--- title: "proximity kitchensystem — Kitchen & Bath Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/proximity-kitchensystem-pfvwus-pf~1166036313 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1166036313.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "proximity kitchensystem" category: ["Kitchen & Bath Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/bcf3f7ec00f718b8_3053-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "623 Woodlawn Avenue, Venice, California 90291, United States" latitude: 33.9938 longitude: -118.4635 phone: "(480) 298-1616" website: http://proximitykitchen.com rating: 5 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 189 last_updated: 2026-08-15 --- # proximity kitchensystem Original Houzz profile: [proximity kitchensystem](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/proximity-kitchensystem-pfvwus-pf~1166036313) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Kitchen & Bath Designers - **Location:** Venice, CA - **Serves:** Venice, United States - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2014–2021), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves We are designers of product, kitchens, renovation projects etc and developers of the proximity kitchensystem ### Services Provided - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Home Additions - Custom Countertops - Custom Pantries - Lighting Design - Floor Plans - Laundry Room Design - Home Extensions - Mudroom Design - Custom Walk-in Closets - Pantry Design - Green Building - Custom Cabinet Doors ### Areas Served - Venice - United States ### Typical Job Cost $1,000 - 2.4 million Fee-based design to full renovation consult ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | proximity kitchensystem | | Address | 623 Woodlawn Avenue, Venice, California 90291, United States | | Phone | (480) 298-1616 | | Website | http://proximitykitchen.com | | Followers on Houzz | 189 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Proximitykitchen?fref=ts - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/proximitysystem - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/in/petermcintyrewalker/ - Blog — http://pinterest.com/proximitysystem/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [proximity kitchensystem](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/proximity-kitchensystem-pfvwus-pf~1166036313) - **Website:** http://proximitykitchen.com - **Phone:** (480) 298-1616 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Best of Houzz Client Satisfaction 2017, Best of Houzz Client Satisfaction 2015, Best of Houzz Client Satisfaction 2014 - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2014–2021), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 11 reviews** ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — samyount, June 2020** > This is the second major project we have taken on with Pete. Our goal was to turn a very large and poorly laid out master suite into something we loved. We gutted the entire space down to the studs. Pete was great at taking our feedback and ideas while bringing in concepts that felt anything but cookie-cutter. We love the way the entire space feels very open but never cluttered with clothes. There's an incredible amount of storage without ever making a traditional walk-in closet (something we wanted to avoid). > > We feel like the bathroom layout and the steam shower create a spa-like experience while still being pretty simple visually. The whole thing flows well with the rest of the house. Finally, Pete suggested we large windows to 2 sides of the house. While it wasn't a cheap add-on it has fundamentally changed the house for the better. **★★★★★ — Anna M, March 2020** > Some people plan their weddings from the time they were young, but not me, I was planning my dream kitchen. I spent years looking at kitchen design, materials and styles.When as an adult I finally had the luxury to build a kitchen from scratch I knew it would take a very special individual to help me build the kitchen of my dreams. I talked to a lot of different people before I found Pete Walker, kitchen designer extraordinaire. Pete and I collaborated on building a highly functional yet aesthetically beautiful kitchen. I had a lot of requirements in that we were building a kosher kitchen so we needed 2 sinks,2 dishwashers,2 ovens and a huge amount of storage because I have equipment for dairy cooking and equipment for meat cooking. The challenge was to create a kitchen that could store everything I need and be functional but not feel overly large and impersonal. Pete came through with flying colors. I cook in my kitchen every day and while it is large and has storage for everything I need, the design is so efficient that I am never running from one end of the kitchen to the other to find something. Everything is really so well organized and at hand. If you take good design seriously and want a kitchen that really works yet is pleasant to work in -I implore you to hire Pete. You will not be disappointed! **★★★★★ — Scherr's Cabinets & Doors Inc, Jan. 2020** > Pete has an eye for detail that is unmatched. The philosophy behind his design is game changing. If we were to ever guess what