From the age of 16 however, after helping a family friend restore an 18th century farmhouse, he has pursued the study of period buildings and styles without a break. Taking courses and seminars relating to various aspects of restoration, buying and restoring houses, amassing a significant reference library, and traveling to England and Holland to study the roots of our architectural traditions, Mr. Kelley pursued his avocation with fervor.  In 1988 he began restoration projects on a full-time basis.

Aside from his construction projects and consulting, Mr. Kelley has appeared on HGTV, Old Homes Restored, and has presented papers at the restoration forums at Eastfield Village, School of Historic Preservation, Traditional Building Conferences in Washington DC and Boston and at numerous historical societies.

In 2003, Mr. Kelley began a consultant and contractor relationship with the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. These included numerous projects and were completed in 2008.