Central City Public Art Project – 13th Street Roundabout Sculpture
Allison “Ally Bee” Findeiss-Becker, Founder of Ally Bee Design
Deborah Desilets, Founder of VVAA & Morris Lapidus™ Foundation
Resume highlighting relevant experience
ALLISON BERNICE FINDEISS
EDUCATION
University of Miami
B.Sc. in Communication, May 2014
EXPERIENCE
DNA Agency USA
Co-Founder, Small Business Consultant & Technology Implementation, 1/2020 - Present
Major Specialty in Electronic Media
Minors in Architecture & Art
Scholarships:
• Technology consulting, Google Workspace set up, and website implementation for our clients’ organizations
• Improve business efficiency with process improving consulting and CRM implementation with automation and AI integrated into website
• • Analyze the market/competition to develop the marketing/communication/brand awareness strategies, key audience and advertising mediums
Provide website CMS and HubSpot technology training to small and medium businesses owners and their team
Miami Commitment Intern: 2010-2013
Florida Medallion Scholarship
Florida Resident Access Grant
Pine Crest School
Diploma, May 2010
Lauderdale Native: Lifestyle Brand
Co-Founder, Brand Architect & Creative Director, 7/2019 - Present
• Brand architect and designer of Lauderdale Native brand
•
Design content for @LauderdaleNative to engage local audience and inform them about local events, restaurants, and construction Ballet Lead, Dance Etc. Choreographer/Dancer, Hip Hop Club
COLLEGIATE ACTIVITIES
Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
Fundraising for Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Hometown artist designing one-of-a kind jewelry, art, and merchandise for Lauderdale Native
Ally Bee Design
Founder, Brand Architect, Mixed-Media Content Designer, & Artist 5/2013 - Present
Dance Marathon Executive Member
Branding and graphic design for the campus-wide event
• Listen to client’s business goals/challenges/competitors to create lead generation project plan and tools to succeed efficiently
• Create custom branded mixed-media messaging for distribution on social media, blogs, print, radio, and television
•
•
• Distribute custom branded mixed-media messaging to reach key constituents including inbound marketing, website Monitors budget expenditures in order to ensure funds are available in appropriate accounts to purchase supplies/equipment Coordinates payroll activities for contractors and team members; manages Quickbooks for client invoicing/expenses
•
Designed the branding and marketing collateral to promote fundraising event for Miami Children’s Hospital
CERTIFICATIONS
Hubspot Inbound Marketing, Google Analytics, Google AdWords
SKILLS
• Project manage and communicate with print vendors, client change orders/approval to meet deadlines
Event planning, invitation, R.S.V.P. management, video production, and entertainment vendor management
Pine Crest School
Marketing Communications Manager, 8/2017 - 8/2019
• Rebranded and designed marketing materials to a modern, sophisticated style to attract new families
Adobe Suite: Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Premiere, Bridge, Acrobat Pro CRM Platform Implementation: HubSpot, MailChimp, Constant Contact, SalesForce
• Developed Giving Tuesday social media campaign raising over $1.4M in 24-hours at inaugural event
• Implemented inbound marketing strategy for revenue-generating departments of the school: admission, summer camp, development, alumni relations, after-school programs, transportation
• • Acquired over 9,800 contacts through lead generation landing pages for admission and summer 2018
Coordinate and monitor the completion of work by print vendors and photography production service
CMS: HTML, CSS, PHP, WordPress, HubSpot, Shopify, SquareSpace, Wix, Magento Communications: AccessiBe (ADA Accessibility Website), Kixie (VOIP/Text)
Microsoft Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint
Data Analysis & Survey: Google Analytics, Databox, Survey Monkey Google: Admin, Drive, Forms, Analytics, AdWords, AdSense, Sheets, Docs, GA4
Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn Development of forms and surveys in HubSpot/Adobe Acrobat Pro/Google Forms/Survey Monkey
