By: Ethan Rogers

As Florida’s luxury housing market faces historic demand and construction bottlenecks, one development firm is spearheading the real estate execution, taking full control of the building process. Lana Development, led by founder and developer Luis Noronha, CFO Andre Castro, and Partner Mauricio Tiso, has launched an in-house construction company to fast-track delivery, elevate quality, and ensure buyers and investors receive superior homes with unmatched efficiency.

“For quite some time now, developers have not remained a priority,” says Noronha. “It has become a vicious cycle. Third-party contractors were taking on more jobs than they could handle. Developers were constantly waiting, delayed by weeks or months because their crews were tied up elsewhere. And when it came time to build, the corners were cut—low-quality materials, rushed timelines, and lack of oversight.”

This delay does not pause only because of contractors. Developers have even struggled to find reliable architects who can deliver on time and to standard. “There’s just too much demand,” Noronha says. “Architects are backed up. Builders are taking on more jobs than they can handle.”

These frustrations became the foundation of innovation for Noronha. A year ago, Lana Development made a bold move: launching its own in-house construction firm, transforming from a development firm into an integrated, vertically streamlined operation. The benefits have been immediate and measurable.

“First, it’s about quality control,” Tiso explains. “When you rely on third parties, you never really know what materials they’re using—even if you specified something. They’ll say, ‘This is similar,’ and substitute lower-grade products. We know what we want, and we make sure it’s used.”

Second, speed. Without the bottleneck of competing priorities, projects are moving faster. “When you’re your own builder, you’re not waiting in line behind someone else’s bigger project,” Noronha says. “Every site is our priority. We deploy our own team, manage our own timeline, and make sure things move.”

And perhaps most importantly—cost. “Our ability to value-engineer during the design phase saves significantly on construction costs,” says Castro. “That savings translates directly to our investors and buyers. Investors see better returns. Buyers get better pricing for high-quality products.”

Now, with Lana Development’s fully integrated construction company, every project is treated with urgency and excellence. “We’re the builder, so our projects are the priority,” Tiso emphasizes. “We manage the timeline, select the materials, and oversee every detail. We know exactly what we want, and we execute exactly what we promise.”

Lana has also introduced a hybrid architectural model to cope with Florida’s overburdened design professionals. The company partners with foreign architects to create schematic designs—modern, striking, and efficient—and then collaborates with local Florida architects for technical implementation.

This innovative dual system allows for quicker design turnarounds while tapping into global aesthetics and localized compliance. More importantly, this model fuels direct collaboration between the in-house builders and architects—essential for what Noronha calls ‘direct communication to do value engineering.’ 

“Sometimes a design looks amazing but costs a fortune to build. Our builders sit down with the architects and say, ‘Here’s how we can achieve the same effect at a lower cost,’” Castro explains. “This communication loop ensures we’re building smarter, not just bigger.”

Today’s buyers expect more than aesthetics. They want homes that are meaningful—properties that feel like legacy investments. “People can tell when a home is built with care,” Noronha reflects. “They walk in and feel it—the craftsmanship, the detail, the thought behind every element. We’re not just delivering real estate. We’re delivering peace of mind and long-term value.”

At Lana Development, every product—every tile, fixture, or foundation—is carefully selected for durability, elegance, and sustainability. And the firm’s values reflect that: transparency, efficiency, impact, and innovation.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not constitute professional advice. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, real estate, or construction advice. For specific guidance on these matters, please consult with a qualified professional.

Published by Joseph T.