On this episode of The Long Game, Prosper Group CEO Jay Roberts sits down with Louis Birdman, Co-Founder of 1000 Group and one of the developers behind One Thousand Museum, the iconic Miami residential tower designed by legendary architect Zaha Hadid.
With more than three decades of experience in real estate development, Louis has helped shape Miami’s skyline through some of its most ambitious residential projects. He shares how his family's early work in condominium conversions evolved into large-scale luxury development, and how a former gas station site became one of the most recognizable architectural landmarks in the world.
Jay and Louis discuss the vision behind One Thousand Museum, the story of bringing Zaha Hadid to Miami, and the extraordinary challenges of constructing one of the city's most complex skyscrapers. Louis also shares how his team navigated the 2008 financial crisis, why they took a chance on downtown Miami before it became a global luxury destination, and what it takes to deliver projects that redefine a city's skyline.
They also dive into Louis' latest developments, including Villa Miami and Anantara, the growing influence of hospitality and branded residences, and how luxury buyers are prioritizing lifestyle, privacy, and service. From navigating financing and construction challenges to building lasting relationships and exceeding expectations, Louis shares the lessons he's learned from decades of playing the long game.
🎯 TAKEAWAYS:
• How Louis Birdman went from condominium conversions to developing Miami's most iconic luxury towers
• The story behind One Thousand Museum and its transformation from a former gas station site
• How Louis and his partners convinced legendary architect Zaha Hadid to design the project
• The engineering, construction, and logistical challenges behind One Thousand Museum
• How Louis navigated the 2008 financial crisis and Miami's changing real estate cycles
• Why larger residences, exclusivity, and architectural design became central to his development strategy
• Inside Villa Miami and its partnership with Major Food Group
• Bringing the Anantara luxury hospitality brand to Miami
• Why hospitality, lifestyle, privacy, and service are shaping the future of branded residences
• The realities of financing, competition, and managing complex real estate developments
• How Miami evolved from a seasonal destination into a global city
• Louis' advice on consistency, exceeding expectations, and playing the long game
Stay up to date with Jay Roberts:
Instagram: @jayroberts
Website: ProsperGroup.com
