---
title: "Nest Architecture Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/nest-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf~1954727889
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1954727889.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Nest Architecture Inc."
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/79c3dbe900a4472d_3780-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Culver City, California 90230, United States"
phone: "(310) 559-9900"
website: https://www.nestarchitecture.com
rating: 5
review_count: 3
followers: 191
last_updated: 2026-09-14
---

# Nest Architecture Inc.

Original Houzz profile: [Nest Architecture Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/nest-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf~1954727889)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Culver City, CA
- **Serves:** Los Angeles, Bel Air, Brentwood Los Angeles, Hollywood, Venice, Glendale, Inglewood, Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, Culver City, West Hollywood, Manhattan Beach, Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (3 reviews)

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- 5 Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

Nest architecture inc was founded in 1995 by Kip Kelly, AIA. Kelly studied environmental design at the University of California at Berkeley and received his degree in architecture in 1981. Kelly was profoundly influenced by Berkeley professor, Joseph Esherick, and by the eclectic work of local Bay Area architect, Bernard Maybeck. The College of Environmental Design at Berkeley emphasized the responsibility of architecture to the user; function as a bridge to beauty. The optimum functional solution becomes the framework for the aesthetics of the building.

Kelly approaches each project with an eye toward integrating modern technology and space planning with contextual architectural styles.  His successfully completed projects include the Notre Dame High School Center for Arts and Technology, the award winning Marty’s Music Store, St. Paul Medical Center, the corporate headquarters of Kelly Slater's clothing company Outerknown, Honk for Help headquarters, corporate headquarters for HQ Development, and custom residences on both East and West coasts. Kelly is a full professional member of the American Institute of Architects, and a member of The National Historic Preservation Trust.

Nest architecture inc was chosen in 2012 to represent California in the book, 50 US Architects. Several of Kelly's works were showcased, including his original design of the Napoli Residence which was photographed by Julius Shulman. Kelly is now in the process of working with a new client to remodel the house, 12 years after the original was completed.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- House Plans
- Home Additions
- Kitchen Design
- Floor Plans
- Green Building
- Space Planning
- Universal Design
- Drafting
- Laundry Room Design

### Areas Served

- Los Angeles
- Bel Air
- Brentwood Los Angeles
- Hollywood
- Venice
- Glendale
- Inglewood
- Santa Monica
- Redondo Beach
- Culver City
- West Hollywood
- Manhattan Beach
- Beverly Hills
- Pacific Palisades
- Hermosa Beach
- El Segundo
- Marina del Rey
- Playa del Rey

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Nest Architecture Inc. |
| Address | Culver City, California 90230, United States |
| Phone | (310) 559-9900 |
| Website | https://www.nestarchitecture.com |
| License Number | C20478 |
| Followers on Houzz | 191 |

**Social profiles:**
- X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/nestarchinc
- LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/kip-kelly-aia-1799664
- Blog — www.nestarchitecture.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Nest Architecture Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/nest-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf~1954727889)
- **Website:** https://www.nestarchitecture.com
- **Phone:** (310) 559-9900

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- 2015, 2014 & 2009 Central PA AIA Honor Award
- 2015, 2014 & 2009 Spark Award Finalist
- 2014 Central PA USGBC Green Home of the Year
- 2011 Runner Up: AIA Barbie Dream House Competition
- 2004 Metal Architecture Magazine Grand Prize Winner

**Affiliations**
- [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471)
- [AIA Los Angeles](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-los-angeles-pfvwus-pf~1829789113)
- [AIA Philadelphia](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-philadelphia-pfvwus-pf~26434807)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 3 reviews**

### All 3 reviews

**★★★★★ — ZFREEDMAN, March 2016**

> Kip Kelly of Nest architecture has a unique and imaginative approach to every new project and focuses not only on the building and its function, but more so on the humans inhabiting the future spaces. Their scintillating designs surpass the common sterile modern architecture that has become ubiquitous, and instead produce warm buildings and interior spaces with a human touch. As landscape architects, we support Nest and their design style that puts emphasis on site and environment.  A great example of this holistic approach is Kelly Slater’s new office space in Culver City that relates, enhances and improves the land and context in which it sits. As fellow designers, we would highly recommend working with Nest, whatever your project may be.

**★★★★★ — Doug Mockett & Company, Inc., Feb. 2016**

> We have been doing business with Nest Architecture for over 20 years. They have a keen eye for design and their attention to detail is unmatched. Their approach to design is both edgy and modern, but rooted in organic undertones. Clean minimalist style brings out the natural beauty of the surrounding elements. We always look forward to seeing how they will incorporate our products into their design applications!

**★★★★★ — Nest architecture inc, Jan. 2015**

> Kip Kelly does a great job connecting the indoors with the out! He can take any dark boxy space and turn it into an energetic environment full of natural light and  unique details.