the future of efficient, ergonomic kitchen design looks like, let this guy show you the way. **★★★★★ — Steven OBrien, Sept. 2016** > Do you love to cook? I mean really love every facet of food from sourcing to the final dish but your kitchen just seems like it can’t keep up with you? Things are never where they should be? That cooking triangle feels a treadmill of misplaced appliances and sinks and prep areas? Food being carried across the room, no place to set your pans and a sink that was always occupied by someone or something? That’s where I was for years and when it finally came down to tearing it apart and starting over I set out to find someone who put cooking first and that’s what led me Pete Walker. Trust me, you will never have a kitchen better than this. You may get something bigger, it might have more things in it, but it will never be better. Pete not only understands how to design but his understanding of the process of making a meal is unprecedented. Pete figured out what my needs were, laid out my space, and revision after revision, inch by inch he honed in on a perfect cooking area. I cannot recommend him enough. **Comment from proximity kitchensystem:** > Thanks Steve...too bad we can't show the "before" pictures...flipping the kitchen and the dining room, adding the door-wall and the window in the new kitchen, and removing the wall between the kitchen and the rear hall were instrumental in allowing the proximity principles to work. I may have to work this up as a Case Study. **★★★★★ — User, Jan. 2014** > Are you looking for a typical kitchen design that has more emphasis on form than function? Would you be intimidated to have someone look at your floor plan and give you a fresh start look at the possibilities? Is cooking just a necessary evil, not a passion for you? Are you content to go blindly on with a kitchen design, without any regard to how you will bring food into it, store it, prepare it, cook it, deal with leftovers, and clean up afterwards? > Then don't contact Proximity Kitchen Systems. Because if you do, you will have your eyes opened to what really makes a kitchen design satisfying and enjoyable to use. Hint - it is not the kitchen work triangle! If you dare to work with Pete, it will be time and money well spent. **★★★★★ — itisitis, May 2013** > Pete was an absolute delight to work with. His kitchen design went "above and beyond" and one end of our house has been totally transforned. Pete was able to envision the possibilities that our original (cramped and cut up) kitchen/pantry/laundry space held and he rearranged it to bring our home into the 21st century. He took our comments, suggestions, and budget to heart and worked very hard to incorporate all of them in his design. He even assisted us in finding a contractor to do the work. The project is just nearing completion so there are no photos yet, but we are thrilled with the results. We will post photos when they are available. We can't recommend Pete highly enough. **★★★★★ — rbayer, April 2013** > When we first stepped into the Dunblaine house, it was through the back door into the kitchen -- and then stayed put for 30 minutes. The realtor was yelling at us to come see the rest of the house, but we were already sold. The kitchen is an incredible work of art - both design and function. We marveled at the beautiful sinks, appliances, and storage system - a place for every single thing and more! A built-in steamer, induction and restaurant power gas burners, a steam oven - wow! > > When we moved in, having never heard of Proximity Kitchens or the Proximity System, I moved into the kitchen as if I had been trained in how to use a Proximity Kitchen. The kitchen flows so perfectly, everything goes naturally where it should go, and as you move through the food supply, storage, preparation and serving process, the Proximity System makes everything easier and smoother. The tools, pans and boards that move you from the prep sink to the oven or the steamer are simply marvelous, as well as beautifully crafted. > > This kitchen is an absolute delight for people like me who love to cook and entertain! **★★★★★ — sofeebyrom, April 2013** > I found Pete and Proximity KitchenSystem online and was instantly impressed with his way of looking at kitchen design. It was what I was after - something that paid more homage to function than anything else I had seen. And no sign of the dreaded work triangle that I couldn't make sense of in my space. > > We hired Pete to design our kitchen after an initial consultation over the phone. I found his process to be extremely thorough - pages of questions about how we intended to use our kitchen that dug into every detail. Everything from what type of cooking/baking we did and what level entertaining the space would need to accommodate to what type of small appliances needed to be housed in our kitchen and how tall were its' users. > > I was curious how working remotely (we are in Canada and Pete in California) would impact his ability to come up with a design but he has a very detailed solution for that also. There is some homeowner work required for sure, but it is well worth the effort. We took pictures and very precisely measured our