Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos is the co-founder, President, and COO of Flag Luxury Group, a real estate development firm focused on luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and retail. Dayssi oversees all aspects of the firm’s initiatives, including site selection, finance, acquisitions, branding, management contracts, design, programming, zoning, construction, and asset management.

Her renowned portfolio includes the 250-key Ritz-Carlton New York (named a “Best Hotel in New York” by Condé Nast Traveler), ICON Park (named among the “Best Things To Do in Orlando” by US News) and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, South Beach – a collection of “beach houses in the sky” setting a new standard of Miami luxury.

Before joining Flag Luxury, Dayssi worked as a commercial real estate financial analyst and broker in New York. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, where she has served on the Board and as a guest lecturer in its 45th Dean’s Distinguished Lecture Series. Dayssi is a valued member of the President's Council of Cornell Women and the Trustee Council of the University. She holds a Master’s in Real Estate Development and Finance from NYU.

Dayssi is also the co-founder of Women’s Power Series, a nonprofit empowering women entrepreneurs through accessible networking events. She is the founder of The Friends of New Yorkers for Children, which supports children in foster care through education, mentoring, and career initiatives. She serves on the board of Save Venice, the largest private nonprofit dedicated to preserving the art and architecture of Venice. Dayssi has been honored with multiple industry accolades, including CRE Women in Real Estate, the Casita Maria Medal of Honor, and the Maryhaven Philanthropist of the Year, and has been inducted into Hospitality Design’s Platinum Circle for their lifetime achievement award.

Website: flagluxury.com

As a Principal and Managing Director of Gensler’s Tampa Office, Dawn’s leadership builds relationships with clients to create transformative design. Dawn believes that innovative design solutions are the result of a trusting partnership with client’s. With more than 30 years of experience, Dawn’s strategy for each project is to combine Gensler’s research and point of view with the client’s goals to bring the highest level of design and industry knowledge to the project. Her clients include Feldman Equities, Strategic Property Partners, Jabil, FIS, The University of South Florida, and Tampa International Airport. She is recognized as a leader in the industry, and is involved in CoreNet and ULI. Dawn earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a Master of Architecture from the University of South Florida.

Biography Sal Benchetrit

Sal Benchetrit has over 20 years of experience leading design and construction efforts across multifamily residential, hospitality, healthcare, commercial, and mixed-use projects. His background includes senior roles with several respected South Florida architecture firms, where he developed a strong foundation in complex project delivery and technical coordination.

Throughout his career, Sal has overseen entitlement and permitting, zoning and code compliance, budget coordination, and full project documentation for large-scale developments. His work spans residential, hospitality, commercial, healthcare, and aviation projects, reflecting balanced expertise in design leadership and technical execution.

Sal joined ODP Architecture & Design as a Principal where he is contributing to several prominent, confidential projects, including high-end luxury branded residential towers and ultra-premium condominium developments. He provides strategic leadership and guides multidisciplinary teams through key phases of design and delivery, supporting ODP’s commitment to quality, collaboration, and thoughtful execution.

Sal is known for his approachable and amicable personality, which has helped him build lasting professional relationships. His combination of technical rigor and clear, respectful communication has made him a trusted partner to clients, consultants, and project teams.

Adam Paolino is an Associate Principal and acoustic engineer with more than 20 years of experience delivering performance-driven acoustic design for complex, high-profile developments. Based in South Florida, Adam works at the intersection of architecture, interiors, and building performance, partnering with architects, designers, and developers to shape spaces that feel intentional, comfortable, and human-centered.

Adam’s expertise spans building and architectural acoustics, electro-acoustic design, and system commissioning, with a career built on projects across Australia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Today, his work is deeply rooted in Florida’s rapidly evolving design landscape, where acoustic performance plays an increasingly important role in supporting luxury residential living, hospitality environments, and mixed-use destinations.

His Florida project experience includes the Mandarin Oriental Hotel and Residences, the Grand Hyatt Miami Beach, MSC Block 55, MSC Bayview, and 1401 Brickell, along with other major hospitality and mixed-use developments. Across these projects, Adam supports design teams in navigating the challenges of dense urban conditions, high expectations for privacy and comfort, and the need to align acoustic strategy with ambitious architectural aesthetics.

At Trinity Consultants, Adam serves as Office Head for the Miami location, supporting project delivery and continued growth throughout the region. He is known for providing practical, buildable solutions that help elevate the end-user experience while protecting long-term project value.

Tiffany Montañez is a Design Manager at Gensler’s Miami office and brings expertise in hospitality and luxury residential projects across the Caribbean and Latin America region. Her work focuses on guiding projects from design through delivery with a strong emphasis on collaboration, client partnership, and a high standard of design quality. Tiffany has contributed to a range of project types including campus-style resorts, urban hotels, branded residential developments, and renovation and rehabilitation projects.