Workscapes
Marketing Director & Brand Consultant, 11/2016 - 5/2017
• Created the branding, website and inbound marketing strategy for 2017 for furniture dealer
• Set-up and managed sponsorship booth with furnishings the YPO Southeastern Conference Zyscovich
BOARD MEMBER
Morris Lapidus Foundation 501(c)(3), Board Member & Co-Founder Architecture, Public Art, & History Advocate Organization Brand architect, designed logo and brand materials Design, develop, and manage website content and media on morrislapidus.org
Design public art in Morris Lapidus™ in partnership with Deborah DeSilets creative direction
Las Olas Capital Arts Inc. 501(c)(3), Board Member & Vice President Brand Architect, Event Planning, Artist, Public Art Installation, Community Art Classes
Presentation Designer & Website Developer, 3/2016 - 12/2016, 9/2021 - 12/2021
• Strategized company rebranding to unify company marketing collateral
• Facilitate and create presentations to acquire new government education architecture projects including renovation and phased expansion of Cypress Bay HS - $32.5M, UCF Student Union - $36M, and Palmetto Park $33.5M
• Fostered new business relationships networking at Chamber of Commerce
• Redeveloped website with supervisors creative direction in 2021
MIA Shoes Marketing Coordinator, 2/2015 - 3/2016
• Managed eCommerce website backend and created SEO content
• Implemented wholesale customers email communication system
• Developed a college brand ambassador program for the business Optimized blog which increased web traffic by 26.5% over 7 months
• Agency Marketing Machine
Account Manager, 9/2014 - 1/2015
• Managed marketing for 20-30 insurance agencies
• Trained the insurance teams on new marketing strategy via video conference
Onboard Media
Design and Communications Intern, 5/2014 - 8/2014
• Designed port shopping maps following corporate brand guideline for Carnival and Princess cruise-lines
• Posted on social media for Caesars Palace events and activities
•
SANDOW Media
Graphic Design Intern, 2/2014 - 5/2014
• Updated website and graphics for company publications including Luxe Interior Design’s site
UBS Wealth Management
Social Media Intern, 5/2013 - 1/2014
• Created LinkedIn marketing strategy and content management to promote environmental portfolios & UBS art events
Multicultural Student Affairs University of Miami
Graphic Designer, 9/2012 - 1/2014
• Designed newsletters and event calendars for multicultural organizations and clubs
Live Nation The Fillmore Miami Beach at the Jackie Gleason Theater
VIP Hostess and Premium Seats Digital Marketing Intern, 9/2011 - 5/2013
• Provided high-level customer service to the Premium Seat clientele
• Promoted VIP ticket sales through social media and marketing emails
• Developed system to streamline the database of Premium Seat customers in Excel
Zyscovich | Architects, Urban Planners & Interior Designers
Architecture Intern, 6/2010 - 8/2010, 6/2011 - 8/2011, 6/2012 - 8/2012
• Strong attention to detail updating architectural drawings with furniture labels in construction documents in AutoCAD and Revit programs
• Created interactive digital forms for Human Resources in Adobe Acrobat Pro
•
Resume highlighting relevant experience
Deborah DeSilets
Mobile: 305.310.6331
Email: auger007@aol.com
ARCHITECT REGISTRATION
FL REGISTERED AR 0014439 February 17, 1993 BS Architecture
EDUCATION
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Tallahassee FL B.S. Architecture SERVICES
Architect, artist, author, fashion designer, art exhibition designer, curator, lecturer, and lobbyist. EMPLOYMENT
Morris Lapidus™ Foundation Inc. 501(c)(3), Founded 2019
After 23 years of lecturing and honoring my dear mentor and friend Morris Lapidus’s life and legacy will be eternally taught. Meeting my known fellow board member who helped continue the mission to honor Morris Lapidus’ design education, lectures, and unfinished projects as an educational nonprofit to spread his unique perspective and approach to design spreading humanist design knowledge. Learn more at morrislapidus.org.
