This project marks a 15-year relationship between Brinkworth and global streetwear brand Supreme, which share natural synergies and roots in skate culture. Designed for longevity, the Miami store may be the brand’s most sophisticated composition yet, expressed within the context of architecture and locale. A floating overhead ‘horseshoe’ skate bowl takes the sculptural concept to new heights and a striking ‘perforated’ facade plays with the city’s intense Southern light.

The store, designed by Brinkworth in collaboration with architect Neil Logan and the Wilson Brothers, is set in the city’s Design District. Rather than razing and rebuilding the two-story concrete-frame building, Brinkworth stripped it back to its shell, removing internal concrete staircases and introducing contemporary elements that reflect the brand’s clean, distinctive aesthetic. The concrete columns, with their interesting patina, were kept completely as they were found and continue to define the vast space architecturally. Acoustic treatments were added to balance the sound of the skating and the in-store music.

The floating skate bowl, created by Steve Badgett of Simparch, has become a much-loved feature of Supreme stores from Shanghai to LA. The double-height Miami store required a reimagining of the concept. In this iteration, the giant structural installation floats 2.4 metres overhead, allowing visitors to walk beneath and experience it from different perspectives. Set between two columns, there’s a captivating interplay between old and new elements, while the bowl’s horseshoe shape creates a unique sense of flow. The design challenge was getting to the sweet spot between having enough depth proportion but allowing a feeling of space.

The bowl is framed by a gigantic video wall showing iconic Supreme footage. Within the global brand experience, the store speaks to its locale, creating a sense of place. Commissioned works include a site-specific piece by dave X, a mural by Rita Ackerman and a pre-cast concrete bench inspired by the city’s renowned MLK (Martin Luther-King) skate spot.

The store’s exterior features a striking facade treatment with perforated panels, specifically designed to diffuse Miami’s intense southern light in the interior and create a dramatic lighting effect at night. It has been described as “part camouflage, part lantern”. It’s a beautiful, natural fit for the climate, providing screening and reducing the demand for aircon.

All the elements come together in a way that feels calm and natural. The products themselves are optimally lit – balanced with the light that is coming from outside. Each view of the store is harmonious – visually rich, yet expansive. The space invites participation and meaningful engagement beyond transactional retail. Todd Jordan, Supreme’s brand director said in an iD magazine interview: “When people come to our stores they get to experience Supreme in its purest form. The IRL experience is the experience.”