In a real estate landscape that’s constantly shifting, Naftali Group has remained a standard-bearer for timeless luxury, thanks in no small part to the vision and leadership of Danielle Naftali. As Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Design, Naftali has not only helped shape the firm's brand identity but has also played a pivotal role in launching some of the most lauded residential developments across New York and Miami. With a deep understanding of market dynamics and an unwavering commitment to quality, she’s redefining what luxury means in today’s urban environments.
“Our philosophy is about really understanding the context of a site: what the neighborhood is like, who the demographic will be, and the history of the area,” says Naftali. “We take time to understand what our residents’ true needs and wants are.” That ethos—rooted in thoughtful design and functional elegance—drives every Naftali Group project, from concept to completion. “Everything we deliver feels timeless, holistic, and of high quality,” she adds. “When the Naftali name is on a project, it signifies an unwavering commitment to quality.”
Luxury That Lasts
It’s a mindset that’s helped power the firm’s recent high-profile launches, such as JEM Miami Worldcenter in Downtown Miami, and The Willow in New York City, build a reputation for residences that stand the test of time. “Every detail matters,” Naftali notes. “From expansive yet efficient floor plans to beautifully finished amenities, we want residents to feel proud of the lifestyle they’ve chosen—and to carry that pride well beyond move-in day.”
That consistency of experience, she says, is what separates a good project from a great one. “We strive to create homes that feel timeless, with designs and materials that age gracefully, and experiences that continue to resonate as lifestyles evolve.”
When Brands Become Buildings
With branded residences taking center stage in luxury development, Naftali is clear about the unique challenges and opportunities they bring. “You’re not just crafting interior design: you’re creating an entire lifestyle that aligns with the brand’s identity,” she explains. For example, at JEM Private Residences in Miami, the firm partnered with FENDI Casa for its Sky Villas, bringing the fashion house’s design language into residential form.
Similarly, at Viceroy Residences in Fort Lauderdale, the Naftali Group is translating a globally recognized hospitality brand into a full-service living experience. “Each brand partnership demands a different discipline. But whether it’s a fashion house or a boutique design studio, we always aim to deliver thoughtful, exceptional products that people truly love living in.”
The Art of the Collaboration
That balance of vision and execution is also evident in how Naftali approaches partnerships with top-tier design firms. “The best collaborations are built on a no-ego approach,” she says. “We look for firms that want to keep raising the bar and who understand the value of timeless, elegant design that leaves space for a resident’s own aesthetic.”
The goal, she emphasizes, is always to create spaces that feel personal, elevated, and enduring.
Brand Meets Blueprint
Part of what makes Naftali’s leadership unique is her rare blend of influence across both design and marketing—two areas often siloed in traditional development models. “For me, design and marketing are two sides of the same coin,” she explains. “Marketing is listening to the market; design is how you answer those needs. If you separate those two functions, you risk creating a disconnect between the story you're telling and the product you're delivering.”
This cross-functional lens helps ensure that each Naftali development tells a cohesive story—from concept sketches to move-in day.
Two Cities, Two Lifestyles
As Naftali Group continues its ambitious expansion into South Florida, those principles remain front and center. “New York and Miami both demand excellence, but in different ways,” Naftali observes.
“In New York, buyers are often local and value privacy and boutique buildings,” she says. “In Miami, it’s more international and very focused on the lifestyle component.” At JEM, that translated into wellness-driven amenities like a salt room, cold plunge, and meditation lounge. “But in both markets, the buyers are highly sophisticated and expect design integrity above all else.”
The Next Chapter
Looking ahead, Naftali teases exciting developments on the horizon. “Miami and Fort Lauderdale are major focuses right now,” she shares. “JEM Miami Worldcenter is especially exciting—it’s in one of the city’s only truly walkable, master-planned neighborhoods.”
In Fort Lauderdale, the firm’s Viceroy Residences project is set to meet growing demand for full-service, high-design living—an area Naftali believes has been underserved. “Beyond that,” she adds, “we continue to maintain a very active pipeline in New York. And well… you’ll just have to wait and see.”
Legacy in the Making
Naftali’s own path within the family business has been anything but linear. “In many ways, my journey started at the front desk as a summer intern,” she reflects. “But I quickly became enamored with the real estate industry.” Over the past decade, she has taken on leadership roles across planning, design, marketing, and asset management.
That trajectory culminated in her recognition by Crain’s New York Business as one of its Notable Leaders in Real Estate in both 2022 and 2024—an accolade she views as a shared win. “The bigger privilege is continuing to evolve the firm alongside my father and leading our growth into new markets.”
Advice from the Top
To those following in her footsteps—especially women looking to carve out space in real estate—Naftali offers this advice: “Set very high standards for yourself and don’t compromise on them. If you work harder than anyone else, stay true to your vision, and focus on excellence, your determination will show.”
Redefining Luxury, One Detail at a Time
What lies ahead for luxury real estate? For Naftali, it’s not just about finishes or square footage—it’s about meaning. “It’s not just about expensive materials anymore. It’s about building trust, community, and a lifestyle,” she says. “Smart layouts, high-quality design, curated amenities, and a holistic approach—that’s where true luxury is headed.”
With Danielle Naftali guiding the brand vision at Naftali Group, one thing is certain: this is a firm building more than just homes—it’s building legacies.