow or result in impersonal, cookie-cutter homes. In reality, InteriorSelect enables more tailored solutions than ever, while also streamlining the project execution. There’s also resistance to the idea of adopting new technology within an industry that has traditionally been quite conservative in its approach. However, as the benefits of personalization and efficiency become clearer, more developers and homeowners are seeing the value in this technology.

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From flooring and cabinetry to lighting and layouts—what are today’s buyers really asking for when it comes to customization? Have you noticed a shift in preferences recently?

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Buyers today are increasingly focused on creating spaces that reflect their own lifestyles and preferences. While luxury finishes remain important, there’s also a growing demand for functionality and versatility. Think flexible layouts that allow for multi-functional spaces, sustainable materials and technology-driven upgrades like smart home systems. In terms of aesthetics, natural materials like wood and stone are increasingly popular, as well as neutral tones that promote a sense of calm and connection to nature.

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A McKinsey report revealed that companies that personalize effectively generate 40% more revenue. Why do you think the real estate industry has been slower to adopt this approach?

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There’s a lot of complexity involved in altering separate units. Developers are often concerned about maintaining consistency, cost control and meeting deadlines. However, with platforms like InteriorSelect combined with our design and construction expertise, specialization becomes more feasible and practical, allowing developers to cater to individual tastes without compromising on quality or timelines. As people increasingly demand customization, the industry will inevitably have to adapt to stay competitive.

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InteriorSelect isn’t just a tool for buyers—it’s also a strategic asset for developers. What backend advantages does it offer that people might not see at first glance?

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InteriorSelect provides significant backend benefits for developers by improving project management and overall performance. It streamlines the design and construction operations by minimizing last-minute changes. Developers can also benefit from better understanding client preferences, which can inform future design decisions and help optimize sales by ensuring offerings are aligned with expectations. Also by getting most of the customization of the units during the building’s construction phase, developers can alíviate the amount of contractors entering the building post-closing, which also decreases substantially the wear and tear of the building.

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Looking ahead, how do you envision the role of design technology evolving in Miami’s real estate scene—and beyond?

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As the demand for more curated living spaces continues to rise, technologies like InteriorSelect will become the norm, not the exception. We expect to see even more immersive platforms, augmented reality, and AI-driven tools that will make it easier for buyers to understand the proposed modifications of their homes. The shift toward smart homes and sustainable design will also drive the incorporation of tech in the development process.

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What’s next for InteriorSelect? Are there any new features, partnerships, or upcoming projects you can share with us?

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We’re deploying InteriorSelect into the North Tower at Aria Reserve and are already seeing great success. As we continue to refine the platform, we’re excited about expanding its use in upcoming projects and advancing the overall experience for our clients.

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