(SARASOTA) May 4, 2026 – As the Chicago-based real estate firm GSP Development began envisioning the lifestyle at the Saravela luxury condominium tower in Sarasota, one thing became clear. The design and furniture needed to be extraordinarily elevated, as Saravela empowers residence owners with the option to make their residences available for short-term rental through a professional, centrally managed experience. That includes residences that come fully furnished with three different styles of furniture and design.
“It was important for us that Saravela reflect the Florida lifestyle, and so we looked for interesting and accomplished interior designers here,” said Larry Debb, Founder and President of GSP Development. GSP Development looked to the nationally renowned, Florida-based design firm Interiors by Steven G. Inc. “We were fortunate that Steven G. is based right here in Florida, and they crafted some tremendous designs that will really succeed with our special model of condominiums with a rental option.”
Born and raised in Queens, New York, Steven Gurowitz arrived in South Florida at age 19. Starting from the den of his home, he established the firm in 1984, beginning a journey that has evolved over 40 years into one of the region’s most successful and versatile full-service interior design firms. Today, the firm’s clients include Fortune 500 companies, prominent real estate firms, renowned developers, professional athletes, and residential homeowners throughout the country. Based in Pompano Beach with a 110,000-square-foot showroom, Steven G. leads a team of over 55 professionals on projects.
Below is a conversation with Steven G. where he illustrates his approach to the unique Saravela development.
Q: Describe the overall approach to designing a project like this – a residence that is fully furnished and tailored for owners to be able to rent out their residences?
A: The approach is really simple. Buyers have three different looks to choose from in the three different designs that we have done. This gives three choices of style, which is even more amazing, because the owner can make it theirs. Designing for a pure condo tower, you don’t have the offering of being able to rent your unit furnished. At Saravela, you have that option, which is amazing for an investor or a person that is buying for the future and gets an income now while they’re not in the residence. So, I think it’s a win-win.
Q: Some other developers offer a “Good,” “Better,” “Best” set of options. But that was not the case here. Tell us about your approach.
A: First of all, I’m going to say, there is no good, better, best here. All three designs are at the same budget and at the same quality; just to give the buyer a different taste level. Good, better, and best will come from the buyer’s preferences – as the quality of each are all at a high level.
Q: What kind of feeling do you want both owners and renters to have in this kind of space?
A: That it really is a home. And it’s furnished and designed that way, which I think is extremely important. When you walk into the average rental, it looks like budget, no real thought, where this is a real finished product.
Q: Are there other projects you’ve done that provided inspiration?
A: There is. We are currently doing a project on Miami Beach, called Ella. Ella gives me a basepoint where in this case, the developer wanted a higher quality than I have done in the past, so it’s a winner again. After speaking to the GSP development team, it was obvious that they desired and wanted the units to be at a higher caliber where they didn’t look like a standard rental that you would find all over the place.
Q: Is there one particular example of a feature you wanted owners/renters to experience?
A: This is not going to feel like a rental. This is going to feel like your real home regardless. And I think that’s super important here.
Q: Did you run into any surprises or special insights along the way?
A: You know, I worked very, very closely with ownership here, and we kept tweaking this till we got to a point of almost perfection. And, you know, that’s something that very rarely happens.
Q: Do you think you may do more owner/renter projects like this in the future?
A: Because of the fact that we own and operate one of the largest showrooms in the United States, it gives us the ability to do anything that any developer would ask us to do. So, on a short note, the answer is probably yes. I know we’re not right around the corner, but with a facility of 110,000 square feet, it is an experience for any buyer or potential buyer to come over and view firsthand quality, style, and look with ownership firsthand, by appointment only.
Saravela is a first-of-its-kind offering in Sarasota. Located in the heart of Downtown Sarasota, it will redefine downtown living with 282 luxury condominiums, including 11 townhomes, prime retail space, and resort-style amenities — all while offering owners the unique ability to offer their residences for rent on a short-term basis via a professional, centralized management program. Thoughtfully designed layouts maximize space and light, allowing pricing to start under $1 million — creating a new luxury offering without sacrificing high-end finishes. Sar
