BDBL - KEM STUDIO - Better Design Better Living™

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.

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Conceived as 2 stacked entertainment experiences in a grove of trees, @twobirdsonestonekc opened their doors this past summer. The downstairs bar boasts an effortlessly fun environment with direct access to an outdoor beer garden and walking trails.

Opening this week is @moonstone_kc, the upstairs neighbor that will offer up one of Kansas City's most unique cocktail bar experiences, elevated above the horizon to bask in some of the best views of the Missouri river.

Photography: Bob Greenspan

#betterdesignbetterliving #kemstudio #architecture #berkelyriverfront #kansascity #design #cocktailbar

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CHEERS... KEM STUDIO is 21!

Today, we're celebrating 21 years of making life better through design through the products we touch, the buildings we inhabit, and the communities we shape. Thanks for being a part of it!

#KEMSTUDIO #BetterDesignBetterLiving #21Years #Anniversary #Design #Architecture #IndustrialDesign #InteriorDesign #KansasCity #Collaboration #BDBL #KC

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We are hiring an experienced Senior Architect to join our studio! If you strive to make life better through design and are excited to lead projects from concept through construction, with an emphasis on design detailing and delivery, let's chat.

Link in bio for more information.

#KEMSTUDIO #designexcellence #architecture #product #design #BetterDesignBetterLiving #BDBL #hiring #seniorarchitect #architect

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We're honored to be recognized by @idsadesign with a Bronze IDEA Award for Hedge!

Our experience and material knowledge designing over 13 product lines for @loftwall led to the development of Hedge... the first commercial furniture system to use Acoustic PET Felt as its structural core. This innovation results in an NRC rating of 0.60 (meaning it absorbs 60% of sound). A major leap, especially compared to other products in this category, which average around 0.10.

Thank you to everyone at Loftwall and IDSA for recognizing the power of design to make the workplace more focused, functional, and human.

#KEMSTUDIO #loftwall #hedge #idsa #ideaawards #idea #idsaidea #designexcellence #architecture #product #design #acoustics #petfelt #bronze #furniture #office #workplace #IndustrialDesign #BetterDesignBetterLiving #BDBL

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A LINE OF THOUGHT

At Berkley Riverfront, we’ve extended the culture of climbing beyond the wall, creating site furnishings for the new bouldering amenity.
In collaboration with JE Dunn’s fabrication shop, SWT, + Port KC, we carried forward the material language from our earlier work at the Town of Kansas Bridge - designing a gathering and lounge space that invites you to pause, lean, and connect.

See you sitting, lounging, or leaning on the riverfront soon.

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Completed project alert! We're excited to share the Faust Residence—now live on our website. [Link in bio]

Located at Lake Winnebago, the Faust Residence is a thoughtful collaboration between architect and builder – who also happens to be the homeowner. Innovative, budget-conscious construction strategies are paired with intentional design to create a refined lakeside retreat. KEM STUDIO led the architecture, working closely with Faust Construction, Bootlace Design & Build, and the homeowner on interior finishes, custom casework, and detailing.

Though the home sits within a lake community, its second-tier lot offers views without direct water access. The design embraces this elevated setting, treating the house as a personal dock floating above the land. A boardwalk-like sequence – from the entry porch and front door to the back deck – emphasizes this concept. Massing and vertical stacking are strategically composed to maximize lake views, culminating in an upper-level deck perched above the landscape. Warm exterior lighting enhances curb appeal and offers a welcoming glow when viewed from the lake.

📸: © 2025 Matt Kocourek, All Rights Reserved

#KEMSTUDIO #FaustResidence #Residentialdesign #NewConstruction #Architecture #InteriorDesign #BetterDesignBetterLiving

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New photo of a throwback design.

Inspired by 1960s moto culture, OSK is a kayaking helmet we designed for @shred_ready_helmets ready, featuring interchangeable visors, ear covers, and a face guard. Developed in collaboration with @koroyd and @innegra, it's designed for protection, performance, and personality.

Oh, and we also integrated a bottle opener in the adjustment buckle. Cheers! 🍻

#KEMSTUDIO #ThrowbackThursday #ShredReady #Koroyd #Innegra #IndustrialDesign #BetterDesignBetterLiving #BDBL #IDSA #DesignProcess #Research #Sketches #Renderings #Photos

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LINE OF THOUGHT - From early sketches to final solutions, we believe in sharing the visual story of how design comes to life at KEM STUDIO.

This post highlights the development of two products (Hide and Parallel) we designed for @loftwall, shown through storyboard sketches, renderings, and final product photography. Both are designed to provide privacy while curating our ideas (via magnetic whiteboards) and the tools that support the way we work.

#KEMSTUDIO #LineOfThought #Loftwall #Parallel #Hide #IndustrialDesign #BetterDesignBetterLiving #BDBL #IDSA #DesignProcess #sketches #renderings #photos

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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

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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

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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

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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