BDBL - KEM STUDIO

Better Design Better Living™ – BDBL™

We believe that good design can influence how we live and how we navigate daily life. We also believe that the simple act of paying attention to the nuance of daily life makes us better designers. Along the way, we will document some of that inspiration and share it with you here on BDBL.

kem_studio

304

Open post by kem_studio with ID 18069469463002100

Have fun and stay safe this holiday... just like the US Women’s National Rafting Team does in Zeta!

#KEMSTUDIO #ZetaRaft #TeamUSA #HolidayVibes #StaySafe #AdventureReady #BetterDesignBetterLiving #BDBL #industrialdesign

Open post by kem_studio with ID 18041821691632600

Completed project alert! We're excited to share our Field Office tenant improvement project—now live on our website. [Link in bio]

This renovation transforms an existing warehouse into a branch office for a national specialty contractor. Rooted in the client’s deep expertise in framing and wall finishing, the design honors the craft while staying grounded in authenticity and function.
The concept pairs two core ideas: true craft—a commitment to precision—and work boots—a symbol of utility, grit, and timeless performance. The result is a space that’s equal parts pragmatic, beautiful, and honest.

At the center of the space: two striking 20-foot skylights that flood the interior with natural light. Around them, a shared kitchen, lounge, and flexible conferencing center support workforce training and continuing education.

📸: Bob Greenspan

#KEMSTUDIO #FieldOffice #TenantImprovement #WorkplaceDesign #AdaptiveReuse #Architecture #InteriorDesign #BetterDesignBetterLiving

Open post by kem_studio with ID 18034507832380239

Colorado’s newest community-oriented development, True North, offers a range of attainable and affordable housing options—without compromising on quality or style.
We worked closely with the development team to ensure homeownership is accessible to a broader range of incomes. Each home combines conventional materials, bold color palettes, and unique roof forms to give the neighborhood its own distinct character.
#KEMSTUDIO #TrueNorth #AttainableHousing #ResidentialDesign #CommunityDriven #Architecture #BetterDesignBetterLiving #longmont

Open post by kem_studio with ID 18072769585746059

For everyone putting the final touches on showrooms for @neocon_shows and @fultonmarketdesigndays - we’ve been there, we see you, and we’re looking forward to meeting up next week in #Chicago!

#KEMSTUDIO #bdbl #BetterDesignBetterLiving #IndustrialDesign #Architecture #ShowroomLife #NeoCon #DesignDays #FultonMarketDesignDays

Open post by kem_studio with ID 18039630230305396

We can't wait to welcome you to our recently completed project, The Helm, for the next installment of @aiakc Cocktails & Conversations on June 4th! This thoughtfully designed amenity space is all about connection—to the river, the adjacent park, and the surrounding community. Come experience how design can create a meaningful dialogue between people and place.
Registration is required — visit aiakc.org/event to reserve your spot. See you there!

Open post by kem_studio with ID 18065920510833000

While designing Aperture for Herman Miller, Google expressed interest and was part of the process during the development of their Bay View Campus with BIG and Heatherwick Studio.

Throughout the process, we built several full-scale prototypes, while Google explored the concept by placing scaled Apertures inside a 16' x 16' architectural model.

This video is a great reminder that prototyping, at any scale, brings clarity, sparks ideas, and moves a concept forward.

#KEMSTUDIO #ApertureFurniture #HermanMiller #GoogleBayView #WorkspaceDesign #PrototypeToProduct #FurnitureDesign #BetterDesignBetterLiving

Open post by kem_studio with ID 18077651242695292

Craning into place in Erie, Colorado: a new kind of neighborhood.

The Cheesman Street Residences are all about attainable homeownership rooted in good design. A mix of single-family homes and townhomes that connect new development with the walkable, historic character of Erie.

Attainable. Efficient. Designed for how people live today.

#KEMSTUDIO #CheesmanStResidences #ErieColorado #AttainableHousing #CommunityDesign

Open post by kem_studio with ID 17846986434432964

We love a good challenge—especially one that reimagines what riverside living can be. With our HELM project, we worked alongside public and private partners to reconnect people to the Kansas River and levee trail.
Built right up to the levee, this project balances protection with connection. Bonus: we incorporated a FEMA-rated tornado shelter for added safety. Storm-ready, flood-safe, and riverside living? We'd say that's a win all around.

#KEMSTUDIO #TheHELMKC #RiversideLiving #UrbanDesign #StormReady #FloodSafe #BetterDesignBetterLiving

Open post by kem_studio with ID 17967805760748080

When developing Upfit for @landscapeforms, we explored how this product line could support play, work, education, healing, transit, and wellbeing. Some of these studies happened early in the process, others closer to launch, but all were focused on one goal - making life better outside.

#KEMSTUDIO #bdbl #BetterDesignBetterLiving #IndustrialDesign #DesignForOutdoorLife #KansasCity #Upfit #LandscapeForms

Open post by kem_studio with ID 18041694230429304

This week, we visited our recently completed multifamily project @thehelm_kc. Here’s a sneak peek at some of the details.

#KEMSTUDIO #bdbl #betterdesignbetterliving #kansascity #design #architecture #helmapartments #multifamily #designindetails

Open post by kem_studio with ID 18005326916740228

Open post by kem_studio with ID 18081270388727608

This vibrant exterior is part of our ongoing commitment to partnering with nonprofits like @mattierhodescenter to create meaningful, community-driven spaces. More than just a bold pop of color, it’s a symbol of creativity, collaboration, and the power of thoughtful design to bring visions to life and strengthen our neighborhoods.

#KEMSTUDIO #bdbl #betterdesignbetterliving #kansascity #design #architecture #CommunityDesign #MattieRhodes #WestsideKC #DesignForGood #CreativeCollaboration #McCownGordon