Meet Sémone Kessler | Architect & Principal at Matter Studio

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sémone Kessler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sémone, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting Matter Studio was a natural evolution—something that felt both intuitive and inevitable. I’ve always believed that architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about storytelling, connection, and creating spaces that resonate on a human level. I wanted the freedom to design with depth and purpose, centering both the people who live in these spaces and the landscapes they inhabit.

With Matter Studio, I saw an opportunity to push beyond conventional approaches and create work that feels rooted, sustainable, and lasting. Every project we take on is a chance to craft something that not only serves its function but also evokes emotion, enhances daily life, and leaves a meaningful impact. It’s about designing with intention and integrity, making choices that stand the test of time while staying true to our clients’ visions and the world around us.

Ultimately, I started Matter Studio because I wanted to shape spaces that truly matter—to the people who experience them, to the environment, and to the larger narrative of this city.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Matter Studio, we approach architecture as more than just designing buildings—it’s about crafting deeply personal, intentional spaces that resonate with the people who inhabit them. Our work is rooted in storytelling, sustainability, and a deep respect for the landscapes and communities we build in. What sets us apart is our thoughtful, immersive approach, where every project is an exploration of how people want to live, work, and experience space in a meaningful way.

I started Matter Studio because I wanted the freedom to design with purpose and authenticity, creating work that feels both enduring and responsive to the people and environment around it. The journey to where we are today was anything but easy—starting a business means stepping into uncertainty, balancing creativity with logistics, and constantly adapting. One of the biggest challenges was learning how to trust my own vision while also navigating the realities of running a company.

Over time, I’ve learned that the best work comes from collaboration, patience, and a commitment to integrity—not just in design, but in every interaction. I’m most proud of the relationships we’ve built with clients who share our passion for meaningful spaces, and of the impact our projects have on people’s daily lives.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Los Angeles is a city of contrasts—raw and refined, chaotic and serene, endlessly sprawling yet intimate if you know where to look. To truly experience it, you have to embrace both the high and low, the hidden and the iconic, the places that aren’t in the guidebooks but live in the hearts of those who call this city home.

I’d start by picking them up at the airport, weaving through the endless maze of freeways, pointing out landmarks and quirks along the way—explaining why the LA grid makes no sense and why we wouldn’t have it any other way. First stop? Bay Cities in Santa Monica for their legendary Godmother sandwich—crusty, perfect Italian bread layered with cured meats, cheeses, and that spicy “works” spread that makes the whole thing sing. We’d take our sandwiches to the beach, watch the waves roll in, and let the ocean air knock the jet lag out of them.

As the sun starts to dip, we’d make our way to Chez Jay, a dimly lit dive bar where the peanuts are tossed on the floor and decades of Hollywood ghosts and linger in the corners. We’d order stiff drinks and toast to the city—because in LA, a good dive bar is essential.
In the morning we’d hike at Tuna Canyon, a lesser-known gem with no crowds and views that stretch forever
Then we’d head to Cholada—or at least, we would have. Cholada was everything LA does best—a shack on the beach, built with love (but definitely not to code), where every window leaned at a different angle, and none of it mattered because the Thai food was absolute perfection. It was the kind of place that felt like a secret, but along with many other landmarks, was lost in the LA fires. This restaurant deserves to be remembered, so we’d honor it by reminiscing about the dishes that made it great—their golden bags, Gai Koa, friendly waitresses who knew you by name, and the salty ocean breeze mixing with the scent of lemongrass.
From the beach, we’d shift gears and head inland to Beverly, a treasure trove for furniture lovers, vintage hunters, and design aficionados. We’d weave through showrooms and hidden boutiques, hunting for the kind of pieces that define a space—unexpected finds that hold stories of their own.
Next we’d tour some of LA’s modernist beauties—a pilgrimage to the Case Study Houses, where history and innovation collide. We’d visit Pierre Koenig’s Stahl House, suspended over the city like a dream, and maybe sneak a peek at some of Neutra’s and Schindler’s greatest works, reminding ourselves that LA has always been a place where the future gets built first.

That night, dinner would be at Jones Hollywood, where red booths, candlelit tables, and pasta served just right make it one of those quintessential LA spots that feels like home, no matter how many times you visit. We’d linger over dirty martinis, split a plate of spaghetti, and soak in the feeling that LA, for all its chaos and contradictions, has a magic that’s impossible to shake.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
This is for LA—the place that teaches us to dream boldly, build fearlessly, and never take “no” as the final answer. Born and raised here, I am endlessly grateful for its peculiar charm, its incredible people, and its wild, rugged landscapes. This city embraces contradiction, thrives on reinvention, and reminds me daily that anything is possible. Here, creativity has no limits, and resilience is woven into the streets, the hills, and the spirit of those who call it home.

Website: https://www.madetomatter.com

Instagram: sem_one

Image Credits
Jacqueline Verdugo, Garry Belinsky