Kirby Lee founded KA after beginning her career at Backen & Gillam Architects, where she was mentored by Howard Backen and went on to become a principal. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, she developed a deep appreciation for vernacular architecture rooted in local materials, craftsmanship, and a strong connection to the landscape.

A Bay Area native and the daughter of a structural engineer, Kirby’s early exposure to both the art and discipline of building continues to shape her work today.

Kirby believes architecture is at its best when it is inseparable from its setting. Every project begins with a careful understanding of the site, its context, and the people who will inhabit it. Her work is guided by refined proportions, carefully considered materials, and an enduring sense of place, creating architecture that feels timeless and sits quietly in its surroundings.

From the earliest concepts through construction, KA collaborates closely with clients, consultants, and builders throughout the process. This hands-on approach ensures each project evolves while remaining true to its original vision.

KA’s portfolio includes custom residences throughout the Bay Area, Montecito, Los Angeles, British Columbia, Idaho, Dallas–Fort Worth, Mexico, and The Bahamas, as well as select hospitality projects. Across the practice, the goal remains the same: architecture that belongs to its landscape and endures for generations.