Projects below occurred before and after the foundation was officially established:
• The Coney Island State of Mind of Morris Lapidus Lecture by Deborah DeSilets for Docomomo, 6/2024
• Morris Lapidus My Home Exhibition at The Ritz-Carlton South Beach and Soirée to Kick-off Art Basel, 8/2023-6/2024
• “I am a Modernist” Morris Lapidus & His Critics by Miami Living Magazine , 7/29/2023
• Lecture by Deborah DeSilets for Art Deco Miami, 4/2023
o Morris Lapidus / Mid-20th Century Historic District: Home to Oceanfront MiMo Gems
• Lincoln Road Revival to Morris Original Design & Arch, Miami Beach Preservation Board Historian & Lobbyist 2023-24
• Syracuse University Collections
• Florida International University Collections
• Lincoln Road Follies by Morris Lapidus Exhibition: 3/26/2015 – 8/14/2015 at Florida International University
• Wolfsonian F.I.U. Library: Morris Lapidus, 1902-2001
• Morris Lapidus an Architect Who Built Flamboyance into Hotels is Dead at 98 by NY Times By Mervyn Rothstein 1/19/2001
VVAA Inc. Architecture by Deborah DeSilets
Deborah is a registered Florida architect, and closest living protege to Morris Lapidus the famous Miami architect, primarily known for his Neo-baroque “Miami Modern” a.k.a. “MiMo” hotels were constructed in the 1950s and 60s. She is the curator of the Morris Lapidus Exhibition, steward of the Morris Lapidus archives and most recently, she worked to get Lincoln Road’s designation on the National Registry of Historic Places!
Over 25 years of experience gaining renovation approval for historic properties to gain permitting approval.
Projects:
• Oscar Ruiz Residence, 2024
• The Ritz-Carlton South Beach | 2023-2024
o Notably in 2024, Deborah was hired by the Flag Luxury Group to assist in gaining approval for a 15-Story Condo on Morris Lapidus™’s historic DiLido Hotel property, now The Ritz-Carlton South Beach.
o Flag Luxury Group Historic Announcement
o Development Florida Owners of South Beach’s Ritz-Carlton Win Approval to Add 15-Story Condo by Commercial Observer
• The Traymore Miami Beach | 2000s
• Fontainebleau Miami Beach | 1999-2000
• 4441 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33140
• 420 15th Street, Miami Beach, FL 33140
• Carlos Sarda’s Home | 1990s
Deborah Desilets Inc. (DOI INC.) Miami Beach Florida, President
• Design Legacy of Morris Lapidus™ in Products:
o Morris Lapidus™ Pen & Necktie x www.acmestudio.com
o Morris Lapidus™ Furniture Collection 2005 launched. x www. dennismiller.com
o Morris Lapidus™ Collection Mirrors x www.apfmunn.com
o Morris Lapidus™ Rugs x www.emmaqarrdnerstudios.com
• Author
o Morris Lapidus Author, Deborah Desilets x www.assouline.com
o Architecture of Joy, Released Fall 2010 x www.rizzolli.com
• Copyright Owner of Morris Lapidus™ Books:
o Morris Lapidus: The Architecture of Joy by Deborah Desilets
o Too Much is Never Enough by Morris Lapidus
o A Pyramid in Brooklyn by Morris Lapidus
o Architecture: A Business and A Profession by Morris Lapidus
o Quo Vadis: Morris Lapidus by Morris Lapidus
• Guest Lecturer
o University of Gainesville, SOA
o University of Miami, SOA
o Design and Architecture Senior High School (D.A.S.H.)
