Rising Stars: Meet George Kelly of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to George Kelly.

Hi George, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Kelly Architects was founded in 2003 when I decided to leave a large firm where I was a partner to pursue something more meaningful. Having practiced commercial architecture for 14 years two very well known large architectural practices, I was finding the role as partner to be un fulfilling. Being mostly based on generating income and very little hands-on design.

Before I had walked out of the door, I received a call from a group out of Boston that was looking to purchase a large nightclub in Los Angeles.. The ownership group included the founders of House of blues, as well as dozens of successful restaurants in Boston. I convinced them to hire me, thus allow me to start Kelly Architects for a massive renovation of the Avalon nightclub in Hollywood. The subsequent success and variety resulted in the firm being awarded over two dozen projects in the first year.. since then have held reputation as one of the best Interior Architects for luxury, restaurants, concept bars, and nightclubs.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Architecture is always tied to the economy of the nation, and the state. But I described the Los Angeles market like a broken fire hydrant. There’s always a little water coming out. Sometimes a lot and everyone’s getting wet and sometimes just a few drops. But as long as you’re getting wet, you’re still in business.

Los Angeles can be a very transient town, meaning many designers come to experience Los Angeles for a few years, but then find it difficult to stay. We’ve been more fortunate another small firms and we’ve had people stay working from a decade or more. Developing the talents of staff, is critical to a design firm, and then keeping them satisfied and inspired is a challenge.

During the 2007 downturn we did have to layoff a few people and we shifted to a four day work week. We use Friday for business development and going to look at inspiring architecture.. Covid was also a very trying time, but by then the Kelly staff was more senior and we were able to transfer the company into a fully remote operation within days.

And I’m happy to say we’ve never missed a payroll in 23 years, and we’ve now implemented a permanent four day work week.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve always been someone who loves to create. I always feel that I am an artist pretend pretending I’m an architect. My mother was an artist and consistently gave me art projects to work on. From oil, painting to watercolors, gold leaf, sculpture, figure drawing and quite a bit of macramé. Also in high school and college, I worked in construction, since I found the building process so interesting. I was fortunate event to attend Texas A&M university, and the environmental to design program. Which wall focused on architecture included courses in all the arts, and much hands-on applications in the Wood shops, painting classes and early, computerized animation.

I continue to enjoy the arts, the theater, live music, movies and live sports that Los Angeles has to offer. I feel a kindred spirit to all the other artistic trades and creatives of our city, and that my work as an architect, designing restaurant bars and nightclubs has offered a venue for tens of thousands of people to celebrate their lives.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Family comes first. Always and every time. I was blessed with a beautiful wife and two very handsome and dynamic boys. Everything I do is for them.

Second comes architecture, Amazing is our only option, is how I think about Design. Relentless pursuit of the best idea, and then delivering the project to fruition. No paper projects.

The pursuit of knowledge, all types, historical, and cutting edge, scientific and medical discoveries. The future will be shaped by those act, actively creating it.

Maintaining strong and physical health. The world is a cruel and mean place, but having a strong mind, a sense how you contribute in your time, and maintaining a healthy and strong body allows me to wake up every morning with a dedicated pursuit to live to the fullest.

Pricing:

• Charge the client as much as possible
• Do not provide design for free
• Pay your employees well
• Never stop making money
• Spend money on things that make you happy

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.kelly-architects.com
• Instagram: kellyarchitects

Image Credits
All photographs are the property of Kelly Architects