James Kehl Architects
Residential Architecture · Ohio

Inspirational architecture that feels like home.

I design timeless homes and living spaces, pursuing lightness, warmth and a refined character in every detail. My work spans the modern and the classic, from new estates to the careful renovation of existing houses.

James Kehl Architects is a solo practice. I work directly with homeowners and with builders across central Ohio, and I lead every project personally from the first conversation through construction.

Licensed
Ohio & California
Education
Yale School of Architecture
Experience
13 years, residential & institutional
Practice
Full service & construction documents
A stone and plaster French country house on a broad lawn
French country house and pool at dusk
Great room with a stone fireplace open to the kitchen
Kitchen with a marble island opening to a terrace
Three-sided fireplace wall in a white living room
First floor reflected ceiling plan from a construction document set
Primary bath with a freestanding tub under an arched window
Living room with tall windows and white oak floors
Living room opening to a garden through glass walls
Exterior elevation from a construction document set
Structural axonometric of a small cabin
Walled pool garden beside a country house

Houses, interiors and construction documents · built work and design proposals

Approach

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

  • How you liveYour needs, interests and way of life inform the ideas and the style of the architecture.
  • House, interiors & landscapeEach residence is designed together with its interiors and landscape, to create rich environments that uplift and inspire.
  • Budget & constraintsI embrace the requirements and constraints of a project and think rationally about how to maximize its value and potential.
  • Codes & constructionI advise on planning and building codes, construction best practices and sustainable design, so decisions are made with full information.
ServicesFor homeowners & builders
ConsultationObjectives, site, budget and schedule, with sketches and a proposal.
Schematic designSite analysis, plans, elevations, materials and an early cost estimate.
Design developmentRooms, windows, interiors and details refined, with renderings.
Construction documentsA coordinated, stamped set, submitted for permit.
Bidding & constructionBid review, site visits, contractor questions and shop drawings.
HomeownersFull architectural services

By proposalafter an initial consultation

BuildersConstruction & permit documents

$2.50 – $3.50 per sq ftfixed through permit, hourly after

  1. ConsultationObjectives, site, budget and schedule, with sketches and a proposal.
  2. Schematic designSite analysis, plans, elevations, materials and an early cost estimate.
  3. Design developmentRooms, windows, interiors and details refined, with renderings.
  4. Construction documentsA coordinated, stamped set, submitted for permit.
  5. Bidding & constructionBid review, site visits, contractor questions and shop drawings.
Homeowners · all phasesFull architectural services

By proposal after an initial consultation

Builders · construction documentsConstruction & permit documents

$2.50 – $3.50 per sq ft fixed through permit, hourly after

Builder fee includes code review, stamped drawings, permit submission and plan review responses Excludes ARB & HOA reviews
ProfileClients
James Kehl outdoors
James Kehl, RA Principal & Owner

I 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, 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

“He’s a great listener, communicator, and will get the job done. He is an incredible liaison with contractors and vendors, watches budget and costs carefully, and is very honest. Our home is beautiful.”

Sarah Agor · Barrow Court renovation, Westlake Village

“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.”

James & Doriana Hartzler · new residence

“His expert knowledge of building codes and creative problem-solving design skills were key to the success of our project.”

Phil & Rosanna Lu · addition