Craig Robins and Jackie Soffer: Entrepreneurship at the Intersection of Art and Real Estate

AAP Entrepreneurship Lecture and Workshop Series

Abstract

As part of the AAP Entrepreneurship Lecture and Workshop Series, entrepreneurs Craig Robins and Jackie Soffer will present examples from their careers in discussion with Milton S. F. Curry, Senior Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives and Engagement and Professor of Architecture, followed by an interactive workshop with students. 

RSVP to this event by April 17 for access to the AAP Entrepreneurship Canvas site, where participants can consult pre-read materials for the workshop. Dinner will be provided.

Biographies

Craig Robins is an entrepreneur, real estate developer, and art collector based in Miami, Florida. As the Chief Executive Officer and President of Dacra, the real estate development company he founded in 1987, Robins focuses on developing creative communities that integrate art, design, and architecture to accelerate asset value creation and enrich urban life. 

Dacra has spearheaded some of the most successful and transformative commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects in Miami's history, including South Beach, the Lincoln Road area, Allison Island, and the Miami Design District. The latter is an 18-square-block neighborhood dedicated to fashion, design, and art that incorporates the work of emerging and established architects, site-specific public art, and stores by the world's most significant luxury brands. The Miami Design District is the first LEED-certified Gold Built Version 4 Neighborhood in the world.

Jackie Soffer is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Turnberry, a dynamic real estate company that develops, owns, and programs large-scale hospitality, retail, residential, and commercial properties. Turnberry's portfolio includes the 533-room JW Marriott Nashville, Aventura Mall, which has more than 30 million visitors annually, and Destin Commons, a 500k+ square-foot open-air lifestyle center in Northwest Florida. In partnership with Terra Group, Turnberry is developing an 800-key hotel connected to the Miami Beach Convention Center.

Soffer is a member of the Dean's Leadership Council at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, a member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees at the University of Miami, a member of the Dean's Advisory Committee at the University of Miami's School of Architecture; a member of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Miami Host Committee; and a member of Cornell University's Center for Real Estate and Finance.

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request accommodation or to inquire about accessibility, please contact Sydney Boyd at sydneyboyd@cornell.edu.