CONCEPT / SD PROPOSAL
8439 Steller Drive
January 30, 2026
Maria Matis Kennedy
Creative Direction & Interior Design
with
Ruben Ruckman, RA and Juliet Chang, AIA
Architecture
for
CEREMONY OF ROSES
Dear Ceremony Of Roses
Primary Contact
Maria Matis Kennedy
(213) 300-1563
maria@matiscreative.com
Secondary Contact
Ruben Ruckman, RA
(512) 963-6103
ruben@rmrarchitecture.com
Thank you for the opportunity to present you with our design proposal for 8439 Steller Drive.
It was a pleasure to get some extra time with you while drafting our Block Plan Study. All the insight was invaluable, and we look forward to learning more. It is our understanding that you would like to see a 2.0 version of your current office, and we are under the assumption that you will be taking the full approximately 38,000 square feet vacancy at Steller. We have established that it is a little over 4x your current spaces.
In the proposal you will see the following pages:
- Growth and Evolution
- Version 2.0 Vibe and Function
- Depth of Our Experience
- Who We Are
- Process and Approach
- Professional Fees
We hope it demonstrates that:
- We understand the design vernacular and see a fresh take for 2.0
- You can trust our taste level
- We have the breadth of experience to handle the project
- We have spent a lot of time carefully considering the scope and fees
Kind Regards,
Maria Kennedy, Ruben Ruckman, Juliet Chang
Growth and Evolution
A Vision for 2027: We understand the visual vernacular of the current office, and the design references. We feel the 2.0 version should keep a design thread, but pivot into adjacent aesthetics, so it feels familiar but not redundant. This also allows you to repurpose. We propose taking cues from other prominent projects by the architects that were heavily referenced in V 1.0.
We love these design principles
from your current office:
- High Design Client-Facing Spaces
- Harmony of Soft and Hard Materials Coexisting
- Rich, Warm Color Palette
- Built-in Storage Solutions
- Lighting as Art
- Clean and Neat
- Residential Feel
We'd love to add these
to your new space:
- More Curves and Soft Edges
- Lightness in Feel
- Inject Some Moments of Unexpected Color Pairings
- Interesting Separation of Spaces
- Flexible Spaces
- Variety of Work Space Types for All Employees
- Furniture That Fits Both Aesthetic and Utility
- Select Areas with Hospitality Feel
Our overarching goal will be to maintain a sophisticated visual language, but to keep the function of a space at the forefront.
Depth of Experience
Our team brings decades of combined experience across hospitality, residential, and commercial projects.
Hospitality & Commercial Excellence
We have successfully delivered spaces for leading brands and properties, combining high design with functional excellence.
Residential & Office Design
Our residential and office work showcases our ability to create intimate, personalized spaces with attention to every detail.
Who We Are
A reliable team that leads with creativity, collaboration and expertise
Maria Matis Kennedy
Creative Direction, Interior Design
Maria specializes in high-end residential remodels and furnishing, as well as custom millwork and furniture design, office design, and multifamily remodeling. She brings a thoughtful approach, striving to best analyze clients' needs and wants. Maria holds a BS in International Marketing from USC, Interior Architecture certification from UCLA, and an in-progress MIA from Cal Poly.
Ruben Ruckman, RA
Lead Architect, Creative Collaboration
Ruben brings extensive experience in architecture and design, with a focus on creating spaces that balance form and function. His collaborative approach ensures that every project benefits from thoughtful integration of architectural and interior design elements.
Juliet Chang, AIA
Consulting Architect, Technical Oversight
For Juliet, architecture exists at the intersection of rigorous design and intentional craft. With over 15 years of experience across luxury hospitality, commercial spaces, and custom homes, she brings technical expertise and high-caliber execution. She holds an M.Arch I from UCLA and a BS in Civil Engineering.
