Elevated Living, Beautifully Reimagined
We’re Justin Ceeko and Michael Killian — the couple behind CK Renovation Studio (also known as ck atelier de rénovation). More than just a design and renovation firm, we’re storytellers, travelers, creatives, and life partners with a passion for crafting spaces that honor your past and make room for your future.
Our journey together began in 2008 with a spark — the kind that leads to a lifetime. Within a month, we were traveling together across the world. From Amsterdam to Morocco, Montreal to Tokyo, we've gathered inspiration from over 40 countries — blending design, culture, food, and soul into our creative philosophy. But some of our most transformational experiences weren’t abroad — they were right at home, with a hammer in hand and a dream in our hearts.
From First Renovation to Lifelong Passion
Michael’s journey took him from Missouri to Virginia, Dallas, Los Angeles, Florida, and even London — weaving through a career in finance and publishing before taking a sabbatical in Big Bear Lake, CA. It was there, in a rustic cabin nestled in the woods, that his love for transformation truly emerged. Years later in San Antonio, that passion evolved into reality with a bold renovation of a 1930s Art Deco home — featured in the San Antonio Express-News.
Meanwhile, Justin was building a reputation of his own — from years with the Cheesecake Factory as a trainer and server, to becoming a licensed Texas realtor. It was in San Antonio that our lives — and our styles — came together. We renovated our first home as a couple, learning how to blend seemingly opposite aesthetics into a harmonious whole. That’s when we discovered something powerful: it’s not just about choosing the right tile or light fixture — it’s about deeply understanding how people live, love, and want to feel in their space.
Home Is Where Our Story (and Yours) Begins
In 2015, on a serendipitous anniversary trip to Palm Springs, we stumbled into the Coachella Valley — and instantly knew this would be our next chapter. We co-founded the Midtown Neighborhood, renovated our townhome (and the surrounding community), and brought our signature blend of style, soul, and structure to the desert.
Justin earned his Bachelor’s degree and now thrives as a licensed California realtor with The Agency. Michael continued to lead teams in the tech world, including global roles that took him to Montreal every month for nearly a decade — soaking in design, architecture, and culture with every visit. Together, we’ve continued to flip homes, consult on design projects, and host gatherings around our table. (Yes — we’re foodies. And yes — we really got married on Top Chef, with Padma Lakshmi officiating!)
Why We Do What We Do
We believe that great design starts with you — your story, your vision, and the emotions you want to feel in your home. Our studio was born from the belief that renovation should be joyful, meaningful, and deeply personal.
We specialize in:
- Curated renovations that elevate everyday living
- Sophisticated design that blends form, function, and feeling
- Thoughtful touches inspired by global travel and modern luxury
- A boutique, couple-led process that’s as human as it is high-end
Whether you're refreshing a single space or reimagining your entire home, we’re here to co-create something beautiful — with intention, clarity, and a little bit of magic.
Welcome to CK Renovation Studio.
Let’s design your next chapter together.
