How Kurt Dannwolf Built ODP Architects Into an Architecture Powerhouse Across Florida and Beyond
Welcome back to the Construction Hall of Fame Podcast, where we highlight the people driving excellence in the architecture, engineering, and construction world.
In today’s episode, host Matt Gorgolinski welcomes Kurt Dannwolf, co-founder and principal of ODP Architects, a firm now spanning 140+ employees with offices in Florida and Colombia.
With a background that includes working for world-renowned firms like Kohn Pedersen Fox and Handel Architects, Kurt’s journey is anything but typical.
From building tree forts and train sets as a kid to collaborating with global icons like Zaha Hadid’s team, Kurt opens up about the early entrepreneurial risks, hard-earned lessons, and the leadership philosophy that propelled ODP into one of Florida’s most respected architectural firms.
This episode is packed with insights on building a successful career in architecture, growing a business, navigating market downturns, balancing artistic vision with real-world deliverables, and the importance of mentorship in the industry.
Watch The Full Episode Here
Learn More About ODP Architecture & Design
BUILDINGS AND RESIDENCES DESIGNED TO MAKE THE EVERYDAY EXTRAORDINARY –– Our built environment is one that is singular, rich in design and achievable through enthusiastic collaboration.
BUILDINGS AND RESIDENCES DESIGNED TO MAKE THE EVERYDAY EXTRAORDINARY –– Our built environment is one that is singular, rich in design and achievable through enthusiastic collaboration.
About Our Guest
Meet Kurt J. Dannwolf, the Visionary Behind ODP’s Bold Approach to Luxury Architecture and Design
Kurt Dannwolf
Mr. Dannwolf is the founder and creative visionary of ODP Architecture and Design. Since its inception, he has managed to stay involved in all aspects of design while growing the company into one of the top mid-size firms. His holistic approach to orchestrating good design practice allows for innovative forms and spaces that speak to all. He understands the unspoken words of a building and instills in his team that the sense of space is an emotional one.
Mr. Dannwolf has 27 years of experience with high-rise and mixed- use buildings. His career can be highlighted into tiers of size and scale. There are no blurred lines in the shadows created by The Four Seasons Hotel & Tower in Miami, the Dacom Headquarters in Korea, the Telecom Headquarters in Buenos Aires. As AOR for renowned architects Zaha Hadid and Foster + Partners, Dannwolf was sought out for his hands on approach and ability to have a detailed oriented firm, dedicated to create one of a kind form that pushes the bounderies and sets the trend for others.
Prior to founding ODP, Dannwolf worked for two of the world's premier high-rise architectural offices in New York, Gary E. Handel + Associates and Kohn Pendersen Fox (KPF). He received his Bachelor of Architecture at Pratt Institute, where he graduated cum laude, and received the Pratt Circle of Award for Design Excellence.
Mr. Dannwolf is a registered architect in Florida and New York and maintains NCARB certification. He has given back to the design community by being a guest juror at Florida International University and teaching design at Florida Atlantic University. Recent accolades include obtaining TCO for One Thousand Museum with Helipad, Apple Store Aventura and Paramount Miami World TCO. He has been published nationally and achieved countless awards.
