Remodeling Guides
Architecture
Designer Sketch: Jay Keller
Whether for a restaurant or a home, this Chicago architect takes an inquisitive approach to his designs
Building castles out of Legos with his nieces and nephews, listening to Arcade Fire at a concert or going on a jog in his neighborhood ... Chicago architect Jay Keller of SPACE Architects + Planners finds inspiration everywhere. He designs his houses to grow into homes and is always on the lookout for ways to make life easier and more comfortable for his clients.
"I love that I get to design something that people will enjoy for years to come, make memories in, laugh in, dine in and just plain live in," he says. "There aren't many professions which can make something as permanent as we get to."
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"I love that I get to design something that people will enjoy for years to come, make memories in, laugh in, dine in and just plain live in," he says. "There aren't many professions which can make something as permanent as we get to."
Find a designer
What inspires your designs?
Different materials, the context and the site’s general surroundings. I also find inspiration in what the use of the building will be and how to make it function well for the end user.
Which iconic architect would you love a chance to work with?
Santiago Calatrava
Where in the world do you want to go next?
My wife and I have Africa on the list. We are both very outdoorsy people and feel like we would love all of the great things to see and do in Africa that you cannot do anywhere else in the world. We also just like finding out about other cultures and immersing ourselves in them when we are there. When in Rome…
Who’s one of your favorite artists?
I enjoy art but do not have a favorite per se, so I am going with a music artist — I love Arcade Fire. My wife and I saw them in concert last year, and it was one of the best live performances we have seen. They have, like, seven people on stage, and it was quite an event. Even my wife said rocker chicks in leather playing violins is hot!
Different materials, the context and the site’s general surroundings. I also find inspiration in what the use of the building will be and how to make it function well for the end user.
Which iconic architect would you love a chance to work with?
Santiago Calatrava
Where in the world do you want to go next?
My wife and I have Africa on the list. We are both very outdoorsy people and feel like we would love all of the great things to see and do in Africa that you cannot do anywhere else in the world. We also just like finding out about other cultures and immersing ourselves in them when we are there. When in Rome…
Who’s one of your favorite artists?
I enjoy art but do not have a favorite per se, so I am going with a music artist — I love Arcade Fire. My wife and I saw them in concert last year, and it was one of the best live performances we have seen. They have, like, seven people on stage, and it was quite an event. Even my wife said rocker chicks in leather playing violins is hot!
The most important thing on your desk is ...
Pictures of my wife and family. Whenever I am having a rushed or stressful day they remind me of what is really important.
Do you still draw, or is everything on the computer now?
I am sorry to say I am probably one of the last generations which can do both. I feel it’s important to be able to sketch an idea quickly to get a point across, even if it is with a stylus on an iPad. There is something just simple and beautiful about hand-drawing.
What's your favorite classic furniture piece?
Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe
Pictures of my wife and family. Whenever I am having a rushed or stressful day they remind me of what is really important.
Do you still draw, or is everything on the computer now?
I am sorry to say I am probably one of the last generations which can do both. I feel it’s important to be able to sketch an idea quickly to get a point across, even if it is with a stylus on an iPad. There is something just simple and beautiful about hand-drawing.
What's your favorite classic furniture piece?
Barcelona Chair by Mies van der Rohe
If I could change one thing about home design it would be ...
To quote Mies van der Roh, less is more. We pride ourselves on designing with duality so things like a hallway are also your kitchen working space, or access to your washer/dryer closet, etc. With a little extra thought and consideration, you can really shrink a house down and still have everything you need in a highly functioning environment.
What's your favorite new website?
Eco-Structure
What's your new favorite up-and-coming design company?
Global Solar makes flexible solar panels which can work with any roof shape.
Your ideal client is ...
Someone who is not afraid to offer their opinion but is still open and trusting of your ideas and concepts. When the client and architect work together well it always makes for a better end product.
More Designer Sketches: Architect Jean Dufresne | Josh McCullar
To quote Mies van der Roh, less is more. We pride ourselves on designing with duality so things like a hallway are also your kitchen working space, or access to your washer/dryer closet, etc. With a little extra thought and consideration, you can really shrink a house down and still have everything you need in a highly functioning environment.
What's your favorite new website?
Eco-Structure
What's your new favorite up-and-coming design company?
Global Solar makes flexible solar panels which can work with any roof shape.
Your ideal client is ...
Someone who is not afraid to offer their opinion but is still open and trusting of your ideas and concepts. When the client and architect work together well it always makes for a better end product.
More Designer Sketches: Architect Jean Dufresne | Josh McCullar
We are working on an extensive restaurant and bar build out in the Old Town/Lincoln Park area, which is going to have a really great vibe and aesthetic.
When did you know you wanted to design houses?
Since I was a child I always enjoyed playing with Legos and creating and re-creating different things. I actually still do enjoy building Legos with my nieces and nephews. I also liked to spend time with my father, who did carpentry in the summers when he was not teaching school. It taught me how things go together. I'm inquisitive, so I kind of took to it.
Where's your go-to place for inspiration?
All around me — I love to jog around the different neighborhoods and just take away from what I observe.