• Portfolio: www.myspace.com/deborahdesilets
Architectural Design Projects by Deborah DeSilets
• BARROOM, 6,500 SF
• Peggy Bremner Production Office (MEGA MODELS) 2,000 SF
• RSLAND 25,000 SF and 50,000 SF Warehouse, Lakeland FL
• RSMP North Broward Assisted Living Facility, 91,000 SF 6-story building (unbuilt)
• NOCTURNAL NIGHTCLUB, 18,000SF
• SPACE 34 NIGHTCLUB, 24,0000 SF
• EXILE NIGHTCLUB CLOSE PERMITS, BEACH NIGHTCLUB 6,500 SF
• ENVY NIGHTCLUB 6,500 SF
• NIGHTCLUB for PAUL GRECO, 8,500 SF
• DEWEYS CLUB 1200 SF
• OAK SKATEBOARDS, 2,000 SF
• HALO Nightclub
• SEGAFREDA, Collins Avenue and Drexel Avenue
• Irish Pub, Consultant HCP
• Tallahassee Night Club, 20,000 SF, Design Development
• Marcovitz Residence, 10,000 SF
• AL TG Residence, 8,500 SF
• Roots of Toronto, 6,500 SF
Morris Lapidus, Associate and Personal Design Architect, 1996-2001
Associate and personal architectural design architect for Morris Lapidus. Prepared and lectured around the country at 25 different University and associations; accompanied to White House for receipt of prestigious AMERICAN ORIGINAL Award, to Morris Lapidus for his outstanding contribution to mid-century modern design in America. Continues to lecture, create exhibits, teach and promote the knowledge of the architecture of Morris Lapidus through VVAA INC. ASSOULINE published MORRIS LAPIDUS, NOV 15, 2004, Second Edition Printing Dec 05, ABRAMS to
Architectural Design Projects by Morris Lapidus & Deborah DeSilets
• Flagship Retail Store
• City Center 150 Room Hotel (unbuilt) 50,000 SF
• Office Building
• AURA Restaurant, 1,400
• X-TREME SPORTS HOTEL
Arquitectonica, Marketing Director, 1993-1996
Proposals written for this Miami firm included the DEF WRAP at Miami International Airport, PAC (Performing Arts Center) for City of Miami; Dade County Public Schools; City of Miami Beach and Governmental Submittals for Courthouse Projects in Jacksonville, Washington, Miami, San Francisco; Embassy Projects in Kampala and Berlin; as well as private solicitations with Goldman Sachs, Sony, Discovery Science Center, Verba Buena Museum and Citicorp. Projects requiring ongoing marketing efforts included: Dijon Performing Arts Center, Dijon,
France; Yau Yat Tsuen, Hong Kong; KCR Master Plan, Kowloon Tong; Puerto Rico Eco Center, San Juan, Puerta Rico; Shopping Arcade Beijing, Atlantic Gulf Properties, Nanjing; Disney Cruise Lines, Port Canaveral, Florida; Discovery Science Center, Los Angeles, California.
Asian Marketing included; Yau Yat Tsuen Commercial Development, Hong Kong; Cityplaza, Hong Kong; Hong Kong East, Master Plan; Kowloon Tong CRC Development, Hong Kong, ; Shi Tin Development, Hong Kong; Orchard Scotts, Singapore; Oxley road Development, Singapore; Cairinhill, Singapore; 66 and 80 Grange Road, Singapore; Citibank Building, Jakarta, Indonesia; Shanghai Information Town; Shanghai, PRC; Wangfujing Shopping Arcade; Beijing,
PRC. Marketing Support and Information Dissemination to the Paris, San Francisco, Hong Kong and Peruvian offices. In 1988 founded the computer lab at Arquitectonica to produce computerized working drawings for such projects as: Sawgrass Mills, Sunrise, Florida; Three palms, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Commercial Place, Jupiter, Florida; Marriott Turnpike Stations, Florida Turnpike, Florida; Vintage Park, San Francisco, California; Wilshire Robinson Competition, Los Angeles, California and Gurnee Mills, Chicago, Illinois. In 1993 added modem links with Asian Offices as Marketing Director to Asia. 1988 began Arquitectonica’s computerized architecture lab.
Relevant experience with projects of similar scale and scope.
