WE BELIEVE THAT GOOD DESIGN CAN INFLUENCE HOW WE LIVE AND HOW WE NAVIGATE DAILY LIFE. WE ALSO BELIEVE THAT THE SIMPLE ACT OF PAYING ATTENTION TO THE NUANCE OF DAILY LIFE MAKES US BETTER DESIGNERS. ALONG THE WAY WE WILL DOCUMENT SOME OF THAT INSPIRATION AND SHARE IT WITH YOU.

IDEA Award Finalist - We were recently notified that we are a finalist in the IDEA awards, presented by IDSA and sponsored by BusinessWeek, Target and AutoDesk. KENA, a Digital Microscope we designed for Ken-A-Vision, was one of the finalists selected from 1,631 international entries. This is the Academy Awards for the Industrial Design community, so we are extremely excited about our “nomination” and really enjoyed getting to tell our client. We are both anxiously waiting the July issue of BusinessWeek for the announcement of the winners. 04:15 PM April 24, 2009

Better Design Better Living, April 2009 Email Broadcast

PERSONAL CONNECTIONS - When I purchase a carton of eggs from Campo Lindo Farms (a local free range farm) at the grocery I always get a personal connection to the family, their farm and the hens... "ladies". It's quite smart how they've created that connection. Through a small piece of paper placed in each carton they let me know if the "ladies" have been enjoying the warmer weather, if a new calf was born or if their kids have been helping out around the farm. It's undeniable how much a sustainable, caring and honest message can improve our lives. In this case it even makes the product taste better.

EAT BETTER - Next time you are in Portland, Oregon make sure you take time to visit Pok Pok. This restaurant started out as a street cart after the owner honed his technique on the streets of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Fast forward two years and his cart has become a cool restaurant in an eclectic part of town and was awarded restaurant of the year in Oregon.

DREAM BIG - Never stop thinking differently & dreaming BIG. A QUICK VIDEO 08:00 PM April 22, 2009

Housewares Show - Seems like we're always in Chicago, but that's okay because we get to see family, friends and visit some of our favorite restaurants. This time we were up there for the Housewares Show. There were some interesting designs and just about everyone had some sort of environmental statement. Some environmental approaches were good, some were really poor and bamboo seemed to be the default. But there was no better solution than the starch-based cookware and tableware products by Bioshphere that can be used in the oven, freezer and microwave. Best of all it naturally biodegrades in 40 days. 08:00 PM March 23, 2009

Better Design Better Living, March 2009 Email Broadcast

GOOD TUNES - Lately we've been listening to a couple of great free podcasts. First is Freddy Anzures propsRadio (a friend from the design world). Second is STONES THROW RECORDS, especially their Hawthorne Radio podcast. Also, Daptone Records released a really good, toe tapping, free compilation including Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings on AMAZON. Check it out!

EAT BETTER - The IDSA Board met in Las Vegas for the transition meeting at the end of January. While there Jonathon Kemnitzer got away for a quick breakfast at BOUCHON, Thomas Keller's restaurant. Whether it's food, a product or a building, it's always a great experience when somebody can take something so simple and make it so amazing. In this case it was white sausage, scrambled eggs and a croissant.

THINK. PLAY - Right now our lives are pretty complex, but remember to play like Kevin Carroll. A QUICK VIDEO 08:00 PM March 08, 2009

Design Thinking Presentation - Brad and Jonathon gave presentation to several hundred students, faculty and outside guests while at Virginia Tech on Design Thinking. The presentation focused on using a consistent frame work to facilitate multiple discipline collaboration along with the importance of paying attention and living design. Here's a link to the presentations intro highlighting projects and images from better living and outro which challenged the attendants to pay attention on how they were going to make life better through design. 12:00 PM February 07, 2009

VT News - The VT news featured the workshop we are currently teaching, announcing the presentation of the students design proposals. Click here to read the article. 03:20 PM February 05, 2009
Integrated Design Studio - We are in the midst of teaching a workshop at Virginia Tech that brings together students from the Architecture, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture and Graphic Design school. The purpose of this two week project is to demonstrate how interdisciplinary collaboration can liberate and invigorate design and design thinking.
The students are challenged to examine not only what you think about while you design, but HOW you think.

