KEM STUDIO - Better Design Better Living™

WE MAKE LIFE BETTER THROUGH DESIGN™

KEM STUDIO is an award winning design firm that fuses architecture + industrial design.

Through our interdisciplinary approach and shared knowledge, we create holistic design solutions and authentic experiences.

The products we touch.

The buildings we inhabit.

The communities we shape.

At every scale our work connects, inspires, and makes life better. Better Design Better Living™.

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Small business, big impact. Thank you to @kcchamber for recognizing KEM STUDIO as a 2026 Small Business Superstar, and to @kcbizjournal for highlighting our work at the Berkley Riverfront. We’re proud to contribute to places that matter.
Link in Bio to read more.

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We’re a few weeks into the New Year—how are those fitness resolutions holding up? We know firsthand how our health and wellness is impacted by the space around us, which is why we’re putting the spotlight on Health House in sunny West Hollywood, Los Angeles. Edgy and fun, Health House is an elevated lifestyle fitness experience that is personal, inspiring, and communal. From workouts to recovery, our fitness and wellness projects are all about designing spaces that support healthier, happier communities—even when you’re breaking a sweat! Best of luck on your New Year goals!

#architecture #kemstudio #betterdesignbetterliving #bdbl #interiordesign #losangels #westhollywood #healthhouse

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Today, we honor the life and legacy of Ron Kemnitzer. Ron was the founder of Kemnitzer Design, a mentor to generations, and a guiding force behind what would become KEM STUDIO.

In 1982, Ron founded Kemnitzer Design with a simple but powerful belief that good design should solve real problems. That philosophy shaped decades of work, from award-winning products and patents to his iconic, best-selling Bola Chair, and continues to shape our studio today.

Ron’s leadership extended far beyond practice. He served as President of the Industrial Designers Society of America (@idsadesign), was named to the IDSA Academy of Fellows, and devoted his life to education. His teaching and mentorship spanned institutions including Michigan State University (@michiganstateu), the Kansas City Art Institute (@kcartinstitute), the University of Kansas(@arcd_ku), Carnegie Mellon University (@carnegiemellon), and Virginia Tech (@vtdesignschool). His book, Rendering with Markers, became a foundational guide for designers around the world.

In 2004, Ron’s son Jonathon carried that legacy forward, evolving Kemnitzer Design into KEM STUDIO alongside Brad Satterwhite, and expanding the firm to fuse architecture and industrial design under the belief that Better Design Makes Better Living™.

Beyond accolades and titles, Ron will be remembered for his curiosity, craftsmanship, generosity, honesty, and humor.

We are profoundly grateful for the foundation Ron built and the values he instilled. He was one of a kind, and his legacy will continue to live on through our work, our culture, and our philosophy. We will miss him greatly, but we are grateful for the many lives he made better… as a friend, teacher, designer, innovator, and father.

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It's been a joy to connect with students at @delasallekc and @buildtrybe as they design and prepare to build and operate their very own on-campus farm program.

Alongside @ku.usgbc student leaders and @kuarchitecture @dotte.agency faculty, we walked students through our design research and discovery process - identifying the users, context, constraints, and opportunities for their proposed farm. The students prioritized and sized program elements, evaluated the relationships to other farm elements as well as their school and neighborhood, built a collaborative model, visualized and mapped out at real scale, and experienced real-world design thinking in action.

This opportunity empowers students to shape the learning environments and gives them hands-on experience bringing ideas to life. We’re excited to see their vision evolve in the next phases and are so proud of the students for presenting their vision to the Board.

KEM STUDIO is proud to support Build Trybe and @ourcornerstones and share the positive impact of design in our KC community.

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CHEERS... to cocktails landing at @moonstone_kc tomorrow, Friday, November 21st.

We hope you enjoy the vibe, view, and of course, the cocktails!

#KEMSTUDIO #BetterDesignBetterLiving #Design #Architecture #IndustrialDesign #InteriorDesign #Collaboration #BDBL #Moonstone #Cocktails #cocktailbar #berkelyriverfront #KCMO #KC #KansasCity

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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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