The Heart of Miami with Jordan Danieli: Nina Johnson Gallery, Nader Sculpture Park, and More
By Eliza Jordan
A Miami-based lawyer and jewelry designer, Jordan Danieli shares the places, textures, and moments that shape his creative world.
The Miami-born and -based jewelry designer Jordan Danieli, founder of Di Volpe, moves through the city with an appreciation for its character, creativity, and contradictions. For him, inspiration begins on the Miami Beach boardwalk, where bold personalities and everyday surprises spark new ideas. His art itinerary ranges from the refined programming of Nina Johnson and La Cometa to the unexpected playfulness of the Museum of Sex in Allapattah. He’s drawn to the evolving energy of MiMo, captivated by its bakeries, cafés, and tucked-away neighborhood favorites, and his go-to meals span from Portovino’s spaghetti langoustine to classics at The Gourmet Diner.
Danieli generously took the time to speak to Whitewall about his favorite places, daily rituals, and the pulse of Miami that keeps him inspired.
WHITEWALL: FAVORITE PLACE TO FIND INSPIRATION?
JORDAN DANIELI: I love the Miami Beach boardwalk — you see every kind of character there. There’s something about Miami that gives people confidence and brings out their most authentic selves. You don’t just see beautiful things; you see interesting things. The Art Deco architecture along Ocean Drive, the vibrant lifeguard stands, and the constant energy of the beach are endless sources of inspiration. I’m especially inspired by the jewelry people wear out and about. It’s like a moving gallery of personal style. Miami’s multicultural mix adds another layer of creativity to everything.
But most of my inspiration comes from my family. I’m lucky to come from a family of tastemakers. My grandparents and parents have always surrounded themselves with art, objects, and jewelry. We share a distinctive aesthetic, a red thread that connects us beyond blood. My aunt, in particular, has carried that legacy forward as a collector and curator.
In my opinion, she has the most inspiring collection of art, sculptures, and jewelry in Miami. Maybe it’s because I was raised to share her sensibilities, but watching her collection evolve since childhood has been transformative. Each new piece subtly shifts the environment shaped by the originals, changing how I see them and deepening my appreciation for how art redefines a space over time. When it comes to jewelry, our taste aligns completely. She’s now one of my best clients and wears Di Volpe pieces every day. She’s become a walking reflection of the shared aesthetic we both cherish.
WW: FAVORITE PLACE TO SEE ART?
JD: Miami has seen incredible growth in the arts over the past decade. As a kid, we didn’t have resources like the ICA, Wynwood Walls, or thePérez Art Museum—each now showcasing world-class collections and exhibitions. The Pérez is a masterpiece in itself, designed by Herzog & de Meuron and set on Biscayne Bay. You can spend an entire day there: lunch on Verde’s terrace overlooking the port, shop its beautifully curated store, and lose yourself in its galleries.
Still, what I love most, what truly gives Miami its character, is the tropical Art Deco architecture of Miami Beach. It’s a style born here, part of the city’s visual DNA. In my opinion, every modern building in Miami draws some inspiration from it. I always recommend the Miami Design Preservation League’s walking tour; it’s fascinating and gives real context to the city’s evolution, visually and culturally.
Other must-sees: Nina Johnson Gallery, La Cometa (an amazing Colombian gallery), and the Rubell Museum, which has some of the most impressive installation art in the country. And for something unexpected, check out the Museum of Sex in Allapattah—playful, interactive, and totally different.