Prominent Miami architect sues developer over failure to pay for hotel designs

A prominent Miami architecture firm is suing a Caribbean developer in South Florida federal court, accusing the developer of failing to pay for two hotel designs commissioned in 2008.

Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates in Coral Gables claims Primis owes more than $380,000 for designs of luxury hotels to be constructed in Grenada and Trinidad.  

The architecture firm may have a tough time proving its case because there is no written contract, according to the lawsuit filed Dec. 2 (see the full suit below).

Primis, which is based in Port of Spain, Trinidad, reached an oral agreement for the designs for Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach and the Piarco International Airport in Trinidad, and put down a $20,000 deposit Sept. 18, 2008, the complaint alleges. The architects contend they completed the services requested.

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“NBWW is entitled to the fair value of the work performed for Primis,” the lawsuit states.

Neil Seepersad, who is named in the suit as Primis’ agent in Miami, could not be reached for comment and nor could architect Donald Wolfe, vice president at Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates.

The architecture firm, founded in 1967, worked on the $1 billion redesign of the famous Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach, according to its Web site. Other Miami-area projects include the highly anticipated 1450 Brickell, a 35-story glass office tower set to open in Miami’s central business district, and the Regent Bal Harbour, recently named to Travel & Leisure’s “It List” for 2008.
Nichols Brosch Wurst Wolfe & Associates Suit