KAA Design Group
Crafting Timeless Coastal Elegance with Soul
In the realm of architecture, where creativity meets the raw beauty of nature, KAA Design Group stands as a luminary, transforming coastlines and landscapes into havens of luxury and serenity. Based in Los Angeles, this award-winning firm, founded 36 years ago in 1988 by Grant C. Kirkpatrick, FAIA, has built a legacy of custom residential designs that blend Southern California’s laid-back lifestyle with a distinctly modern attitude. With a team of over 35 multidisciplinary designers and a collaborative ethos that marries architecture with landscape design, KAA Design Group has not only shaped homes but also redefined how we experience the spaces where land meets sea.
A Philosophy Rooted in Connection
KAA Design Group’s journey began with a simple yet profound belief: design has the power to elevate the human spirit. This guiding principle, championed by Kirkpatrick—a third-generation Californian raised in Palos Verdes—and partners Duan H. M. Tran, AIA, and Patti Baker, has steered the firm through three decades of innovation. The firm’s mantra, “Our walls are windows,” reflects their commitment to seamless indoor-outdoor living, a hallmark of their work that deepens a homeowner’s connection to nature. This philosophy isn’t just rhetoric—it’s evident in every project, where expansive glass, strategic openings, and flowing spaces invite the outside in, creating a dialogue between built environments and their natural surroundings.
Their design process is intensely collaborative, tailored to each client’s vision and lifestyle while responding to the unique characteristics of the site. This site-responsive approach, combined with an integrated architecture and landscape expertise, sets KAA apart. They use high-end visualization tools—3D modeling, photorealistic renderings, video animations, and virtual reality—to bring designs to life, ensuring every detail aligns with the client’s dreams. “We insist on authenticity and honesty in our work,” Kirkpatrick has said, a sentiment that resonates in their use of natural materials and structural elements that celebrate texture and form.
Masterpieces of Modern Living
KAA Design Group’s portfolio is a testament to their mastery, with projects that read as much like sculptures as they do homes. One standout is a Malibu retreat featured in Architectural Digest, where planar compositions and material expressions create a minimalist yet dynamic residence. The home’s glass walls frame the Pacific Ocean, while native landscaping weaves into the design, embodying KAA’s philosophy of harmony. This project, like many others, showcases their ability to balance right angles with sinuous curves, drawing the eye through the space to evoke both restfulness and energy.
Another celebrated work is a Santa Monica Beach Club renovation, where KAA transformed a historic site into a contemporary oasis. The firm’s landscape arm played a pivotal role, integrating drought-tolerant plants and open courtyards that enhance the coastal vibe. This project, completed with input from high-profile clients like Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, and Matt Damon, highlights their appeal to discerning patrons who value both luxury and environmental sensitivity.
Internationally, KAA’s reach extends to Aspen, Las Vegas, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Dubai, and beyond, advancing the California lifestyle on a global stage. Their California Contemporary monograph, published to acclaim, captures this evolution, featuring homes that marry clean lines with organic textures. A recent project in the Bahamas, still under wraps, promises to blend tropical modernism with sustainable practices, hinting at KAA’s forward-thinking approach.
Sustainability as a Signature
In an era where sustainability is paramount, KAA Design Group leads with purpose. Their work often incorporates eco-friendly solutions, from solar panels and rainwater harvesting to native plantings that reduce water use. The firm’s internal boutique studio, Evens Architects, driven by classical traditions, adds a layer of historical depth, ensuring that modern innovation respects the past. This dual focus has earned them numerous AIA awards and recognition from outlets like House Beautiful, Coastal Living, and The Robb Report.
One of their most ambitious undertakings is a net-zero energy community in development, where every home is designed to minimize its environmental footprint. “It’s our duty to foster awareness of design’s value,” Kirkpatrick notes, reflecting a commitment that goes beyond aesthetics to impact the planet. This ethos aligns with the growing demand among luxury clients for homes that are both stunning and responsible.
A Legacy of Influence and Education
KAA Design Group’s influence extends beyond their buildings. With a history of working with luminaries like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the Pritzker Family, the firm has shaped the lifestyles of the elite while mentoring the next generation. Kirkpatrick’s community involvement—serving on the Bel-Air Architecture Review Board and as a planning commissioner for Manhattan Beach—underscores his dedication to design’s broader impact.
This educational spirit connects directly to their collaboration with platforms like Luxury Coastal Design. The Mastering Luxury Coastal Design course, an NCIDQ-certified program, draws on KAA’s real-world expertise, offering 12–16 weeks of video lectures, interactive tools, and a certification that opens doors in the industry. Paired with the Coastal Mastery PDF, which showcases insights and visuals inspired by firms like KAA, this educational suite empowers design students, aspiring architects, and DIY enthusiasts to master coastal design. “We want to share the craft,” says Tran, inviting learners to explore these resources at [YourWebsiteURL].
Overcoming Challenges with Creativity
Designing along coastlines is fraught with challenges—salt corrosion, seismic risks, and strict regulations test even the best architects. KAA has met these head-on, as seen in a Los Angeles County Museum of Art project where they adapted to urban constraints while preserving coastal influences. Their use of advanced technology, like BIM (Building Information Modeling), ensures precision, while their collaborative process with clients fosters solutions tailored to each site’s needs.
The firm’s resilience shines in projects like a Hugo Boss store renovation, where they balanced commercial demands with aesthetic integrity. These triumphs, coupled with their extensive publication in over 30 design magazines, cement KAA’s status as a leader. Yet, their focus remains client-centric, with Kirkpatrick noting, “It’s about elevating daily life from the mundane to the sublime.”
A Future of Endless Possibilities
Looking ahead, KAA Design Group is poised to expand its global footprint, with plans for a historic seaside estate restoration and further international commissions. Their work continues to evolve, blending classical and contemporary elements to meet the needs of a changing world. As Kirkpatrick’s entrepreneurial spirit—evident in his Design Within Reach furniture line and prefab home designs—drives new ventures, the firm remains a hub of creativity and innovation.
For those inspired by KAA’s artistry, the Mastering Luxury Coastal Design course and Coastal Mastery PDF offer a chance to learn from their expertise. Whether you’re sketching your first coastal plan or renovating a seaside retreat, KAA’s legacy invites you to join the conversation. In a world where the coast is both a privilege and a challenge, KAA Design Group proves that design can be a bridge between human aspiration and nature’s beauty.
