"Just like the accomplished and charismatic Norman Giller himself, Designing the Good Life will enlighten you and bring a smile to your face."--Randall C. Robinson Jr., co-author of MiMo: Miami Modern Revealed, and executive director of NORTH BEACH Development Corporation

"Like a time capsule, this book epitomizes an era. It is part autobiography, a unique collaboration between a prolific architect and his art historian granddaughter, and part primer for those who want to learn more about Miami and its architecture at mid-century. Mostly, though, Designing the Good Life is a record of an architect whose buildings helped make Miami modern, as an entire region thrust itself wholeheartedly into the future."--Beth Dunlop, architecture critic, Miami Herald, and editor, Home Miami

"There is a lot more to Mid-Century Modernism than we have yet discovered. This book offers an important look at a neglected aspect of that era's rich architecture and history."--Alan Hess, author of Palm Springs Weekend: The Architecture and Design of a Mid-Century Oasis

Miami Modernism, or MiMo, is the exotic brand of mid-century architecture ubiquitous in the world-famous city. Designing the Good Life is a personal account of the post-World War II movement that shaped a city and defined an era. This captivating story offers a unique look at the architecture of Norman M. Giller, one of the early godfathers of MiMo.

Giller made an indelible mark on the urban landscape with architecturally progressive structures ideally suited to their surroundings. Discussing technologies, materials, and the key elements of MiMo, Giller offers an insider's view. He delves into Miami's architectural history to examine some of his most iconic structures, including the Ocean Palm Motel, the Carillon Hotel, the North Shore Band Shell, the Diplomat Hotel and Country Club, and the Giller Building. Each project is lavishly illustrated with vintage images from the architect's exclusive collection and contemporary photographs by Miami photographer Robin Hill.

The only book to chronicle the movement's evolution from the perspective of one of its most distinguished exponents, Designing the Good Life reveals how Giller's vision helped to define Florida architecture since World War II.

Norman M. Giller, FAIA, has designed over 10,000 structures during his 60-year career. He has served as chairman of the Florida State Board of Architecture and president of the American Institute of Architects, South Florida Chapter. Sarah Giller Nelson is an art historian and professional organizer currently living in Chicago.

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"This handsomely appointed volume, filled with photos, conceptual illustrations, floor plans and period advertising . . . has authenticity and intelligence to spare."
--Publishers Weekly

"An important and seminal addition to academic library collections."
--The Midwest Book Review

"Nelson's accessible prose makes this book extremely usable for ordinary readers--essential for anyone who wants to reconnect with the good life--a time when crystal chandeliers, porte-cocheres, and Cadillacs, Packards, and Lincolns weren't just associated with the movies."
--Home Fort Lauderdale

" Part autobiography and part history lesson, Designing the Good Life is a colorful testament to Giller's passion and Miami's postwar golden age."
--Preservation Magazine

"Giller provides us valuable insight into a design philosophy that is both distinctly regional and distinctly of a period. A peek into the thoughts of a designer and through his eyes, a view of the birth of a genre."
--Material Culture