Title: Public Art Mural Fence at Destination Sistrunk Cultural Center
Illustration Projects
Medium: Vinyl Banner Fence, Window Decals, & Door Decals
Size: 144’ x 8’
Location: Sistrunk, Fort Lauderdale, Florida Year: 2023
Total Project Budget: $21,000
Brand architect and public art design and manufacturing ready designs for temporary fence with art by students, Julien James and geometric illustration and logo by Ally Bee. Print ready design and project management of vinyl banner over temporary fence for Destination Sistrunk Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
• Brand Design and Graphic Design Illustrations
• Public Art & Design
• Print & Manufacturing Ready Visual Design
• Project & Installation Management
Title: Door Designs at Destination
Sistrunk Cultural Center
Medium: Door Decals
Size: 3 Double Doors, 3 Single Doors
Location: Sistrunk, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Year: 2022-24
Total Project Budget: $25,000
Brand architect and public art design and manufacturing ready designs for wall mural, window decals, door decals, and vinyl banner over temporary fence for Destination Sistrunk Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Printer: PDFSigns by Brooke Bradshaw
• Brand Illustration
• Graphic Design Illustrations
• Print Ready Design Files with Julian James Art
• Public Art & Design
• Print & Manufacturing Ready Visual Design
Julian James Art Print Ready Files & PM Ally Bee Art & Print Ready Files
Title: Window Decal Design
Illustrations at Destination
Sistrunk Cultural Center
Medium: Window Decals
Size: ~15’ x 6-8’
Location: Sistrunk, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Year: 2023
Budget: $7,000
Brand design and illustration, public art design, print ready design files, and manufacturing ready designs for window decals at Destination Sistrunk Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Printer: PDFSigns
Title: Gallery of Black Art at Destination Sistrunk
Cultural Center Wall Mural
Medium: Wall Mural
Size: ~80’ x 10’
Location: Sistrunk, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Budget: $15,000
• Graphic Design Illustrations
• Print Ready Design Files
• Print Management
• Project Management
• Installation Management
Title: SmArt City Art
Size 8’ x 4’
Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Year: 2024
Budget: $1,000 | Concpet and Video Production
Approved at Chamber of Commerce Meeting Concept for City of Fort Lauderdale CRA Art + Technology + Security + Advertising
SMART CITY ART
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A proposed project between the NW ProgressoFlagler Heights CRA and Broward County Cultural Division to elevate further the Destination Sistrunk Cultural Heritage initiative capacity building that provides residents within the Destination Sistrunk Program Area which includes the CRA and portions of Broward Municipal Services District.
SCULPTURAL DIGITAL INTERFACES PROVIDING INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS. AN ADVANCED COMMUNITY WI-FI SYSTEM PROVIDING ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY IN CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM, TECHNOLOGY, AND WAYFINDING.
FEATURES
• Free Wi-Fi
• EV Charging Station
• Advertisement for Local Businesses
• AI Sensor for Audio-Visual Recording
• Heritage and Historic Sites
• Restaurants
5
4 PLAY
• Places of Worship
• Events
• Weather Alerts
• Digital Art Galleries
• Interactive Maps
PROTOTYPE LOCATIONS
2 3 1
1. Sistrunk Marketplace, 115 NW 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
2. Destination Sistrunk Cultural Center, 1033 NW 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
3. Old Dillard Museum, 1009 NW 4th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
4. L.A. YMCA Mizell Community Center, 1409 NW 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
5. African American Research Library & Cultural Center, 2650 NW 6th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
Title: Fish Market
Medium: Fish Market & Bar Architecture Concept
Location: Miami River Waterfront
Year: 2013
Size: 1.5-acre Riverfront Property
Title: Kitzes Home
Renovation Rendering
Location: New York
Size: 400 sq ft
Year: 2022
Budget: $200,000
Title: Flow
Medium: Acrylic with Foil on Canvas
Location: Cleveland Clinic Exhibition
Budget: $10,000
Year: 2024
Title: I am Human
Medium: Clay Sculpture to Be Fountain
Location: Fort Lauderdale
Size: 2’ x 1’
Year: 2025
Budget: $20,000
Title: Lincoln Road Follies
Reimagined with Ray Jungles
Location: Linoln Road, Miami Beach, Florida
Year: 1990s and 2000s
Budget: ~$500,000
Size: 1 Mile Long
• Reimaging Public Art Spaces
• Architectural Planning
• Historic Preservation versus Design-Build Lobbying
• Permitting
• Art Deco and Art Basel Lectures
• Parade Planning and Public Space Activation
• Lobbyist
• Public Architecture and Design Historian
Deborah DeSilets Media
Lincoln Road 1959–1960, Morris Lapidus; 2010 extension, Raymond Jungles. 400 to 1100 blocks of Lincoln Rd.
