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

Hi Cory, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Its an interesting story actually that I didn’t plan out. I didn’t even start my career as an Interior Designer. I started as a consultant for Deloitte and Touche. That path then lead me to DIRECTV where I I was leading our Customer Payments team until I retired in 2015 to spend more time with my family and raise my kids who were 6 and 8 at the time. The first year was amazing and I like to say “The grass was greener and the sun was brighter.”, but then by the 2nd year I was feeling depressed and missed working. I decided to go back to work, but needed something with better work-life balance. As a kid, I had thought about Architecture but never pursued it. As an adult, I had renovated my own homes and loved it. So in 2018, I decided I would give Interior Design a try. I had all the skills and just needed to learn the industry. I jumped in head first with a 1700 SF home. That first client was amazing and I loved every minute of it. Before long I had taught myself 3D renderings and was pretty much working full time again. But this time, I was my own boss. I could still be there for my kids even if that meant working in the middle of the night. By 2023/2024, the workload got to be too much for just myself. This little side gig was turning into something very real! So I decided to grow the business and hired 2 employees. Within a month, an opportunity for a studio space opened up that I could’t resist. So in January of this year we opened CKD studio in Hermosa Beach. I couldn’t be happier and actually love being back in an office. Sometimes your 5-year plan turn out a little different than you had planned it to be. Now I can’t wait to see what the next 5 years brings!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Awe, this is easy! Its the architectural side. If I could go back and do it all again, I would be an architect. I love taking a space and reimagining it. Part of my process is to build 2D and 3D renderings of spaces. Its like a painters canvas, but mine is an empty space. Only then can I create and see how the space really wants and needs to be. Its my most favorite and creative part of the process. There is nothing better than walking a client through their new digital space and seeing their excitement for whats to come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve lived and worked in the SouthBay since 1999 so Ive got a few favorites we would definitely have to check out!

– Breakfast at Marthas in Hermosa to try their Havarti and White Corn Scramble. Both my kids work here so we would def go when they are working.
– Jame Enoteca in El Segundo – its in a strip mall but the food, Italian is fresh pasta and to die for.
– Pancho’s in Manhattan for some good Mexican and Monday night karaoke.
– The Comedy and Magic Club in Hermosa – Jay Leno still performs monthly!
– Shopping at Gum Tree in Hermosa or Manhattan for a very well curated assortment of one-of-a kind home and gift items! I source lots of items from Gum Tree for my homes I design. You will not leave without a few things thats for sure. You can also grab lunch on the Gum Tree Patio in Hermosa too.
– Paiges Book store to get a book and enjoy a beach day! Im a HUGE reader and they always recommend the best books.
– Grab a coffee and walk the 2-mile pier to pier strand path from Hermosa to Manhattan and just check out the stunning ocean views. We would def take my Australian Shepard with us!
– Take a Vinyasa yoga class at Sol Seek in Manhattan. They have 2 studios and one overlooks the ocean!
– Go to Culture Brew for Happy Hour and to see some good local art on the walls. They change it out monthly and it never disappoints.

There’s so much to do in the South Bay I could go on and on. In fact, we call it “The Bubble” because its truly paradise in LA that theres no need to go anywhere else.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many! First of all, my husband and family for always supporting me. My friend Nancy for encouraging me to just go for it and not take the traditional route of going back to school (I already had all the skills, just needed to learn the industry). My friend Kim, a local realtor who referred me to (and keeps referring me) to my first job. And also, Kent my friend and manager at DIRECTV for always supporting me and trusting me with the build-out of his new company so early on my career change.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corykingstondesigns/

Website: www.corykingstondesigns.com

Other: CKD Studio
820 PCH, Unit 4
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Image Credits
All: Brian Kingston

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.