## Selected projects

- [Woloson Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/woloson-residence-pj-vj~7104115)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Casa Fosterella](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casa-fosterella-pj-vj~7104110)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
- [Kelly Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kelly-residence-pj-vj~6763687)
  - Location: Lebanon, PA
  - Photos: 15
- [Loma Vista](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/loma-vista-pj-vj~6763659)
  - Location: Beverly Hills, CA
  - Photos: 22
- [MacCuish Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maccuish-residence-pj-vj~6752561)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Thomas Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/thomas-residence-pj-vj~6752554)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
- [Napoli Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/napoli-remodel-pj-vj~6752535)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 10
- [Kahwaji Building](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kahwaji-building-pj-vj~6752520)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Napoli](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/napoli-pj-vj~1604581)
  - Location: Los Angeles, CA
  - Photos: 5
- [Glenside](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/glenside-pj-vj~1163856)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [San Circle](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-circle-pj-vj~328598)
  - Location: Beverly Hills, CA
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: Architecture by Kip Kelly AIA
- [Sierra Mar](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sierra-mar-pj-vj~1163770)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
- [Thrasher](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/thrasher-pj-vj~1604653)
  - Location: Beverly Hills, CA
  - Photos: 9
- [Bowmont](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bowmont-pj-vj~1163804)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 20

[See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/nest-architecture-inc-pfvwus-pf~1954727889)

## Ideabooks

- [NAPOLI](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105072193/list/napoli) — 4 ideas
- [Creative Office Products](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85530702/list/creative-office-products) — 1 idea
- [\#PlayHouzz](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/62345408/list/playhouzz) — 10 ideas

[See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/kipkellyaia)

## Community Q&A

**Q: large bifold patio doors** *(in Building a Home)*

We are looking for 16' wide and 8' high bifold patio doors.

I see several dealers of Basikwall in the bay area. But there are hardly any reviews about Basikwall. Just wondering if people have an opinion about it.

Which other manufacturers should we consider?

Are there any issues that you think, we should keep in mind, if we go with bifold doors of this size?

Guidance appreciated.

A: We are using Fleetwood bifolds on a project and they are currently running a price cut to be more competitive with their pricing. Western Windows is great too, a bit thicker door frames, but typically a better price point. You will want to check with the companies to see if their bifolds are top hung or bottom hung. This is how the doors weight is support and will play a big part in making sure the door operates properly. If they are top hung, you may need to install a new header, but this is important to understand the cost and fasability of each system. You will also want to make sure they are installed by a certified installer so you dont have any leaks. Hope this helps!

**Q: Transition from drywall to brick** *(in Building a Home)*

I want to expose the brick of my fireplace that is currently covered by drywall. Currently the fireplace is unusable because the trim/drywall is too close to the opening. (We are already working on adding tile to the flooring area in front of it so that its safe to use.) If we expose the brick up to the ceiling, how do we complete the transition from the drywall to the brick? I think we could add crown molding to help complete the transition from brick to ceiling, but what about the walls?

A: Hi Jaime, I love the ideal of exposing the brick! I would reccomend leaving a vertical 1/2&quot; wide x 3/4&quot; deep gap between the drywall and the brick for the change in material. If you paint the back of the gap black, it will disappear and you will be left with a clean slide by transition as opposed to two uneven materials banging into each other.  You can see in the image below how we left a horizontal reveal at the top and bottom of the stone fireplace wall. Hope this helps!

**Q: Home renovation-  Where to start?** *(in Remodeling)*

My wife and I are looking for a home.  The problem is to get the lot and location we will have to buy an older home (~70s to 80s).  That's OK, but it would need to be renovated.  We have found 3 homes that fit the bill, but I need to get to understand what a renovation will cost.
Can someone tell me where to start?  Call a general contractor?  Home design expert to show me what could be done to the interior and exterior?

Any advice would be appreciated.

A: Hi sjmaye! I would recommend starting with an architect if your planning to do a complete remodel, especially if you're not feeling creative. Architects will give you multiple options depending on your input and will think of the practical items you may miss. Your home inspection will also give you a list of items that may need to be updated such as wiring, termites, roof and windows. Good Luck!

**Q: Please chime in on floor plan/bedroom size.** *(in Remodeling)*

This is a preliminary 2nd floor plan.  We have limited space to work with. I love the layout but will these bedrooms be tight?  It's so hard to visualize! Note the master is top left, not right.  Thanks for any input.

A: Hi Bes! I would recomendó enlarging the master closet out to hallway wall. This would give you more space in the closet and eliminate the hallway in the Master Suite. In other words, extend the wall between the bathroom and closet and shift the door slightly.

**Q: question** *(in Photo Questions)*

source of lit shelving

A: These shelves were custom fabricated by the general contractor. We are unaware of any manufacturers that offer anything similar... Several manufaturers offer LED tape including SUPERNIGHT.  A single transformer, hidden from view, was used to power the entire grouping...

**Q: Beautiful** *(in Photo Questions)*

What is the material on the fireplace wall?

A: Hi Joe, Thanks for your interest! The fireplace material is a 3d ceramic tile from Westside Tile &amp; Stone. Hope this helps!

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-14.*
