Mike Kelly
What’s your role at Aesthetic Shift, and what do you focus on day-to-day?
As Co-Founder and Director of Client Relationships, my day-to-day focus is on building and nurturing the partnerships that power our growth. I spend much of my time connecting with our existing clients and wider network to maintain momentum, explore new opportunities, and onboard forward-thinking businesses into the studio. I also play a key role in shaping our business development strategy, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve while communicating the unique value our team brings to every project.
How did you get into architecture, design, or your current field?
I’ve always been drawn to how things come together — not just physically, but conceptually. With a natural interest in design and the built environment, studying architecture at university felt like an obvious path. But after working in traditional practice, I realised my passion extended beyond the drawing board. I’m energised by people, conversations, and the bigger picture. That led me to carve out a role that combines architectural understanding with entrepreneurial drive — building businesses, guiding clients, and shaping the environments we live and work in.
What’s been your journey so far?
My journey began in architecture school and quickly evolved. I co-founded GRK Architecture, then successfully launched a student safety app through crowdfunding, giving me a strong grounding in business. Over time, I saw a clear gap in the market for a different kind of design partnership — one that helps young developers confidently grow their portfolios.
That vision led to the co-founding of Aesthetic Shift, where strategy, creativity, and opportunity meet.
What excites you most about working at Aesthetic Shift?The people. The pace. The potential. We’re a team-first company, and that shows in everything we do — from our internal culture to the way we partner with clients. There’s something incredibly powerful about creating in an environment that values energy, autonomy, and ambition. We’re not just here to deliver drawings; we’re here to shape futures, challenge norms, and help the next generation thrive in the built environment. That’s what excites me — and that’s why growth here feels effortless.
Describe your working style or mindset in three words… Fast, positive, and results-driven.
“Fast” because I believe that, when done well, momentum is magic. Perfection has its place, but progress is what moves things forward — and I always aim to deliver impact without delay.
What’s one project or career moment you’re especially proud of?
Building and semi-automating my first business gave me the freedom to create Aesthetic Shift with intention. It’s something I’m proud of because it proves how applying entrepreneurial thinking to real-world design can unlock serious value — for teams, for clients, and for the wider industry.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing instead?
Probably setting up another business. I’m naturally restless — creatively, commercially, and metaphorically — and I love creating momentum from a blank slate.