Meet Kelvin | Owner

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

Hi Kelvin, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always been drawn to creativity, whether through art, music, or the process of building communities that foster artistic expression. My own experiences in the creative world showed me the challenges many artists face in finding affordable living and studio spaces. I saw a real need for a place where artists could not only live but also thrive in an environment that nurtures their craft. This is why I founded Artist Housing —to provide a supportive, affordable, and inspiring space for artists to live and create without the financial stress that often comes with it. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to build a space where creativity can truly flourish.

What should our readers know about your business?
Artist Housing DTLA is a creative community designed to provide affordable living and working space for artists in Los Angeles. Unlike traditional housing or even typical co-living spaces, we focus on creating an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and artistic growth. We offer shared dorm-style accommodations, but with access to over 8,000 square feet of space dedicated to artistic expression—whether it’s a music studio, an art space, or a place to create and share ideas.

What sets us apart is that I built this place entirely on my own, without external funding or support. It’s been a journey filled with challenges, especially as a self-funded, self-managed venture. There were moments when I wasn’t sure how to keep going, but I knew that the vision of providing a creative space for artists in LA was something worth pursuing. The lack of support from collaborators or investors only fueled my determination to prove that this concept could work.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are invaluable—resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community. I’ve faced countless financial and operational challenges, from high vacancy rates to dealing with large utility bills, but each obstacle has helped me grow stronger and more resourceful. One of the biggest lessons is the importance of persistence and staying true to your mission, even when the road is tough.

What I want the world to know about Artist Housing DTLA is that it’s more than just a place to live—it’s a place where artists can feel supported, inspired, and part of a like-minded community. I’ve poured my heart into building this, and I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come. Despite the obstacles, I’ve seen firsthand the impact this space has had on the lives and careers of the artists who call it home.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Downtown LA Adventure

Breakfast: Start with a classic LA breakfast at Grand Central Market, where you can get everything from tacos to eggs and coffee.

Morning: Head over to The Broad Museum to enjoy contemporary art, and then stroll around the Walt Disney Concert Hall for some architectural beauty.

Lunch: Grab a bite at Bestia, an industrial-chic Italian spot in the Arts District known for its charcuterie and wood-fired pizzas.

Afternoon: Explore the Arts District, which is home to street art, local galleries, and trendy shops.

Dinner: For dinner, go to Republique, a French-inspired spot with great food and a lively ambiance.

Night: End the night with drinks at Perch, a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.

Day 2: Beach Day in Santa Monica & Venice

Breakfast: Head to Gjusta in Venice for a delicious breakfast with pastries, eggs, and smoked fish.

Morning: Rent bikes and cruise down the Venice Beach Boardwalk, checking out the street performers, shops, and skate park.

Lunch: Have lunch at The Butcher’s Daughter in Venice, a cool vegetarian cafe with light, healthy fare.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon at Santa Monica Beach—grab a spot on the sand or take a ride on the iconic Ferris wheel at Pacific Park on the pier.

Dinner: Dine at Water Grill, an upscale seafood restaurant near the beach.

Night: After dinner, take a walk down to the Santa Monica Pier or check out some local bars.

Day 3: Cultural and Historical Day

Breakfast: Start the day with a great cup of coffee at Blue Bottle Coffee in Downtown LA.

Morning: Visit the Natural History Museum and California Science Center—both are great spots for history lovers and interactive exhibits.

Lunch: Have lunch at The Museum Cafe inside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring LACMA and its surrounding areas, like the Urban Light installation.

Dinner: Check out Providence, a high-end spot for seafood that’s perfect for a special evening.

Night: Head to Hollywood Boulevard and walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit the TCL Chinese Theatre, and catch a movie at El Capitan Theatre.

Day 4: Explore Griffith Park and Sunset at the Observatory

Breakfast: Grab breakfast at Clifton’s Republic, an old-school diner with a quirky vibe.

Morning: Head to Griffith Park for a hike up to the Griffith Observatory. The views of LA and the Hollywood Sign are spectacular.

Lunch: Have a picnic in Griffith Park, or grab lunch at Little Dom’s, a cozy Italian restaurant in nearby Los Feliz.

Afternoon: Visit the Los Angeles Zoo or take a stroll through the Autry Museum of the American West.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at A.O.C., a Mediterranean-inspired spot that’s perfect for a laid-back evening.

Night: End the night with drinks at The Dresden in Los Feliz, a historic lounge with live music.

Day 5: Day Trip to Malibu

Breakfast: Start with breakfast at Malibu Farm, located on the Malibu Pier, offering fresh, organic options with an ocean view.

Morning: Hit up Point Dume State Beach for a peaceful walk or a swim, then explore the scenic beauty of the Malibu coastline.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Nobu Malibu, a famous upscale Japanese restaurant with views of the ocean.

Afternoon: Take a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping by El Matador Beach for stunning coastal views.

Dinner: Have dinner at The Sunset Restaurant or Geoffrey’s Malibu, both offering oceanfront dining with a great atmosphere.

Night: Enjoy the sunset views and grab a drink at The Malibu Beach Inn.

Day 6: Santa Monica and West Hollywood

Breakfast: Begin the day with a healthy breakfast at The Butcher’s Daughter in Santa Monica.

Morning: Take a walk along Third Street Promenade and enjoy the lively shops and street performers.

Lunch: Head over to The Bazaar by José Andrés in Beverly Hills, offering a fun mix of creative tapas.

Afternoon: Explore West Hollywood, stopping by Melrose Avenue for shopping, and check out the art galleries and murals in the area.

Dinner: Dinner at Catch LA, a trendy seafood restaurant with a great atmosphere and rooftop seating.

Night: End your evening at The Abbey, a well-known LGBTQ+ friendly bar with a vibrant crowd and excellent cocktails.

Day 7: Relax and Explore Hidden Gems

Breakfast: Start with a leisurely breakfast at Eggslut in Grand Central Market.

Morning: Head to The Getty Center for some art and beautiful gardens, offering one of the best views of the city.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at Kismet, a modern Mediterranean restaurant with great flavors and a cozy vibe.

Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring The Huntington Library, which has beautiful gardens and a museum.

Dinner: For a unique experience, have dinner at Bestia in the Arts District for amazing Italian cuisine.

Night: Finish the week with drinks at The NoMad Hotel rooftop bar, which offers incredible views of downtown LA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to the residents of Artist Housing DTLA. Their creativity, resilience, and dedication are what truly make this space come alive. I built this place entirely on my own, and while I didn’t have support or mentorship, I found strength in the community I’ve created. The journey has been challenging, but seeing artists thrive here makes every step worth it.

Website: https://artistHousing.com

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artist-housing/

Twitter: https://x.com/ArtistHousingLA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtistHousing

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/artist-housing-los-angeles-3

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArtistHousing

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/artisthousingrealestate/

Image Credits
Kelvin Xuna