Joseph Dirand Renovates Historic Palm Beach Mansion for Peter and Stephanie Brant
A masterclass in blending 1920s architecture with a world-class contemporary art collection.
1A Chance Encounter
The collaboration began after a chance meeting between architect Joseph Dirand and art dealer Tico Mugrabi in New York. Mugrabi facilitated an introduction to industrialist Peter Brant and supermodel Stephanie Seymour Brant. The couple had recently acquired a historic 1920s Palm Beach residence and sought a visionary to lead its transformation.
2Historical Architectural Roots
The residence, known as Collado Hueco, was designed in 1924 by Addison Mizner, a defining architect of the era. It is considered one of his most bold and unusual projects in the region. The Brants purchased the property in 2020, viewing it as a significant piece of history worth preserving.
3Structural Reconstruction Strategy
Dirand approached the project as a reconstruction rather than a simple renovation. The team reinforced existing walls, deepened foundations, and installed hurricane-proof windows within concrete frames. They carefully preserved original tiles and plaster fireplace patinas while rebuilding the roof to ensure the structure could withstand Florida’s unpredictable weather patterns.
4Art-First Design Philosophy
Unlike traditional projects where art is added post-construction, the collection dictated the design here. Brant provided two thick binders of art and furniture pieces early on. Dirand mapped these items across floor plans, ensuring the architecture served as a protective and aesthetic vessel for the couple’s vast, living collection.
5The Great Room Grandeur
The great room features a monumental fireplace and a rare carved-stone console by Alberto Giacometti. Beside it hangs Andy Warhol’s White Disaster, a long-sought acquisition for Brant. Dirand designed a mirror-polish copper table to reflect these pieces, creating a dialogue between the historical architecture and the contemporary art on display.
6Loggia and Playful Design
The loggia showcases Mizner’s adventurous side with original black, yellow, and turquoise tiled floors. It houses a monumental 1981 Basquiat painting, Per Capita, and an Ettore Sottsass Tower Cabinet. Dirand initially struggled with the cabinet's placement until Brant demonstrated its ideal position, highlighting the collaborative nature of their design process.
7Minimalist Ornamental Bathrooms
Upstairs, the primary bedroom spans the full width of the house to capture ocean and garden light. Seymour Brant’s bathroom features Estremoz marble walls carved to resemble curtains. In contrast, Peter Brant’s bathroom utilizes a gray and white marble marquetry, which Dirand describes as a minimalist ornamental approach to private space.
8The Collector's Philosophy
Peter Brant, who established the Brant Foundation in 1996, owns over 3,000 works. He avoids buying for speculation, preferring pieces that are currently out of style. He emphasizes that a collection requires a sense of madness, arguing that many modern collections lack the personal touch of the individual behind them.
9Stephanie Seymour Brant’s Influence
Stephanie Seymour Brant is a significant collector in her own right, focusing on historic couture and the works of Azzedine Alaïa. Her eye for fashion has influenced how Peter Brant views his own art collection. Dirand notes that she was integral to every design decision made throughout the four-year renovation.
10A Shared Creative Journey
The project spanned four years, during which the professional relationship evolved into a deep friendship. The pair bonded over shared meals and discussions about the history behind every piece in the house. Their connection is so strong that Brant even named a champion thoroughbred racehorse after the architect, Joseph Dirand.
11Preserving the Historical Legacy
Dirand immersed himself in studying Mizner’s original doors, ceilings, and patterns to ensure the new rooms paid homage to the architect. By avoiding demolition, the team maintained the house's original character while updating it for modern living. This balance between preservation and innovation defines the home's current architectural identity.
12Defining a New Chapter
This project represents a synthesis of 1920s Palm Beach history and contemporary art curation. By integrating the Brants' extensive collection into the structural fabric of a Mizner home, Dirand has created a space that functions as both a private residence and a living museum, reflecting the couple's lifelong passion for art.