A blog has been created to share information and document the process. Click here to view, share and post your own comments. 05:10 PM Janurary 30, 2009

AWARD–REWARD - We are honored that two of our projects have recently been recognized for design excellence. Actually, the greatest reward has been sharing the news with our clients and seeing the gratification it has given them...that's what better living though design means to us.

DATAPOINT, a product for ScriptPro, received a GOOD DESIGN award and COOL STRETCH, a product for Brown Medical received MONSTERS OF DESIGN award. 01:30 PM Janurary 12, 2009

NYC espresso - On a recent visit to NYC, we stumbled across Macchiato – a boutique espresso bar. Given that we are admitted espresso and design addicts, we dropped a couple loud oh's-and-ah's when we discovered the shop while walking past on a cold day. One of the baristas, Tal, obviously noticed we were jonz'n for our afternoon fix and offered to buy us a shot. The place caters to the fast paced lifestyle of midtown Manhattan and the origins of the European espresso bar. Great espresso, cool space and a simple, generous act on Tal's part that now makes us customers for life. 11:15 PM November 20, 2008

Kemper at the Crossroads OPENING - Following a fast and rewarding processes, Kemper at the Crossroads opened to the public yesterday. The turn out was huge and the exhibit by Jeff Shore and John Fisher: Reel to Reel was amazing. "Working collaboratively since 2002, Shore and Fisher have constructed a complex network of floor- and wall-based kinetic sculptures, each containing a mechanized film set or an electro-acoustic instrument. Once activated, Reel to Reel delivers a multisensory experience that is both poetic and captivating, advancing dialogues between the history of cinema and music, and human interaction with new technologies.", from www.kemperart.org. Click here to view the Podcast from the opening.

KEM STUDIO designed the new location, and collaborated with Derek Porter Studio for integrated lighting elements and contractor Hurst Construction. Congratulations to Crosby Kemper, Rachael Blackburn Cozad, and the rest of the Kemper team on a successful opening. 09:30 AM November 08, 2008

Kemper KCUR interview - In a recent interview aired on KCUR, Brad Satterwhite spoke with KCUR's Laura Spencer about the design and objectives for the Kemper at the Crossroads. Click here to listen to the interview that also includes a description of the museums mission from curator Chris Cook and the first exhibit described by artists Jeff Shore and John Fisher. The museum opens to the public on November 7th, their initial Crossroads First Friday show. 08:00 AM November 06, 2008

Kemper Podcast -The Kemper at the Crossroads project is nearing completion and the word is out. On the eve of the opening, KEM STUDIO spoke with the museum about the design of the space which was issued as a Pod Cast by the museum. Click here to view the cast including interviews with Jon Taylor and Brad Satterwhite 02:45 PM November 02, 2008

2008 Spring / Summer Playlist - Even though fall is here, we made a playlist complimenting warm breezes, springtime headphone listening, deck parties and pool lounging, available on iTunes. Make sure you download our album cover at the camera icon to the right to replace the pre-assigned iTunes album art. Enjoy! Next up...cold weather music. 02:52 PM October 06, 2008

Standard Style + Quixotic - Quixotic Fusion performs at a fall fashion show for KC’s Standard Style Boutique on the rooftop of a plaza parking garage. The show featured food by ReVerse, Chop!, Nara and Capitol Grille, a concert by Ryan Cabrera and benefited the Bacchus Foundation. 02:00 AM October 05, 2008

29th American Royal BBQ - We all know KC is know for BBQ and this is the festival and competition that reinforces it. It’s a smoked meet explosion with team names that can only be rivaled by boat names at the Lake of the Ozarks (highlights: Rub it like its Hot, Burn Rate!, Half Sauced, Fowl Play and Jiggy Piggy). Thanks to contractor JE DUNN (Well Dunn) for throwing a great party and our friends at BURN RATE (see photo) for some killer Q and good times! 12:30 PM October 04, 2008

Kemnitzer Deck - Just completed a new deck and landscaping (with the help of Brian Whitfill) at my house. The two tier deck and large step make the space functional for a small family dinner or a large outdoor party. All of the deck boards are EverGrain Vibrance Collection composite boards in Thunderstorm Grey from TAMKO Building Products. The composite boards were extremely easy to work with and look fantastic. For photos of the deck, check out the camera icon to the right. 06:00 PM September 25, 2008