Select List of Completed Projects
M. Kennedy, Principal, Matis Creative
M. Kennedy, Principal, Matis Creative
J. Chang, Project Lead, Concept-CA with Montalba Architects
J. Chang, Project Co-lead, DD-CA with Montalba Architects
M. Kennedy, Principal, Matis Creative
M. Kennedy, Principal, Matis Creative
M. Kennedy, Principal, Matis Creative
R. Ruckman, Architect, Concept-CA
M. Kennedy, Principal, Matis Creative
J. Chang, Project Lead, Concept-CA with Montalba Architects
J. Chang, Project Lead, Concept-CA with Montalba Architects
(Seattle, SF, Vancouver, Hollywood, Century City+)
R. Ruckman, Architect, with RAD Furniture
R. Ruckman, Furniture Design, Concept-CA with RAD Furniture
R. Ruckman, with RAD Furniture
J. Chang, Job Captain, SD-CD with Montalba Architects
J. Chang, Project Lead, Interiors with Montalba Architects
R. Ruckman, Designer, Concept-CA with Gehry Partners
Process and Approach
Our projects are built around a high service and high touch experience
Project Startup
± 1-2 weeks
- Due diligence
- Discovery sessions
- Site analysis
Schematic Design
± 6 weeks
- Concept ideation
- Floor plans
- Preliminary materials
- Key 3D views
- Physical model
Design Development
± 6-8 weeks
- Full architectural set for permit
- Consultant coordination
- Material schedules
- Scope notes
- Budget definition
Construction Documents
± 10-12 weeks
- Full architectural set for bidding
- Consultant refinement
- Construction details
- Detailed schedules & specs
Permitting
± TBD
- Submit to local agency
- Department clearances
- Ready to issue documents
Bidding & Construction
± 6-8 months
- Site visits
- Site reports
- Response to RFIs
- Coordination meetings
Substantial Completion
Estimated Q1/Q2 2027 · Target February 2027
Kickoff February 2026
Informed Design
A custom-tailored space starts with identifying key pain points and strategic aspirations. We analyze your team's workflows and cultural objectives to ensure the environment supports both heads-down focus and high-energy collaboration.
Collaborative Leadership
We work together and lead with the client voice in mind. We act as an extension of your leadership team, translating your business goals into a physical environment.
Solution Forward
We aim to minimize hurdles, but inevitably in any project there will be challenges; we bring solutions and a pro-active, can-do attitude in working with both client and builder to collectively move forward toward our end goal.
Inspiration
Most of all, we believe in enjoying the creative process with our clients. We believe that an inspired workspace leads to inspired work. Our goal is to make the journey as rewarding as the final result.
Professional Fees
The following fees show an estimated range based on 38,000sf fully built out at (±)$160-200/sf construction budget with a February 2026 start date and continuing through Q1/Q2 2027. Fees to be adjusted commensurate to final construction budget at completion of SD phase.
Schematic Design Phase
$98,000
Fixed Fee · 6 Weeks Duration
This is the brainstorming session. We will work together to determine the basic layout, circulation and seat count for the space. A basic physical model and 3D model is often used to aid in the design process.
Included: Due Diligence (code research, resource gathering) and Discovery (client stakeholder inquiry and interviews).
Design Development Phase
$500k-$600k
Projected Fee
Documenting the detail design decisions on exterior and interior configurations including enlarged plans, elevations and details.
Construction Documents
Included in Design Development
A complete set of contract documents, coordinated with structural engineering and any other consultants, with which to obtain a permit from the local agency.
Construction Administration
$48,000
Projected Fee · $2,000/week · 24 Week Duration
Responding to any questions, change orders or request for information from the contractor with detailed drawings or other written and verbal responses.
Note: Consultant fees will be separate (MEP, lighting, acoustic) pending completion of SD phase.
Reimbursable Expenses: Not covered in these fees and may include, but are not limited to, printing, shipping, parking, plan check and other building department fees, and other consultants such as kitchen, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, structural, HVAC and energy calculations.
Optional Services: Outside of base scope include coordination of delivery and installation, exterior site work, entitlements, as-built drawings, BOMA calculations, kitchen/bar equipment, value engineering, furniture audit, signage, storage/warehousing, OS&E and artwork, permit expediting, IT/AV design, landscape design, and LEED certification.
This proposal is for planning purposes only. Upon your approval, the Designers will prepare a formal Professional Services Agreement for execution. Work will commence upon mutual execution of the formal agreement and receipt of the initial retainer.
Thank You
Thank you so much for your time. Our team is confident that we understand the design vernacular and see a fresh take for 2.0, that you can trust our taste level, that we have the breadth of experience to handle the project, and that we spent a lot of time carefully considering the scope and fees.
Client references and full CVs available upon request.