From tiled floors and patterned walls to neon signs and oversized crystals, every whimsical aspect of this home was precisely curated by its owners, Rodman Primack (pictured) and Rudy Weissenberg.

At Home on the Venetian Islands

Pairing sophisticated design with a trove of tactile pieces, one couple brought character to each room of their dynamic South Florida escape.

Images: Mary Beth Koeth

Words: Alex Reis

When two artistic spirits purchased a home on Miami’s Venetian Islands, they put their diverse skill sets to use, culminating in a retreat melding relaxation and stimulation. For Rodman Primack, Chief Creative Officer of Design Miami, and his partner Rudy Weissenberg, a television producer and real estate developer, it was important to curate an environment that was not only serene, but also functional enough to entertain a revolving crowd of guests flocking into town for events throughout the year.

Lately, however, the couple is finding less time to spend in their cherished dwelling. They partnered with Compass Miami agent Geane Brito to find a new owner for their singular space — and found the perfect buyer, with just 50 days from the launch to the closing on April 20th.

How did you come to live on this idyllic property?

Rodman: About seven years ago, Rudy got the opportunity to work for a telenovela based in Miami. We both travel often, but when he got this position, it made sense to put down roots in the area — and when we saw this particular home, we could envision ourselves here. We fell in love with its peaceful yard and the surrounding neighborhood.

Rodman and Rudy accentuated the home’s original walls with a bold splash of hot pink and had custom shelves built to fit its curves.

What changes did you make when you moved in?

Rodman: We embraced the home’s odd shape, but completely renovated the interiors and outdoor area. It became a lush garden when we planted palms and all sorts of tropical vegetation, and put the pool in.

The tiled floors that lead out to the garden, seen in both top photos, are made from the same concrete mix as the kitchen tiles, seen in the bottom photo, yet they look and feel completely different.

Tell me about the interior renovation!

Rodman: The home was built in 1930s, and we redesigned it with a mid-century feel. So the pool is shaped like a kidney bean, the floors are tiled — I wouldn’t say we followed an exact theme, but we played with concepts and art we were interested in. One thing we love to do is re-purpose materials in different functions, and we did that throughout with wood and tiles.

Top left: Rodman’s firm, RP Miller, designed the deep indigo textile walls in the guest room, aptly named “The Cry of the Cuckoo.” Top right: Danish artist FOS created the couple’s eye-catching neon sculpture, which reads, “Where there is pressure, there is folk dance.” Bottom left: Citrus fruit blooms in the vibrant yard. Bottom right: Chilean artist William Cordoba created the Vinyl record installation.

Two creatives living in the same house. How did your tastes align?

Rodman: Our styles have actually developed together over time — we’ve been together for 20 years. My global design firm, RP Miller, is behind all of the intricate textiles in the home. Each room is a collection of art and pieces that fascinate us at the moment. Sometimes it will be a sculpture that I’ve picked up, and sometimes it will be a painting of Rudy’s preference. We work together in that way.

How did you spend time in this South Florida space?

Rodman: My company Design Miami throws several events over the course of the year, especially during the week of the ultra-contemporary art fair, Miami Beach Art Basel. During these annual gatherings, we’re hosting dinners or cocktail parties here every night. The natural flow of the rooms is perfect for larger crowds, we’d have up to 100 people wining and dining from the kitchen to the living area to the garden.

Left: Rodman and Geane enjoy the Florida sunshine under the plentiful greenery in the yard. Right: Rodman looks dapper in one of the home’s most colorful spots.

What will you miss about your neighborhood?

Rodman: The early morning serenity—that hour when the rest of the world is just waking up. Rudy and I would run together and get coffee at Soho House. It’s a restorative place for both mind and soul.

“When marketing our home of seven years, she truly was able to capture and promote the story behind our time here,” Rodman says of Miami agent Geane Brito.

How did you connect with your agent, Geane Brito?

Rodman: We met when I staged another one of her homes. Her innovative, tenacious spirit stood out to me. And I was right in choosing to work with her— she literally broke a record with the sale of this home!

What kind of record?

Rodman: Originally built in 1939 on a Venetian Islands dry lot, this home is considered “vintage.” With all its charm, curved lines, and bright colors, our house fetched $768 per square foot — the highest price per square foot sold in the category in the last two years.

What strategy did Geane focus on to market your home?

Rodman: She had gorgeous photos and video of the home taken, and the buyer was drawn in by the pictures and styling from our online presence — she said she saw the photos and immediately made an appointment to see it on the very day it launched.

During showings and open houses, Geane guided prospective buyers through the rooms as if it was a art gallery, taking the time to explain each piece and feature. She led people to understand how special the home is.

When Rudy and Rodman moved in, the door was bright blue and they couldn’t decide what color to change it to. They kept it — and it’s become a neighborhood favorite.

Why are you parting ways with your Miami abode?

Rodman: Rudy is now based in Guatemala, and we’re always on the go. I realized one day that I hadn’t been in the pool in months! I’m so happy for the new buyer — she gets the home and all its quirks. Our Miami art salon is in the right hands.

Want to work with an agent like Geane Brito? Compass partners with you throughout your home search and sell experience, providing deep knowledge of the Miami real estate market to help you find your place in the world.