2008 Tour of Missouri - This 2nd annual, 7 stage road race started in KC before traveling throughout the state. The women’s criterium took over the Country Club Plaza and was amazing to watch…so was Mark Cavendish’s stage 1 men’s sprint finish later that day. The day prior, approx 500 weekend warriors went on a 36 mile charity ride from ReVerse on the Plaza to Parkville and back …the hardcore local racers pounded out 72 miles on last years KC stage course that went as far as Plate City. Congrats to our friends from the local organizing committee, Ty Henson, Scott Capstack and Andy Olson, for helping put together a truly unique sporting event in KC. Brad Satterwhite joined a few fellow Centurions for the 36 mile portion and “drafted” from the back of the peloton, so to speak, ending it properly with a cold one from Boulevard Brewery. 04:30 PM September 08, 2008

(UPDATE 10.06.2008: The Tour of Missouri has been upgraded to a 2HC competition rating for 2009, the highest rating possible for a US race.) Check it out.

Dolphin Gallery - Laura Spencer from NPR speaks with John O'brien about the past, present and future of the Dolphin Gallery including the new space here. 12:00 PM August 26, 2008

Kaze Sushi - As far as we're concerned there are sushi places and there's KAZE. With a bold statement like that, you can probably guess that we make sure to go every time we are in Chicago and while we were at NeoCon this year it was no different. Some of our favorites are the sweet potato soup and a couple items not on the menu. So make sure you ask for the salmon with truffle oil nigiri and white tuna with banana-wasabi puree nirgiri, Amazing! While you're in the neighborhood (Roscoe Village) make sure to walk around and visit some of the local bars. 08:30 PM June 09, 2008

Quixotic hits First Friday - On Friday June 6th Quixotic took over Baltimore in front of the Dolphin Gallery with a guerilla street performance promoting Quixotic’s summer show at the Uptown Theater on the 26th and 27th of June. You can see a lot of different things in the Crossroads, I’m glad we can now add flaming hula hoops to that list. 08:30 AM May 04, 2008

Two West LA - This is what I’m talking about. . . lunch LA style. KEM STUDIO is designing Two West’s new offices in Hollywood, CA and we took advantage of the SO CAL weather by holding a meeting poolside at the Roosevelt Hotel. Two West is a transformation design firm that has merged with Melanie Paykos Design, an award-winning graphic design shop in Los Angeles with an impressive entertainment portfolio. BIG CONGRATS on your west coast venture! 12:30 PM May 015, 2008

Kemper Crossroads - KEM STUDIO has been selected to work with the KEMPER MUSEUM to design the new location, Kemper at the Crossroads. Crosby Kemper purchased the building well known as John O’Brien’s Dolphin Gallery. “Kemper at the Crossroads will open this fall, and it is our hope that it will bring contemporary art to new audiences and help to solidify what is already a bustling area of art galleries, atists’ studios, restaurants, retail, and urban residential areas.” Rachael Blackburn Cozad, Kemper Museum Director and CEO. We are honored and excited to be involved with an institution that will continue to be the beacon for contemporary art in KC. 08:30 AM May 08, 2008

AD HOC, Napa Valley - If you want French Laundry quality food at, well, not French Laundry prices and prefer a more casual dining atmosphere, check out Chef Thomas Keller’s new restaurant AD HOC. As the names suggests, it was intended to be a temporary restaurant for the single purpose of experimenting with new dishes while he planned another restaurant. It’s a 4 course family style menu that changes everyday . . . no decisions - just simple, honest, perfectly cooked food. Thankfully, frequent guests convinced him to make the place permanent. The added treat was that the waiter overheard our table geeking out about cooking and invited us into the kitchen to see them prep for dinner service. 02:30 PM May 06, 2008

Centurions take over San Francisco - Brad Satterwhite joined 70 other emerging community leaders from the Kansas City Centurions Leadership Program for a benchmarking trip to San Fran. We found out that we are nothing a like (go figure), but they have fantastically liberal views, great restaurants and wine, and the highest urban land density in the US. Good times, great company. 08:30 AM May 04, 2008

