a discerning eye for exquisite design

by Diandra Escamilla

Spacecraft, the design group spearheaded by Kristofer Keith, has become synonymous with the restoration of Hollywood's nightlife and dining scene. Since 2001 Keith has opened 12 spots, predominantly in Hollywood such as BoHo, Ortolan, Bar Delux, Essex, Max, Señor Fred and Kitchen 24 (honored last year by the American Institute of Architects of Los Angeles). His current renovation projects include Osaka on Hollywood Boulevard, 504, and Stout.

Keith's reluctance to repeat designs and his avoidance in developing a signature look has given him longevity. It is a strong distinction in an industry subject to rapidly changing trends, wherein designers can have short-lived stints at the top. A jack-of-all-trades, Keith's talents extend to the personal creation of furniture and interior designs, as well as serving as consultant and general contractor for architectural and construction matters.

A distinct trademark of Keith's business is his unorthodox style. He comes up with designs by touring a space and taking a mental "snapshot" of the finished project. "I mentally sit in every seat in the restaurant. I visualize what each guest will see and how they will respond to a space," says Keith. In attempts to grasp the vibe he has one request from restaurant owners, "I always ask for the menu at the beginning. I usually want to know the name because that relays something".

It is efforts like these that have the hospitality world buzzing and have catapulted Keith's Spacecraft Group to the top of L.A.'s competitive hospitality design world. Although his loose style may differ from other designers, Keith stakes his business on a claim that not one of the restaurants, lounges, or clubs he's designed has gone out of business. "Designing a space is much like turning on a switch in the mind," says Keith, "a switch that allows you to see things not as they are, but rather as they could be".