space in order to provide Pete with the information he needed to create drawings of our space. This was executed flawlessly. > > Pete will push you to be creative, consider function more than you ever have before and challenge your preconceived notions about kitchen design. You will feel challenged by the process but, in our experience, relieved that someone is actually asking you the right questions. For me, proof that the process works is in the result - our kitchen functions the way we want it to. No more wishing we had more counter space here or the fridge over there - it is all exactly where we want it and for our family it is a perfect fit. > > The process was thorough and enjoyable, the price was extremely competitive for design result we received and the end result is a kitchen we are thrilled to use every day. I would highly recommend Pete. **★★★★★ — Jennifer Tobias, April 2013** > Pete Walker designed two kitchens for me. Both were remodeling jobs that morphed from kitchen design into greater design projects. Pete was a pleasure to work with. I have had experience with architect's who didn't have the facility of mind that Pete has, and who were as a result rather slow and rigid about making changes. With Pete, the design was a collaborative process. He would present ideas and we, the client and Pete, would riff on them from that point. Pete had so little ego attached to what he presented that he thoroughly enjoyed playing with ideas on the fly and trying out any wild idea he or we had. We would play with moving whole rooms around, re-imagining the purpose of the house organically, so that each entry point, use of space and flow area made sense for our life and family. Pete could take a CAD drawing, or a piece of napkin with scribbles on it and just run with it. No idea was off limits and he was never haughty about his ideas over ours. He was, however, a font of knowledge about why one idea might work better than another, and he didn't let the process get out of control. I think Pete knows the basic rules so well, and has questioned each aspect of those rules so thoroughly, that he can be creative and make it work. The results were usable, intereresting, gorgeous spaces. > > What I learned from Pete is that, although a design fee can seem high as you go along, a project that doesn't invest that money at the outside will ultimately be huge waste of money. Every foot of space feels a certain way to the human body, and it is amazing how adding even a foot or two radically changes the way the space feels. Given that one's kitchen is the nourishment point for the entire family, the feeling you get there is crucial to the entire house. > > Hire Pete Walker if you want a kitchen that is uniquely yours and the best experience getting there you can have. > Jennifer Tobias **★★★★★ — invictus00, March 2013** > I hired Pete to work with me on the renovation of my kitchen. I initially found Pete as a resource for Semihandmade and I am absolutely grateful I found him. He has been a tremendous resource in sorting through all of the options available as well as providing blunt guidance (respectfully) when needed. Pete has gone above and beyond the effort I would have expected of a typical design professional...proving himself a "not typical" design professional. In the long run, working with Pete will save us precious time and money all the while delivering bold results my family will love for many years to come. He may very well design our whole house renovation plans. But I will deny having ever said that. **★★★★★ — R M, March 2013** > I worked with Pete Walker, the principle of proximity designsystem, on the 2011 renovation of my condominium in Chicago. Pete worked with me on everything from discussing building changes with the developer to furniture, carpet, and fabric and wall colors. > > The great thing about pds is that Pete knows and understands everything from kitchen planning and design to bathrooms, closets and virtually every other functional space. For example, Pete’s concept of integrating the dining room table into the kitchen island was particularly effective in creating unobtrusive additional seating in the main room (please see images of this design under “Condominium (Chicago, Poggenpohl Hybrid)”. His attention to detail is astounding and we left no stone unturned in the process. The built-in furniture and clean, uniform style work well for me. I recommend Pete and proximity designsystem without reservation. ## Selected projects - [Working kitchen showroom in Venice CA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/working-kitchen-showroom-in-venice-ca-pj-vj~4112329) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Los Angeles residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/los-angeles-residence-pj-vj~2062790) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: Classic galley kitchen in 900 sf hillside home near Pasadena. Features one each stainless and iroko proximity Standard counter configurations, five-piece Gaggenau appliance suite, Hansgrohe faucets, and proximity kitchensystem cabinetry. proximity cabinetry also used throughout bathrooms, laundry, closets, living room and bedroom. proximity Undercarriage