James Kehl, AIA
Principal Architect & Owner
James Kehl, AIA established James Kehl Architects in 2023 after practicing architecture with nearly 15 years of experience at award-winning studios throughout the United States and Los Angeles. He has designed and project-managed residential, commercial, educational, religious, and institutional projects for clients in the Los Angeles & Southern California areas as well as the Midwest and East Coast.
At JKA, dedication to excellence and our clientele is at the heart of our practice. We begin every project by listening to your needs and vision to inform the beginning idea and details of the architecture. Our commitment is to exceptional client service and the passionate pursuit of great outcomes.
James is a licensed architect and currently registered in the states of CA and OH. He is an alumnus of the Yale School of Architecture (2016 MArch), and the University of Cincinnati (2010 BSArch).
Our Services
Design Consultations
During a consultation, we discuss fundamental objectives, spatial arrangements, budgetary considerations, and project timelines. Additionally, we may address common pitfalls encountered in similar construction projects. After an initial consultation, we provide you with sketches and a proposal outlining the subsequent architectural steps and associated expenses. Ultimately, our aim is to equip you with valuable insights to facilitate well-informed decisions regarding your project.
01
Schematic Design
Every project begins with a focus on understanding your needs, preferences, and lifestyle, your home’s site. We help you take inventory of your spaces, create sketches and diagrams, and exchange numerous concept photos and drawings to visualise the character of your project. As part of this process, we identify necessary consultants, take measurements, procure site surveys and soils testing, conduct a site analysis, and evaluate regulatory constraints. Once we have all the necessary information, we create a site plan, floor plans, exterior elevations and materials, as well as key exterior and interior renderings. Finally, we obtain a reliable initial cost estimate from one or more contractors and advise the owner on project budgeting and scheduling.
02
Design Development
In the Design Development stage, we focus on developing the project’s schematic design in greater detail and specificity. Our aim is to refine floor plans and elevations, ensuring optimal use of space, maximizing light and air, and maintaining clarity of circulation and spatial organization. We explore interior spaces, outdoor areas, doors & windows, and many other things, while using various formats such as computer-generated renderings, and virtual reality walkthroughs to help you visualize your space clearly. At this stage, we provide an updated construction budget from a contractor, and we have refined the project drawings further. Our goal is to ensure that you are satisfied with the design and understand it clearly in the format that works best for you.
03
Construction Documents
After completing the design phases, we move on to preparing Construction Documents (CDs). These documents include finalized, coordinated architectural drawings, as well as technical details and specifications for materials and are essential for obtaining permits and constructing your home. We integrate the work of any consultants involved in the project, including structural, civil, and mechanical engineers, interior and landscape designers, and energy analysts. Once the engineering phase is finalized, we submit the CDs to the jurisdiction having authority for approval and permitting. During the review period, we collaborate with you and our design partners to finalize the interior architecture and finish every detail.
04
Bidding & Construction Administration
After submitting the Construction Documents, if a builder has not already been selected, we can facilitate a process involving the procurement and review of bids from qualified builders. We carefully compare and question the bids and arrange interviews with you to discuss their process, staffing, invoicing, and timetable. This process can result in cost savings as it is helpful to make comparisons between the estimates materials and labor between each builder.
Once the construction phase begins, we can visit the site regularly to observe the progress of the work, provide reports to the owner, and make design adjustments when needed. We answer any contractor questions, certify applications for payment, and review shop drawings. We always conduct site meetings before certain activities such as pouring concrete or setting tile. This allows us to ensure that the project is constructed according to the approved plan. Our aim is to assist so that the builders’ process runs smoothly, the work is of high quality, and the final result meets your expectations.
