SPACE Architects + Planners
Who is SPACE Architects + Planners?
SPACE Architects + Planners is a collective of design professionals with a common vision and a passion for architecture, planning and design.
Our growing team is firmly dedicated to its clients, for projects both large and small. We enjoy successful working relationships with all of our clients, and are determined to establish SPACE Architects + Planners as one of the premier architectural firms in Chicago.
We believe that good architecture evolves through humble, team-based efforts. Hence, our office thrives in an open and communicative atmosphere, which favors cohesiveness between team members and as a result directly benefits our projects.
At our CORE, we strive for Creativity + Teamwork + Integrity + Transparency + Accountability.
Jay Keller has a background in commercial, hospitality and residential developments. He has a breadth of knowledge in pragmatic design and energy efficient building practices.
Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of Ilinois Champaign – Urbana.
Jean Dufresne is Originally from Quebec, and a graduate of McGill University School of Architecture. Jean began his career in Montreal where he crafted a uniquely North American architectural style. A resident of Chicago since 1998, Jean is respected by his clients for his combined design and business sense.
Ramiel Kenoun is a results-oriented professional with strong leadership and project management skills. He is a leader amongst the SPACE Architects + Planners team.
Ramiel joined our team in 2005 and is a graduate of the University of Ilinois at Chicago.
I knew I wanted to be a Designer when:
Jean: When I was a kid and dragging my mom to local open house’s so I could grab the floor plans and take it home and make changes to them.
Ramiel: I was young, maybe 9 or 10.
Jay: When I started creating things with Legos.
My style in three words:
Jean: Simple, inviting and clean.
Ramiel: Simple, clean and colorless.
Jay: Clean, purposeful and crisp.
Design tip:
Jean: Never end a color or wall paper at an outside corner.
Ramiel: Put yourself in the design.
Jay: Your style should fit your personality.
Best shopping sources:
Jean: Local shops – Alapash (on Damen), District (on Damen), Translator Chicago (great artwork)
Ramiel: The internet – Habitat, Floyd Home, White on White
Jay: Salvage places – Architectural Artifacts, Salvage One
Color Crush right now:
Jean: Caramel (looks great with sharp cool colors, especially caramel leather)
Ramiel: Gray, the kind that makes you feels at home, while keeping things cool
Jay: Teal / Blue
“We believe that good architecture evolves through humble, team-based efforts.”
Design element we’re obsessed with:
Jean: Handwritten letters
Ramiel: Toilet rooms (I think restaurants need toilet rooms that reflect the overall look and feel of the space)
Jay: Exposed structural elements
What’s your dream project?
Jean: A small house in a country on water (for me!)
Ramiel: Casino/Hotel
Jay: Modern skyscraper
What is your first source of inspiration?
Jean: My client’s story
Jay: The project site
Your favorite places?
Jean: The back porch of my grand-parents cottage and a secluded beach in Kauai
Jay: 606 Running trail and Humbolt Park
Favorite project so far:
Jean: The Big Blue House
Ramiel: Goose Island Event Center
Jay: Maggie Daley Park Restaurant
Favorite restaurant?
Jean: Ella Elli Kai Zen sushi
Favorite place to Travel:
Jean: Something new (next travel destination is the Lofoten Islands)
Ramiel: Anywhere tropical
Jay: Anywhere near the mountains or water
Favorite place to Shop:
Jean: District in Chicago
Ramiel: North and Clybourn shopping corridor
Jay: Nordstrom
Favorite Hotel:
Jean: Manoir Rouville Campbell – St Hilaire, Quebec
Ramiel: Hyatt Regency Scottsdale at Gainy Ranch
Jay: Ace Hotel
Music you’re playing right now:
Jean: Only Human by Calum Scott and Something to Remember by Haux
Ramiel: A bit of everything
Jay: Beck
For more information visit www.spacearchplan.com