Complete Lincoln Road’s pedestrian walkway, and fulfill Morris Lapidus’ vision | Opinion By Deborah Desilets | September 11, 2023
Deborah Desilets: “Learning from the Masters in our Midst” | Lecture at the 16th World Congress on Art Deco
LINCOLN ROAD A PLACE IN THE NATIONAL REGISTRY OF HISTORIC PLACES
Deborah Desilets: “Morris Lapidus’ Architectural Contribution to Miami Beach”
Deborah Desilets Talks Morris Lapidus and Miami Architecture
An Exhibit for Peace at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach in Partnership with Manolis Gallery | October 21st, 2022 in Lifestyle
Morris Lapidus My Home Exhibition
Client: Flag Luxury Group
Location: The Ritz-Carlton South Beach
Architect of Hotel: Morris Lapidus
Size: The Egg | Two Sides of Egg 7’ x 5’ x 5’
Budget: $80,000
Designers: Deborah DeSilets & Allison “Ally Bee” Findeiss & Ted Givens
• Art Basel 2024
• Art Exhibition Design
• The Egg Design
• Fabrication by Funkshion
• Event Planning
Appointments & Information
Deborah Desilets / auger007@aol.com
The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach celebrates the art & architecture of a Miami Beach legend.
Morris Lapidus My Home
Objets D’Art
Celebrating the 70th Anniversary of Morris Lapidus’ Landmark Design
Welcome to the Morris Lapidus: My Home exhibition in support with The Bass Museum objects d’artes from the personal residence of Morris Lapidus – the birthplace of his infamous architecture for Miami Beach.
We ask you to join us at the table where too much is never enough and be a part of the continuing conversations of design, art, and culture in Miami.
Ronit Ben-Josef Neuman
Director of the Morris Lapidus: My Home
Deborah Desilets
Morris Lapidus Foundation, Curator
Morris Lapidus: My Home
Hours of Operation
Open Tuesdays to Sundays / Closed Mondays 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Appointments & Information
Deborah Desilets / auger007@aol.com
WITH SUPPORT FROM THE BASS MUSEUM OF ART
“Style is not permanent--but that thing we call delight – is.”
Morris Lapidus: My Home presents an autobiographical review of his life. In this exhibition, Lapidus's life experiences are memorialized in paint and are amplified with his words. In the exhibit Lapidus, tells us the story of his life in a narrative taken from a letter to Frank Gehry. This letter reveals the story of each painting.
In this exhibit, Lapidus paints in words and pictures a representation of his life: Lapidus is revealed by Lapidus. In this way, the table is turned and the exhibit comes full circle.
The Morris Lapidus Foundation has as its mission to promote the architectural and theoretical design ideas of Morris Lapidus in educational projects and built forms for all people of all learning capabilities.
In the role of curator, Deborah Desilets's, Morris Lapidus: My Home Exhibit seamlessly intertwines the intimate realm of Lapidus's letters, art and architecture, showcasing his personal aesthetic while underscoring the unwavering pursuit of emotion and motion in dramatic architectural forms.
