Rebooting One Kansas House at a Time
Working part-time from a tiny studio building, architect Chris Fein redesigns dwellings from a range of eras.
In our upcoming September issue, we visit the midcentury residence that architect Chris Fein renovated for his family in Prairie Village, Kansas. On his property sits a small studio, where Fein spends about half of his working time (his three-person practice, Forward Design | Architecture, recently relocated, but Fein still does a significant amount of his design work here). Here, we provide a glimpse at the creative outbuilding and a survey of the firm's recent residential projects. (Fein founded the practice in 2011).
Fein designed and built a 120-square-foot structure on his Kansas property to serve as a studio space for him and one other employee when the firm was starting out.
Photo: Matthew Williams
The space holds a library of books and a work table for two.
Photo: Matthew Williams
Get the Renovations Newsletter
From warehouse conversions to rehabbed midcentury gems, to expert advice and budget breakdowns, the renovation newsletter serves up the inspiration you need to tackle your next project.
In Leawood, Kansas, Forward Design | Architecture redesigned a kitchen and family room in a traditional home, creating a bright and minimalist space that takes cues from the residents' contemporary furnishings.
Photo by Bob Greenspan
The renovation dramatically increased natural light in the rooms and replaced tired finishes with a modern palette.
Photo by Bob Greenspan
Fein also renovated the kitchen in a 1930s bungalow in Kansas City, Missouri. The countertop of a custom cabinet creates a breakfast nook at one end.
Photo by Bob Greenspan
Another custom oak unit houses the oven, range, refrigerator, and pantry.
Photo by Bob Greenspan
Fein was tasked with reimagining a master suite in a ranch house in Mission Hills, Kansas. A wall of handleless cabinets serves as the closet, subtly dividing the space from the bath area.
Photo by Bob Greenspan
From the shower, on the other side of the partial wall, the original vaulted ceiling is visible.
Photo by Bob Greenspan
In a 1960s house in Overland Park, Kansas, Forward Design | Architecture remodeled a kitchen, family room, and mudroom. Walnut cabinets integrate the appliances to create a seamless look.
Photo by Bob Greenspan
Transitioning from the eating bar, a wall of bookshelves carries through the space.
Photo by Bob Greenspan
Published