Lev Kekushev was born on February 19, 1862, and is considered the founder of Moscow architectural modernism. He chose the image of a lion as his emblem, emphasizing his status among architects, much like the lion is the king of beasts. Kekushev was born into a large family of the nobleman Nikolai Grigorievich Kekushev, likely in Vilno in the territory of the Kingdom of Poland. However, in documents and autobiographies, he stated that he was born in 1863 in the Simbirsk province.

After graduating from the Vilno Real School in 1883, Kekushev entered the Institute of Civil Engineers in St. Petersburg, where he showed talent in painting.

The exact reasons for his move to Moscow are unknown, but it was likely related to the difficulties of obtaining large orders as a young engineer in the capital.

In Moscow, he became an assistant to the famous architect Eibusha on the construction of the Central Baths and the Khlyudov's apartment house on Teatralny Proezd. During four years of work from 1890 to 1893, Kekushev mastered many applied technologies, such as forging, galvanoplasty, and etching of metals and glass. His work on the interiors of wealthy mansions brought him fame among Moscow merchants, who became his first clients.

In 1893, Kekushev founded his own architectural firm and began working independently.

One of the first examples of Moscow modernism was his own mansion on Glazovsky Lane, built in 1898-1899. In 1900, Kekushev sold it to O. A. List, who was so impressed with the mansion that he offered a price the architect could not refuse.

The new style quickly gained popularity among Moscow developers, making Kekushev a sought-after architect and successful entrepreneur.