Husband-and-wife team Kevin Kaminski and Alexis Pew founded Kaminski + Pew in 2014 to craft timeless spaces through transformative renovations. Based in Philadelphia, they offer full-service architectural and interior design services for a range of project types and scales. Between them, they have a unique ability to take projects start-to-finish, from initial concepts and architectural plans to finish and fixture selections, through furniture & decor. With an eye toward context, no two projects are alike, but each is approached with enthusiasm and dedication. See these amazing designs in today’s Designer Friday.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Alexis: I come from an artistic family, and my parents had several friends who were interior designers, so initially, it was the result of observation. I love that this role allows me to help people in a way that is so integral and transformative to their everyday. Our environment is always in the background, but so important – I love creating beautiful, functional spaces for living life.
Kevin: Art and design have always been a part of my life. My mother set an early artistic foundation for our family. She exposed me to the arts at a young age and encouraged me to pursue design throughout my education. I also had the benefit of having an uncle who practiced architecture. He was a talented designer who unfortunately passed away too soon during the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s. As a young boy, I deeply admired his polished elegance. Architecture just always made sense to me.
This peaceful office/den area features a dark color scheme, allowing for optimal focus. Built-in bookcases flank a piece of art that provides a dynamic contrast and adds depth to the space.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
A+K: Timeless, Understated, Sophisticated.
AJ: How do you approach designing for different types of clients?
A+K: No two projects are alike, and no two people are the same… including us! Meeting new clients is like dating: some connect better with Kevin, and some click better with Alexis. Some of our projects are more architecture-heavy, and some lean more toward an interiors scope. We’re positioned to handle both and prefer when there is overlap. We are highly collaborative on all our projects and welcome different opinions and perspectives from each team member and the client. Stylistically, we approach every project with fresh eyes and ensure that each project has key features that make it feel like “Kaminski + Pew.”
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
A+K: When context is completely disregarded on a design project. Balancing old and new can create great tension, and mixed styles can lead to a rich composition, but completely ignoring context always falls flat. We’ve had a few potential clients come to us with homes they’ve recently purchased and are looking to renovate. It quickly becomes apparent that they don’t like the home’s architecture, and the work involved in that type of transformation requires a far more extensive renovation than they expect.
This warm kitchen artfully segments the space with a marble countertop that extends upward into a matching backsplash.
AJ: How do you stay organized while working on multiple projects?
A+K: To be honest, it’s a struggle! Behind the scenes, it can be chaotic at times. Our studio typically has 15-20 active projects, varying in scale, scope, and design stage. Over the years, we have developed systems to keep projects on track: we use a web-based management platform and physical project binders. We are constantly evaluating our systems and operating procedures. One of the best compliments we can receive from clients is when they are shocked to learn that their project isn’t the only one we’re working on because that is always our goal!
AJ: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?
A+K: The client! A client with clear expectations and similar values is critical to the success of any design project.
Celebrating wood’s versatility, this cozy nook pairs a rustic wooden desk and chair with firewood beside a dark fireplace that is enlivened by art resting on the mantle.
AJ: What is your favorite design element to incorporate into your projects?
A+K: Existing details. Our studio focuses on renovation work, and we love it when a property has a rich past with beautiful existing elements that we can highlight.
AJ: How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
A+K: We believe the most sustainable form of architecture is renovation-based work. New construction consumes an incredible amount of energy and resources, only compounded when demolishing an existing building. Rehabilitating an existing structure diverts waste from the landfill and reduces the reliance on the resources needed to construct a new building. We work to use salvaged materials, restore original details, and select environmentally responsible materials where possible. Additionally, we work with local craftspeople: from custom carpentry to furniture, we try to include local talent in our projects whenever possible.
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