table prototype used in dining area with custom banquette and Herman Miller chairs. - [Condominium (Chicago, Poggenpohl Hybrid)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/condominium-chicago-poggenpohl-hybrid-pj-vj~147578) - Location: Chicago, IL - Photos: 14 - [ICFF display (with Semihandmade)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/icff-display-with-semihandmade-pj-vj~277676) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 44 - [CA BOOM Show](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ca-boom-show-pj-vj~147720) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 48 - [proximity kitchensystem Products](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/proximity-kitchensystem-products-pj-vj~187262) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 47 - [Master Closet/Bath Combination (Birmingham)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/master-closet-bath-combination-birmingham-pj-vj~147658) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 14 - [Penthouses (Las Vegas)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/penthouses-las-vegas-pj-vj~147314) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Residence (Bloomfield Hills)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/residence-bloomfield-hills-pj-vj~147640) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 21 - [Kitchen (Dunblaine Ave.)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-dunblaine-ave-pj-vj~147261) - Location: Beverly Hills, MI - Photos: 11 - [Kitchen (Graefield Condominium, Tiny)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-graefield-condominium-tiny-pj-vj~147719) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Kitchen (Harold Turner, Usonian)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-harold-turner-usonian-pj-vj~147207) - Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI - Photos: 4 - [Kitchen (Hirsh)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-hirsh-pj-vj~147298) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Kitchen (West Hollywood)](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchen-west-hollywood-pj-vj~147629) - Location: West Hollywood, CA - Photos: 25 - [proximity kitchensystem Product Shots, Corian Standard Version](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/proximity-kitchensystem-product-shots-corian-standard-version-pj-vj~147613) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 18 - [proximity kitchensystem Product Shots](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/proximity-kitchensystem-product-shots-pj-vj~147304) - Location: Los Angeles, CA - Photos: 33 [See all 16 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/kitchen-and-bath-designers/proximity-kitchensystem-pfvwus-pf~1166036313) ## Ideabooks - [Worst kitchen layouts ever](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8120596/list/worst-kitchen-layouts-ever) — 4 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/proximitysystem) ## Community Q&A **Q: Should granite that already has oil in it be sealed** *(in Kitchens)* 5 years ago when we moved into our home, I knew that the granite was not sealed. There were dark patches, and water would sink in immediately. The installer tried to seal it twice, but was not successful. He then deserted us, and we had no recourse as a second owner. We then called in an expert, who put on the poultice and covered it with plastic for 3 days. No luck. Fast forward to today. Everywhere that we ”work” on the counter is dark. Behind the appliances it is light. I have 2 questions: can we darken the light spots by adding oil, and is there any point to sealing this granite. A: We have some soapstone (a mistake, but that’s another story) between two of my Proximity Counters. I oil it regularly with John Boos Mystery Oil, whenever it “needs” it. I find the obsession with “perfect” counters (or other kitchen elements, for that matter) to be a little silly. It’s a working environment. At some point, it’s going to look like one. We were told (by a “reputable” Stone vendor) that soapstone (this species) was as hard and minimally porous as granite. Lies on both counts. It chips easily, but actually looks fine. i call it “patina” and move on. I’ve been in the business almost 45 years, and for what it’s worth, I quit using chemical-based “sealers” years ago, for reasons of food safety, as well as having found them utterly useless. **Q: Custom sink, or ...?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi - this is a wonderful useful big sink with draining board - was it a custom piece, or is it available for sale anywhere? Thanks! A: Thanks, looking forward to it. **Q: What is this piece?** *(in Photo Questions)* Just trying to understand this sink/stove- what is the use? A: this was a mobile display piece, used in conjunction with a more conventional display. The purpose was to show the proximity accessories' relationship to the countersystem and to the use of a typical gas cooktop as well as the Gaggenau steamer insert. The perforated insert can be used as a colander, solid bottom insert as a work tray, both or either move freely from sink to appliance to fridge, freezer or dishwasher. In addition, the standardly available steam table inserts or "sheet pans" made by Vollrath have Carriers for them as well. You don't need to be a Gaggenau enthusiast to use the countersystem... **Q: Where did you purchase the cabinet?