Founded in 2013 by Inés Guzmán and Gregory Melitonov, Taller KEN is focused on playful design with social and cultural relevance.
Based in New York and Guatemala, the MWBE firm works internationally, embracing local context and diverse partnerships to create an architecture with broad support and appeal.
The studio has been widely published and has received several accolades, including the Architectural League Prize and the New York, New Practices Award from the American Institute of Architects.
Our Services:
Placemaking
Public Spaces
Activations
Architecture
Interior Design
Furniture Design
Creative Direction
Graphic Design
Branding
Cafes, Bars and Restaurants
To date, we’ve completed more than a dozen spaces for stand-alone locations, chains, and in-house design for hotels. From original architecture to custom millwork and furnishings, layer color, texture, and materials to create a total sensory experience that invites visitors to linger and explore.
Retail and Showrooms
Bold architectural gestures invite people to, for once, judge the book by its cover. We carefully weave design threads with the products highlighted inside, and have designed stores for menswear and womenswear brands, as well as showrooms for eyewear, jewelry, and handbags.
Installations and Brands Activations
Even temporary projects can leave a permanent impression! We've installed activations for London Fashion Week at Somerset House, WeWork at the Grace Hopper Conference, and pop-ups for fashion brands and art institutions.
Social Projects
To work more closely with local communities we began the FUNdaMENTAL Design Build Initiative. This not-for-profit (registered 501c3) arm of our studio brings young and international designers together each year to realize public interventions for the collective good.
Museums, Galleries and Exhibitions
We began our careers working for Renzo Piano on the New Whitney Museum in New York and the Offices for the High Line. Sitting on both the design and client side of the table, we've worked on a series of high-profile proposals and small scale gallery shows.
Single Family Residential
We love making a house a home! Taller KEN has completed ground-up private residential projects, as well as interior design and decor. Please contact us for residential references.
Mixed-Use Development
We’ve done design consulting work with developers, working on everything from lobbies and public plazas to the living facade for Fabra.
Health and Wellness
Designed to get your heart racing! We know how to bring the energy to every aspect of our gym spaces, with an attention to detail that makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
Thank you for your interest in our studio!
We look forward to hearing from you!!
Taller KEN is a minority business enterprise (MBE) owned, operated and controlled on a daily basis by one or more (in combination) United States citizens of ethnic minority and/or gender classifications.
Selected Clients:
MoMA
Best Western International
The Good Hotel
WeWork
World Gym
Times Equities
Alloy Development
DART
Sutherland Global
Sustainable Urban Research
Urban Design Forum
Yahad In Unum
Museo Maya de Americas
Guatemalan Institute of Tourism
Instituto Guatemalteco Americano
Patronato Santo Domingo
Acton Academy
Alessa Designs
Tamarinos
Immaco
Saúl E. Mendez
Minerva Casa de Cocteles
*Residential References Upon Request