MORRIS LAPIDUS FOUNDATION is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Preliminary Budget and Anticipated Timeline
We estimate the project will take 3.5-6 months to complete design phase, fabrication drawings, fabrication manufacturing, permit, installation, and maintenance. We plan to execute the design in metal to secure the scupture to the concrete base.
Project Phase Budget Estimate Contractor(s)
Artist design fees
Fabrication and materials
Engineering and permitting costs
Project Management
Delivery and installation
Insurance and applicable taxes
Miscellaneous
Documentation of the design process
Total Budget Estimate
$10,000
Ally Bee Design
$75,000 Funkshion
$12,000-$15,000
$4,500-$7,500
VVAA & Funkshion
Ally Bee Design & VVAA
$15,000-$18,000 Funkshion
$5,000
VVAA Subcontractor
$9,500 All vendors
Ally Bee Design
$140,000
Maintenance and Inventory Form detailing anticipated annual cost of maintenance and intended materials
Material Cost Maintenance
Corten Steel (Weathering Steel)
Pros: Develops a stable rust-like patina that protects the metal underneath, popular in contemporary sculpture.
Powder-Coated Aluminum
Pros: Lightweight, rustproof, many color options, does not fade easily.
High-Density Concrete or GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete)
Pros: Cost-effective, can be molded into any shape, weather-resistant when sealed.
Moderate; requires good drainage and initial installation planning.
Moderate, very efficient for medium to large-scale installations.
Low to moderate.
Virtually zero; the patina is the finish.
Occasional wash; resistant to UV and corrosion.
Low if properly sealed; reseal every few years.
Statement of Interest
(up to 500 words) explaining the artist’s approach to the project and connection to the community.
A Fusion of Art, Architecture, and Emotion
In a creative partnership rooted in friendship and shared hometown pride, Lauderdale native Allison “Ally Bee” Findeiss-Becker and Florida-born Deborah DeSilets have come together to blend art, architecture, brand storytelling, historic preservation, and event planning into a powerful collaborative force. Their shared vision draws on decades of experience in design and public space-making, as well as a mutual admiration for the iconic works of architect Morris Lapidus.
Ally Bee and Deborah first crossed paths through their marketing and design careers at two of Florida’s most respected architecture firms—Zyscovich and Arquitectonica—where they honed their expertise in communicating bold design concepts. Their professional synergy eventually evolved into a creative entrepreneurial partnership. Now, as independent designers and visionaries, they collaborate on projects that reimagine public spaces through a multidimensional lens—merging visual art, architectural form, and emotional storytelling.
At the heart of their collaboration is a passion for Miami Modern (MiMo) and midcentury modern design. Inspired by the flamboyant, theatrical, and human-centered work of Morris Lapidus—whose legendary designs include the KenAnn Building, the Pier Sixty-Six hotel, and the iconic Mai-Kai restaurant—the duo is dedicated to infusing their work with the same spirit of playfulness and spectacle. Drawing from styles such as MiMo and Tiki Modernism, Ally Bee and Deborah believe architecture should engage the senses, create joy, and tell a story.
Their latest vision is to create an iconic public sculpture at the 13th Street roundabout in Fort Lauderdale—a landmark that brings “motion and emotion” to life through interactive design. Their goal is to create a multidimensional experience that incorporates light, shade, color, sound, and movement. This sculpture will serve not just as a work of art, but as a destination—inviting pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike to engage with the space in a new way. It will embody the harmony of art and nature, offering a sense of peace and wonder that reflects Fort Lauderdale’s coastal identity.
As a Lauderdale native, Ally Bee is passionate about the beautiful balance of nature and the arts in a harmonious wave of fresh air blowing through our community. The City of Fort Lauderdale is the Venice of America, a magnet to creative hearts and minds ready to celebrate life in this beach town. Located at the intersection of Las Olas and Wilton Manors, the 13th Street roundabout is a key thoroughfare—an artistic and cultural link between culinary hotspots, live music venues, visual arts destinations, and the outdoor activities that span our ocean and intracoastal waterways. This roundabout represents a magnetic lifestyle that continues to attract people to Ally Bee’s beautiful hometown.