Beyond her professional work, Tiffany is an active leader in the architecture and design community. She serves on the AIA Miami Board of Directors and is the President of the South Florida Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (SoFlo NOMA), where she leads initiatives that inspire and engage the next generation of designers.

Passionate about building a more inclusive and sustainable profession, Tiffany enjoys working across all phases of architectural practice, from design development through construction.

Kobi Karp is the Founder and Principal of Kobi Karp Architecture and Interior Design, Inc (KKAID). Kobi Karp founded the firm in 1996 and has been the Principal-in-Charge of design since that time. KKAID is a full-service architectural and interior design firm providing a vast array of services, ranging from the design of large-scale, high-rise condominium and hospitality projects to intimate, small-scale low-rise residential and commercial structures.

Educated at the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Technology, Kobi Karp earned degrees in both Architecture and Environmental Design. Subsequently, Kobi Karp began his career working on major hospitality and all- inclusive resort projects throughout the United States and the Caribbean. His restoration design techniques have contributed to a renaissance in one of this country’s most cherished areas, Miami Beach’s Art Deco District which is internationally recognized around the world.

Kobi Karp has developed expertise in design over the last 20 years, working with a wide range of project types, sizes, complexities, and budgets. It is through this last quarter century working in warm weather climates that KKAID has garnered international acclaim and been selected to spearhead numerous resort projects. Developers and builders in the Caribbean, Black Sea region, and the Middle East have relied on the firm for their design eye and planning.

Kobi Karp is a recognized member of the American Institute of Architects, honored for his award-winning designs and buildings and he is a licensed Professional Architect in 9 states and in Abu Dhabi (UAE). His firm has been featured in renowned national and local publications based on their major contributions in the preservation of historical areas.

Todd Tyler is an accomplished interior designer, furniture designer, and creative leader with over two decades of experience in the industry. He is currently the Chief Creative Officer of Studio IDC, a full-service Miami-based interior design and procurement firm specializing in luxury residential and hospitality projects.

After earning his BFA in Interior Design from The Art Institute, Todd worked with Kenneth Brown Design in Los Angeles, then moved on as a Senior Designer with Jennifer Bradford Davis Interior Design, where he collaborated on a range of high-profile residential projects in NYC and Mustique. Todd also served as a furniture designer for Blue Leaf Hospitality, where he created case goods, indoor and outdoor seating, upholstery, tables, and banquettes for the hospitality and commercial industries. His work has been featured in national design publications and received praise for its beauty, functionality, and attention to detail.

Throughout his career, Todd has been recognized for his professionalism and dedication to the tenets of interior design. He draws inspiration from all forms of art, including fine art, film, fashion, music, and theater, and in his downtime can often be found visiting museums around the world. As a former competitive elite gymnast, Todd learned valuable life lessons such as always putting your whole heart into everything you do, discipline, competitive spirit, and accountability, which continue to serve his colleagues and clients today. He is a proud member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and holds certification from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), two of the most respected professional organizations in the industry.

By helping his family in remodeling their home, Kirk felt a calling and immediately knew that his talents were meant for the building and design industry. Next, Kirk too on a position in construction management on a small plaza project. These two small steps into design and build management were a start towards building Ivey Design Build.

Well known for his honest, competent, and diplomatic style, Kirk has worked in international markets, using his expertise in construction, interior design, and information technology architecture to provide a comprehensive solution for clients. His knowledge and attention to detail are unparalleled, which enabled him to build striking spaces on schedule while conserving budget.

Ivey Design Build has supported the latest update to the Jetlinx airport, luxury apartments in the Ritz Carlton residences, Marquis Building, Trump Towers, Presidential Estate, Bal Harbor Condominium, Armani Building, Turnberry Ocean Club, Regalia among others. Additionally, Ivey has acted as builder to major entities in Jamaica such as Super Clubs, Air Jamaica, Victoria Mutual Building Society. Additionally, Kirk has spearheaded projects for HNW residential clients in Miami, Florida, and the Hamptons.

Following a decade of experience that has yielded exceptional results, Kirk Ivy still has more in store for the company. He aspires to maintain and continue exceeding the high standards of service rendering to all the clients the Ivey experience.

A dynamic digital strategist, Melanie is known for crafting innovative and high-impact multimedia initiatives that drive engagement and industry influence.

An Emmy Award-winning producer, she honed her expertise leading international campaigns for the Indianapolis Zoo and Indianapolis Prize — widely regarded as the world’s most prestigious award for animal conservation. This experience shaped her foundation in brand storytelling and content marketing, skills she applies across sectors, from real estate and business to travel.

Melanie’s work earned PRSA Pinnacle Awards in external communications, marketing and special events, solidifying her reputation for executing results-driven strategies.

Beyond the 9-to-5, Melanie is deeply engaged in her community, serving as a member of Zoo Miami’s Wild Bunch and as programming lead for Wellness for Women in Real Estate (WWIRE)’s Miami chapter.