Kravitz Designs, the firm founded by rocker Lenny Kravitz, is preparing some new work in Miami.

Lenny Kravitz – yes, that Lenny Kravitz, of “It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over” and “Are You Gonna Go My Way” fame – may be known for his music and retro persona, but architecture and design appear to be fledgling passions of the celebrity, and he’s taking them to Miami for a new high-rise building.

Started in 2003, Kravitz Design has been responsible for anything from takeout containers to residences in Paris, and Kravitz recently spoke with The New York Times on his design inspirations in wake of Paramount Bay, his upcoming project in Miami.

“People are often surprised when I’m at the building with the hard hat on,” Kravitz said to the Times. “I’m completely involved. There’d be no reason to do it unless I’m 100 percent committed.”

Paramount Bay will be a 47-story building of condominiums in Miami’s downtown that will overlook Biscayne Bay. According to the Times, Kravitz’s company designed the building’s public spaces and three model units. Kravitz said he wanted his designs for the property to emphasize the diverse nature of Miami.

“I’ve been in Miami on and off for many years, since I was a child,” Kravitz said. “It’s a very easy lifestyle. But there’s a very urban quality that I love there. … What I like about Paramount Bay is that it’s on the bay; it’s not in South Beach. A lot of people tend to think that if you’re not in South Beach, it’s not happening. But in the downtown area, you’ve got this whole world happening in Miami proper now. So the design is elegant. It has more of an urban feel.”

Kravitz also told the Times that he tries to see the properties as livable, breathable places, rather than strictly works of aesthetics.

“I learned, early on, working with other people when I was beginning, that a lot of things look great in a photo, but if you had to live in it you wouldn’t want to,” he said. “So, for me, function had to be first. When I design these places, I design as though I’m going to live there. They have to be done in a way where you can spend an entire day and never want to leave.”