Kenneth Ussenko Design Brief

Kenneth Ussenko is the principal and lead designer of Kenneth Ussenko Design, an international interior design & restaurant design company specializing in hospitality, commercial, and residential projects. His designs capture the classical essence, patina, and craftsmanship of a bygone era, juxtaposed with contemporary glamour.

Originally formed as a production design company focused on the film industry, Ussenko quickly expanded into industrial design, branding and packaging, before focusing on conceptual design for architectural environments.

Ussenko’s film industry background and his passion for storytelling informs a constant principle in all of his designs: every design decision – every wall, every chair, every doorway – has a story.

From mansions for Qatar royalty, to luxury resorts in Belize, to some of Southern California’s hottest restaurants, Kenneth Ussenko and his team has a reputation for beautiful, high-quality hospitality interior designs that bring his client’s stories to life.

Constructing the complete experience for any environment is a passion of mine. Texture, color, light and emotion are the essential ingredients to any design project and with these elements you can orchestrate an atmosphere full of beauty and style to enhance all your senses.

“I usually work with an open brief, although the lead might come from the client in terms of what the objectives are for each environment and how they want to experience their commercial or residential space. Balancing imagination and analysis is an important process of every design project I take on. The journey of developing and selecting the right design identity for each project requires a series of design studies starting from sketch reviews to 3D modeling. The combination of calculated design exercises over the years and regular production projects has enabled my team and I to fine-tune our approach and execution.”

Notable Projects:

Kenneth Ussenko Designs’ are a harmonious blend of the old and the new, combining the timeless elegance of the past with the modern glamour of the present. He has a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and history, which is evident in his work. His designs are not just about creating beautiful spaces; they are about creating atmospheres that stimulate all the senses.

He approaches each project with an open mind, balancing creativity with careful analysis. He believes that the key to a successful design lies in the details - the texture, the color, the light, and the emotion. His goal is to create spaces that are more than just places to eat; they are places where style and fashion come alive, where elegance and raw materials coexist, and where guests can immerse themselves in the gastronomic cultures he creates.

  • El Cortez Casino: Located in Las Vegas, Nevada

  • Gun Lake Casino: Located in Wayland, Michigan

  • Morongo Casino Resort & Spa: Located in Cabazon, California, this 17,000-square meter project was shortlisted for the Lobby/Public Areas – Global Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2021.

    The resort features five top-rated restaurants, a stunning swimming pool with private cabanas, a world-class spa, popular nightclub, legendary live entertainment, and, nearby, the 36-hole championship Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon.

  • MOZEN Asian Kitchen: This multicultural Asian kitchen was shortlisted for the Restaurant Within A Hotel – Global Award in The International Hotel and Property Awards 2020.

    MOZEN Asian Kitchen is a multicultural Asian kitchen through the view of a modern American Chinatown. The concept is modern, incorporating both a daytime food order counter and an evening sit down dining experience.

  • The Drum Room: Located in Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, the Drum Room is a stunner for its views alone. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the nearby San Gorgonio and San Jacinto mountains and the valley beyond.

    But the views inside this new VIP lounge and private-event space are equally seductive. The glamorous bar with its beautiful drums, rich wood, buttery leather, beautiful lighting — the whole effect leaves you feeling enthralled.

  • The Huntsman Retail Bar: This project is located in both California and Kiev, Ukraine.

  • The Farmhouse: This project is located at Roger’s Gardens, Corona del Mar, CA.

  • Kanantik Clubhouse: This project is located in Kanantik, Belize.

  • Monarch Bay Residence: This project is located in Monarch Bay, California.

  • The District by Hannah An: This project is located in Los Angeles, California. The District by Hannah An is a unique and unlike any Vietnamese restaurant in the U.S. Upon entering, guests are awestruck from the street by the Hoi An room, where Edison lights emit a welcoming glow reminiscent of the bustling "Lantern Town.".

  • Gelato Paradiso: This project is located in La Jolla, California.

  • Main Marketplace: This project is located in North Dallas, Texas.

  • WIC Space: This project is located in Irvine, California.

  • Origins: This project is located in Dallas, Texas.

  • Bullitt Production Office: This project is located in Los Angeles, California.