After completing a degree in architecture at the University of California, Berkeley in 2006, KA’s founder, Kirby Lee, began her career at Backen & Gillam under the tutelage of renowned architect Howard Backen.  Along her path to becoming one of the firm’s principals, Kirby developed a specific interest in vernacular architecture, a style that reflects the local materials and traditions of a region to craft designs that exist in harmony with their natural surroundings.

A Bay Area native and daughter of an accomplished structural engineer, Kirby’s architectural style pays homage to both the creative and the functional aspects of the design process.  Above all, her projects are known for being both visually appealing and practically suited to the client’s needs, delivering spaces that are as livable as they are beautiful.

Kirby’s innovative spirit and willingness to go beyond conventional solutions are at the core of KA’s approach.  Shepherding each project from conception through construction, her ability to cultivate genuine relationships with her clients fosters a transparency that is paramount to KA’s collaborative experience.

Transcending fleeting trends and bringing fresh perspectives to the architectural landscape, without sacrificing the elegance and sophistication that stand the test of time, ensures that each KA design delivers lasting value and enduring appeal.  This commitment is evident in the firm’s diverse portfolio which spans a variety of unique geographies, having completed projects throughout the Bay Area, Montecito, Los Angeles, The Bahamas, British Columbia, Idaho, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Mexico.