Designer strives for connection and possibilities in kitchen design
A thought and design leader in the field of kitchen and bath design, Matthew Rao, CKD promotes a deeply held belief that the kitchen is a nexus for creating meaning and connection. Rao, owner and principal of RAO Design Studio in Atlanta, GA, has garnered a devoted local and national community of clients, staff and artisans who support and admire his work.
Educated at the Georgia Tech College of Architecture as an industrial designer, Rao has impacted the course of design not just in kitchens but in architecture and lifestyle. His design legacy is fueled by architecture, artistic, social and ecocentric passions for farm to school food initiatives, kitchens for low-income housing, urban design and cities, art, cooking, photography, travel and downhill skiing.
The award-winning and multi-published designer has been associated with the SieMatic brand since 1990, and worked for the manufacturer at its ADAC showroom in Atlanta until 2002. The subsequent, year-long break led to a rethinking of his career path, and resulted in the launch of RAO Design Studio in 2003.
From the very beginning, the vision for the business has been that it be a place where a small group of clients can find creativity, function, expert advice and service with regard to kitchen design. Striving to be in tune with the lives of his clients, Rao’s mission is to fill the gap between “what is” and “what could be” with his design and the projects he undertakes.