** *(in Photo Questions)* Where did you purchase the cabinet at and what size is the cabinet by chance? A: Hello Julie - the cabinet you see is part of the proximity kitchensystem offering. In most cases the tall drawer at the bottom would be the same height as the middle one, and there'd be another shallow drawer above the middle...the height of the cabinet consists of 6 x 4.75", so the fronts are any multiple of the 4.75" (4 3/4"). The widths are 12/24/12/24/12, the fillers on either side are prox 1 1/2" In a perfect world the center cabinet would have housed a pull-out trash can. The PKS cabinetry comes in width increments of 1/8". This is virtually custom, but the cabinet modules come in a specific set of configurations. Because of this we are able to offer a "customized" result at a much lower price and with much higher quality of assembly and finish, which increases the actual value of the end result. In this case the product was maple with a clear finish. I hope this helps. **Q: What sink is that? Thank you.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: There are numerous elements of the proximity kitchensystem shown - the Basin is 16 gauge prime stainless steel, bent-and-welded construction. The Basin drops perfectly into a standard 36" sink base cabinet, hanging on it's rim. No fasteners necessary. The photo shows the Basin mounted below our Standard Counter in teak. The Standard Counter is also available in 14 gauge stainless, welded directly to the Counter. The Board slides the full length of either Counter, and the Carrier and Vessel assembly shown is for the Gaggenau steamer inserts. Carriers are also available for 1/6, 1/3, 1/2 and 2/3 standard Gastronorm steam table inserts in 2 1/2" and 4" depths. Cabinetry shown is part of the system as well, but the question was about the sinks. I hope this helps. **Q: Great sink! Dimensions?** *(in Photo Questions)* I just found out you're on Houzz, courtesy of a blog article from Kelly Morriseau. Anyway, about this sink - I'd love to know more, having read your low opinion of farmhouse sinks! What are its dimensions (it looks shallower than most long sinks), what accessories are available (those lovely boards and trays, and so on), what is the price range, and are they available in Canada? You also mention elsewhere that there's a clever garbage/recycling thingy (Canadian technical term) underneath the sink - are there any photos showing how that works? Thanks! A: Hello bubblyjock - The proximity kitchensystem is a group of products which allow the execution of a full kitchen, designed according to the Proximity Principles which can be found on the website. The sink (Basin) is part of the proximity countersystem, in both the Standard and Simplified configurations. It is 5 1/2" deep at the outlet, prox 5" deep at the left hand side. This allows for better than 1/8" per foot slope so there's no ponding. The Basin is bent and welded (as opposed to drawn) and is made from 16 gauge prime stainless steel. The photo you are looking at is the last taken of our Basin being used as a standard under-mounted sink. The cutting board is our proprietary piece. This Basin comes welded to our Standard offering counter in stainless steel, and undermounts below the teak and Corian versions of the Standard counter. The same Basin us used in the Simplified program, using any counter material 3/4" thick or better. In the Standard configuration there are accessories which move laterally within the sink footprint while the cutting board is able to slide clear of the Basin footprint if not the full length of the Standard top: 84" or 7'-0". In the Simplified configuration both the Accessories and the Board Additional accessories include teak Carrier plates for standardly available Gastronorm stainless steam table trays in various sizes. In combination, the Accessory Set allows the user to stand directly in front of the Basin and use a stable cutting board whose position, relative to pre- and post-prepped food, can be changed on a moment-to-moment basis when in use. There's an article on the Interior Design Magazine website you might find interesting: http://www.interiordesign.net/article/564490-Ones\_to\_Watch\_Kitchen\_and\_Bath.php To answer your question, the system is available in Canada - I just have to organize shipping. There's no where you can actually see it, unfortunately. We're just launching and the dealership network will take some time to build. In the meantime, I can walk you through the product as well as it's use, installation, purchase...whatever you need. The recycling thingie is basically a 36" sink base which has a pull-out instead of its left door. Two 41 liter recycling bins fit in the pull-out. The shallow sink with its off-set outlet allows enough height below it that the tall bins fit comfortably underneath. The plumbing is concentrated right-of-center in the cabinet. If you'd like to call me I'm at 480 298 1616. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-15.*