Dolphin Gallery - A Crossroads art gallery landmark is pioneering a new movement in KC. Back in the first part of the year, John O’Brien sold the Dolphin Gallery is moving to the West Bottom’s. KEM STUDIO has been working with John to design the new gallery and frame shop that plans to open in August. The building is a fairly new warehouse that will be fitted out to accommodate a large gallery space, frame shop and storage that far exceed the size of his current gallery. Cheers to John for the vision and guts to instigate change . . . here’s to much success! 10:00 AM May 03, 2008

Biolite Pads - KEM STUDIO recently collaborated with Riddell on a new family of hip, thigh, tailbone and knee pads. The pads are made from extremely light weight shock absorbing foam. Here's a photo of the thigh pads. 09:00 AM May 02, 2008

Stableview Review - Wired Magazine recently reviewed an image-stabilizing binocular we designed for Bushnell in their May 2008 issue. Check it out: 12:17 PM April 27, 2008

Revolution - Brad Satterwhite was on the organizing committee that put together first year event to benefit the Salvation Army. The Hobb’s building was transformed into an atmosphere like no other, from the creative directors of Quixotic and Wearhaus. Organic Proof used their electroacoustic/afro-beat/jams to enforce a funky lounge feel in the outside tent, while DJ Kiko De Gallo kept the inside hopping, spinning elctro/funk/roots music. It was all layered with a production of light and video from Quixotic’s Anthony Magliano and Mica Thomas. Wearhuas’s Carmen Stalker topped it off with 3 runway shows featuring outfits by designers using fabric purchased from Salvation Army Thrift stores. 01:30 AM April 20, 2008

DETOX 3K RUN, Sponsored by PUMA - Jonathon Kemnitzer organized a run designed to DETOX the body after a heavy night of drinking, getting the participants juiced up for the day at the Influence Conference. The event was advertised as a 3 mile run, where someone will most likely throw up and the group will probably stop for a shot of espresso. While no one threw up we did stop for espresso and everyone had a great time at the maxed out event. 07:00 AM April 05, 2008

Influence Speaker + Sponsor Party at KEM STUDIO - Catered by CHOP! and dj by Freddy Allen Anzures the party started out small, but as word got out our studio was packed with 150+ people. Dancing...Drinking...Good Times! 01:00 AM April 05, 2008

2008 Midwest District IDSA Conference, Influence - What Influences you? Every designer is challenged to create the next big thing. In order to achieve this, we often look to the people and places that inspire us - those that challenge conventional thinking and push the boundaries beyond what we've come to expect from the world of design. Held in Kansas City our creative community introduced and entertained designers from around the Midwest for a 3 day event at the beginning of April. 12:00 PM April 04 to 06, 2008

Better Living 2.0 - To help shed light on how lifestyle and personality shape what we do, we are continuing and evolving the Better Living portion of our website. This page will be updated regularly (more regularly than before), and will be a way for us to pass on some of the intangible nuggets of experience and observation that influence our work. We have backlogged some 08 highlights below. 10:09 AM February 22, 2008

Big 12 Tournament final game - Courtesy of our friends at AL Huber Construction, we were able to catch KU’s victory over Texas in the Big 12 Tournament at the Sprint Center first hand. We love our seats for home games at Allen Field House, but it’s hard to compete with the Founders Club at the Sprint Center. 01:36 PM March 16, 2008

Justus Drugstore - This restaurant is the epitome of inspiration found in unexpected places... in this case, Smithville, MO. There are too many savored details to mention here – but behind the bacon wrapped goat cheese salad (like you really need to wrap it to make goat cheese good) and fois gras served with a spiced sorbet – there is the compelling story of the restaurant owner and his connection to Smithville. It is hard to put your finger on the impact of knowing that everything (including the crackers and pasta) are made from scratch every day, and comes from within a 100 mile radius of Smithville. And when one of the owners explains that the taste of the butter actually changes with the seasons because of what the cows are eating it is hard not to look at things a little differently. However, appreciating the food and the story behind Justus Drugstore does not require culinary sophistication – it only requires that you enjoy eating. It sure seems like there is a lesson in there somewhere. 04:29 PM March 07, 2008

Quixotic performs at the 2008 BCA Partnership Awards lunch - It’s not every day you attend a business lunch that includes aerial silk performance acts. One of the intangible perks of being a member of the Quixotic Board of Directors is the vicarious pride associated with witnessing 500 people at this year’s Business Committee for the Arts honors lunch genuinely moved by a 10 minute performance. 04:29 PM February 22, 2008