Born at Holy Cross Hospital, raised in Fort Lauderdale, and educated at Pine Crest School and the University of Miami, Ally Bee returned to her hometown to reconnect with the pace, peace, and vibrant spirit of the city she loves. Her deep connection to place led her to launch the Lauderdale Native media brand, which promotes the lifestyle, creativity, and flow of life in Fort Lauderdale.
Together, Ally Bee and Deborah are redefining public art in South Florida—creating spaces that are not just seen, but felt and designed with love
The Bees, Ally Bee and Deborah
13th Street Sculpture Concept A: Artful Lauderdale Flow
Visual Arts
Music Dance Wave
13th Street Sculpture Concept B: Laudy Wave of Unity
Flowing wave in concrete painted with symbols representing all Fort Lauderdale has to offer at the vantage point between Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and Wilton Manors in a rainbow of colors representing the arts, culture, outdoor activities of the City of Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Parks, intracoastal and Atlantic ocean water sports.
To complement the artistic and architectural significance of the 13th Street roundabout sculpture, Ally Bee and Deborah envision a thoughtfully curated merchandise collection that honors the spirit of public art while generating ongoing community engagement. Inspired by the bold legacy of Morris Lapidus and iconic art-world projects like Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Surrounded Islands, the merchandise strategy emphasizes both collectability and storytelling. Limited-edition art prints and photographic documentation will showcase the design journey of the sculpture—from concept sketches and early models to the completed installation. These works, signed and numbered by the artists, serve as timeless mementos of Fort Lauderdale’s evolving cultural landscape. Additionally, smaller-scale sculptural replicas or maquettes—crafted in a variety of materials—will allow art lovers to bring a piece of the roundabout into their homes.
Fashion and textile items such as scarves, tote bags, and t-shirts will feature motifs inspired by the sculpture’s color palette and MiMo influences, echoing Lapidus’s flair for drama and detail. Jewelry and accessories reflecting the sculpture’s curves and architectural forms will offer wearable art that celebrates Fort Lauderdale’s design legacy. Books and exhibition catalogs will document the project’s creation, including essays, behind-the-scenes imagery, and
Flow
artist reflections—creating an archival-quality keepsake for supporters and cultural institutions. More accessible merchandise like postcards and stationery will invite visitors and residents alike to share the joy of the project across communities.
Crucially, the merchandising plan emphasizes local collaboration and community benefit. Ally Bee and Deborah aim to partner with South Florida artists, makers, and design studios to produce limited-edition collections, ensuring authenticity and regional pride. The merchandise would be sold both on-site at partner venues like Pier Sixty Six, Las Olas, NSU Museum, and online to reach a global audience.
All licensing and sales efforts would follow a clear and collaborative structure—potentially involving the Morris Lapidus™ estate or related foundations to ensure authenticity and benefit from historical insight. A portion of the proceeds from merchandise sales would support local arts education, preservation initiatives, or community-based cultural programs aligned with the mission of celebrating design and well-being through public art.
By extending the emotional impact of the sculpture into functional, beautiful, and meaningful merchandise, Ally Bee and Deborah hope to build a deeper connection between art, place, and people—sparking joy long after one passes through the roundabout.
Flow inspired by finding moments of happiness through color in the darkness. I created this collection of art while witnessing my dad suffering from mental suffering of dementia and aphasia in his final years.
I tried to seek happiness by creating playful and colorful art to bring peace and positivity into my space. It inspired a collection with texture, movement, and reflection of light through foil. Bring light onto your space with Ally Bee’s tableware, furniture, and art.
Elevated artistic collection for Spring/Summer 2025 by Ally Bee.