In every real estate cycle, a few leaders manage to shift the conversation—and Danielle Naftali has become one of the voices redefining luxury high-rise living. As Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Design at Naftali Group, she has become one of the most influential figures shaping the look, feel, and commercial success of today’s luxury residential towers.
This December, at Zonda’s Elevate Conference on High-Rise Luxury Living, she will be honored as Developer of the Year, a distinction underscoring her leadership in delivering design-driven, lifestyle-aligned developments from New York to Miami.
Her record is hard to ignore: over $1 billion in sellouts, brand-defining developments like The Benson and The Bellemont, groundbreaking collaborations with FENDI CASA and Viceroy Hotels, and a growing South Florida pipeline that includes one of the region’s most anticipated towers, JEM Private Residences. Naftali’s rise signals a shift in the industry—toward developers who understand buildings not merely as assets, but as crafted experiences.
In the interview below, Naftali details her development philosophy—from site selection to branded living—and what she believes will define the next era of high-rise living.
What is Naftali Group’s philosophy?
Our philosophy is rooted in decades of creating some of the most significant developments in the world. We specialize in identifying undervalued sites in premier locations with strong long-term potential and transforming them into high quality residential and mixed-use properties. As a company, we are relentless in overcoming everyday development challenges and pushing for best-in-class design and construction excellence. We deliver exceptional products that elevate neighborhoods and fill gaps where there is market demand.
What have you learned from working alongside your father, Miki Naftali, and how do you see the next generation shaping the company’s DNA?
Working with my father for more than a decade has taught me the value of relentless work ethic, attention to detail, and the importance of tackling challenges head-on. I began at the company as a summer intern at the reception desk, and over the years I’ve grown into a leadership role by taking on more responsibility and proving myself through the work.
I am deeply hands-on in every part of the business because I truly love what we do. Real estate development demands constant problem-solving, and I spend much of my day focused on details—big and small—that ultimately differentiate a good developer from a great one. Each project is an opportunity to refine, improve, and push our standards even higher.
As part of the next generation, I share my father’s vision but also bring new perspectives to the table. I’ve helped evolve our approach to design, branding, marketing and sales, continually raising the bar for how we deliver our developments.
Naftali Group properties have a distinct brand identity. How intentional is that branding across architecture, interiors, and marketing?
Our branding is highly intentional. We want brokers, buyers and residents to instantly recognize a Naftali Group property through its quality, lifestyle and attention to detail. Whether it’s an ultra-premium residence or an entry-level luxury home, we invest countless hours into research and design to ensure every project delivers at the highest standard.
Across all our work—architecture, interiors and marketing—we are guided by the same core principles: prime locations, craftsmanship, timeless design and a strong sense of place.
What’s the best way to describe your approach to real estate development?
We look for neighborhoods where there’s strong demand and limited quality inventory, then create a product that elevates expectations—timeless, refined and aligned with how people truly live. Our goal is always to deliver the highest-quality development while respecting the character of the surrounding community.
We study each neighborhood closely—its architecture, history and rhythm—to ensure our projects fit seamlessly into their context and enhance the area. Whether it’s an ultra-luxury building or a more attainable offering, we aim to introduce best-in-class product that revitalizes streetscapes and contributes to vibrant, walkable environments.
Ultimately, we don’t replicate one aesthetic from city to city. Instead, we translate our core philosophy into designs that reflect the unique spirit of each location while pushing the standard of quality forward.
What project (or projects) of yours best illustrates that approach?
Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale showcases how we pair a deep understanding of a neighborhood with a commitment to quality, design, and experiential living. As one of the first Viceroy residential projects on the East Coast, it blends the globally recognized Viceroy brand with Naftali Group’s signature design philosophy and attention to detail. Offering full hotel-style services and over 20,000 square feet of amenities in the heart of Downtown Fort Lauderdale, it’s truly a game changer for the market.
Williamsburg Wharf is another strong expression of our philosophy. Once completed, it will be 12 years in the making, this Brooklyn development captures the character and creativity of Williamsburg while introducing a new level of design and lifestyle to the waterfront.
Residents no longer choose Williamsburg because it’s more affordable, they choose it because they genuinely prefer the neighborhood. With its vibrant restaurant scene, nightlife, and charming tree-lined streets, Williamsburg has become one of New York’s most desirable places to live, and Williamsburg Wharf elevates that lifestyle even further.
What projects are you most drawn to?
I love all my “children” equally, but I’m especially excited about our expansion into South Florida. JEM Private Residences at Miami WorldCenter and Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale mark major milestones for our company, with more than 3 million square feet underway in two of the region’s fastest-growing neighborhoods. Along the way, I’ve had the chance to work with incredibly talented people, and I’m eager to see both developments come to life.
What does “luxury” mean to you in 2025—and how has your definition evolved since you began in development?
It means quality–creating homes thoughtfully designed at every level, from layouts to finishes. The definition for me has evolved over the years, but the core remains the same: true luxury comes from craftsmanship and purpose, not excess.
The most rewarding moment is always handing over the keys and seeing how happy our residents are. Every development is a labor of love and watching them come to life from start to finish is what makes this work so meaningful to me.
What would you have been if not a real estate developer?
I would have been an interior designer.