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Collection by Jami Smith

Young Novice Architect Completes Solo Studio Renovation

Matthew Preston Kimmel has quite a knack for architecture and design. At the mere age of fifteen, Kimmel decided to redesign and transform the third floor of his family’s Chicago home. Here, Dwell takes a tour of the finished project.

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Along with designing the unfinished and raw space, Kimmel endorsed the project based on the premise that he would also contribute to the overall construction of the site, making for a rewarding educational experience. Photo by Brittany L. Kimmel.
Along with designing the unfinished and raw space, Kimmel endorsed the project based on the premise that he would also contribute to the overall construction of the site, making for a rewarding educational experience. Photo by Brittany L. Kimmel.
The space Kimmel converted into his personal studio blends both classic and contemporary elements, which can be seen consistently throughout the unit. Having an appreciation for European architecture, Kimmel blended fluted columns and archways with detailed coffer-beamed ceilings with decorative wood balls. Kimmel dressed the interior with modern décor and furnishings from contemporary designers including B&B Italia and Patricia Urquiola, among others. Photo by Brittany L. Kimmel.
The space Kimmel converted into his personal studio blends both classic and contemporary elements, which can be seen consistently throughout the unit. Having an appreciation for European architecture, Kimmel blended fluted columns and archways with detailed coffer-beamed ceilings with decorative wood balls. Kimmel dressed the interior with modern décor and furnishings from contemporary designers including B&B Italia and Patricia Urquiola, among others. Photo by Brittany L. Kimmel.
The entirety of the private space is set with dark hardwood floors and includes an elevated sleeping area, living room, bathroom, dressing area, office, and kitchen. Photo by Brittany L. Kimmel.
The entirety of the private space is set with dark hardwood floors and includes an elevated sleeping area, living room, bathroom, dressing area, office, and kitchen. Photo by Brittany L. Kimmel.
Here, Kimmel is in the main living room, which is the primary meeting space in the studio. Kimmel designed numerous fluted columns, carved wood corbels and vaulted ceilings with panel moldings to create a classic look for the room. Photo by Brittany L. Kimmel.
Here, Kimmel is in the main living room, which is the primary meeting space in the studio. Kimmel designed numerous fluted columns, carved wood corbels and vaulted ceilings with panel moldings to create a classic look for the room. Photo by Brittany L. Kimmel.
The kitchen is designed with white panel cabinetry, granite, and includes custom track lighting. Photo by Brittany L. Kimmel.
The kitchen is designed with white panel cabinetry, granite, and includes custom track lighting. Photo by Brittany L. Kimmel.
A deep proportional arch opens to the elevated bedroom which features bi-directional beamed ceilings, knee walls, and sloped ceilings. Photo by Brittany L. Kimmel.
A deep proportional arch opens to the elevated bedroom which features bi-directional beamed ceilings, knee walls, and sloped ceilings. Photo by Brittany L. Kimmel.