James Kehl Architects
Residential Architecture · Ohio

Inspirational architecture that feels like home.

James Kehl Architects designs timeless homes and living spaces, pursuing lightness, warmth and a refined character in every detail. The work spans the modern and the classic, from new houses to the careful renovation of existing ones. The firm also draws permit sets for additions, garages, pole barns and site plans for owners and builders anywhere in Ohio.

JKA is a solo practice. James leads every project personally, from the first conversation through construction.

Licensed
Ohio & California
Education
Yale School of Architecture
Experience
13 years, residential, commercial & institutional
Practice
Full service & construction documents
Front porch of a new house in Granville, Ohio: a deep red door with sidelights and a transom between square tapered columns, lanterns, stone steps and planters Loft living room in Minneapolis: tall windows, a glass fireplace set in a low white wall, a grey Womb chair and pale wood floors Remodelled kitchen in Los Angeles County: a white oak island with a slatted end and a pale stone top, black counters and white oak cabinets Restaurant bar in Los Angeles: a long oak bar with a marble top and bentwood stools under a row of frosted glass cabinets
Residence · Granville, Ohio
Ohio estate at dusk: the lit garden front and covered terrace with a stone fireplace, seen across the pool
Custom homes
North elevation of the Dover residence from the construction documents, in colour: plaster walls, grey-green shutters, an arched oak front door under a balcony, and a slate hipped roof
Construction documents
A dark metal-clad two-storey workshop with a covered timber deck and stair, sagebrush and a fire pit in front, under a blue sky
Barns and outbuildings
Loft living room in Minneapolis: a three-sided glass fireplace in a white partition, a grey Womb chair and a white tufted bench in the foreground, pale wood floors
Renovations

Houses, interiors and construction documentsSee current projects

Approach

Dedication to the craft and to clients is at the heart of the practice. Every project begins by listening.

  • How you live

    Your needs, interests and way of life inform the ideas and the style of the architecture.

  • House, interiors & landscape

    Each residence is designed together with its interiors and landscape, to create rich environments that uplift and inspire.

  • Budget & constraints

    James embraces the requirements and constraints of a project and thinks rationally about how to maximize its value and potential.

  • Codes & construction

    You get advice on planning and building codes, construction best practices and sustainable design, so decisions are made with full information.

Services

For homeowners & builders

Scope

Homeowners

Full architectural services

All phases, from consultation through construction.

By proposal after an initial consultation

 Builders

Permit and CD Sets

Builder sets include sealed drawings, permit submission and plan review responses.

By proposal scope agreed in writing per project

Phases

  1. Consultation Objectives, site, budget and schedule, with sketches and a proposal.
  2. Schematic design Site analysis, plans, elevations, materials and an early cost estimate.
  3. Design development Rooms, windows, interiors and details refined, with renderings.
  4. Construction documents A coordinated, stamped set, submitted for permit.
  5. Bidding & construction Bid review, site visits, contractor questions and shop drawings.

Profile

Clients
James Kehl outdoors

James Kehl, RA

Principal & Owner

James established James Kehl Architects in 2023 after more than a decade at award-winning studios in New York, Los Angeles and Minneapolis, designing and managing residential, commercial, educational, cultural and institutional projects across the country.

  • HGAAssociate, arts, community & education practice. AIA Minnesota Honor Award.
  • Matt Peterson StudioProject manager, luxury custom residence
  • Studio William HefnerProject architect, high-end residential
  • Kohn Pedersen Fox · REXDesign
  • Yale School of ArchitectureMaster of Architecture
  • University of CincinnatiBachelor of Science in Architecture

“If I could give more stars I would! James is a rockstar architect and designer. He’s a great listener, communicator, and will get the job done. He goes above and beyond to make sure you are getting what you want and need. He is an incredible liaison with contractors and vendors; watches budget and costs carefully, and is VERY honest! Our home is beautiful… James made the process as seamless and wonderful as possible!”

Renovation & addition · California

“We have been working for over 2 years on a new home design with the principal of James Kehl Architects… it has been an absolute delight to partner together. The level of detail, skill, thoughtfulness, and oversight he brings to our project goes beyond what is required. He owns the project, and it is apparent with every detail.”

New residence · Ohio

“James designed a new addition that solved all our existing permit issues while creating a beautiful new room out of previously unusable space. His expert knowledge of building codes and creative problem-solving design skills were key to the success of our project. He saved us tens of thousands of dollars… James Kehl Architects saved the day!”

Addition · California