KAA Design is an award-winning residential design firm based in Los Angeles. Founded by Grant C. Kirkpatrick, FAIA (@grantkirkpatrick ) and joined by partner Duan H.M. Tran, AIA (@duan.h.m.tran ), the firm is comprised of experienced architects and landscape architects that specialize in design-forward bespoke endeavors.
For the last 35 years, the firm’s work has been the result of an intimate and highly collaborative design process alongside each discerning client. With an integrated architecture and landscape architecture expertise, the firm’s design philosophy is founded on the importance of marrying each client’s program and lifestyle with the unique characteristics offered by the site. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
KAA Design has been recognized with numerous AIA awards in the categories of design. In addition to the firm’s latest monograph “Residing with Nature”, it has also been extensively published in @ArchitecturalDigest , @Interiors_magazine , @LuxeMagazine , @OceanHomeMag , @HouseBeautiful , @CoastalLiving , @SunsetMag , @NYTimes , @LATimes , and @RobbReport , among others. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
The firm’s work now expands beyond the borders of Southern California, with new commissions in Aspen, Las Vegas, Washington DC, Hawaii, Costa Rica, the Bahamas, and Dubai.
With that being said, KAA Design remains proud of its Southern California roots, along with it’s continued mission to further advance the best aspects of the California lifestyle through contemporary design.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Tell us about yourself in the comments!
📸: @manololangis
We are thrilled to announce the release of “Residing with Nature: The Houses of KAA Design”.
Our newest monograph spans the spectrum of ten projects that marry each client’s lifestyle with the unique characteristics offered by the natural site.
This endeavor would not have been possible without the belief, dedication, and support of so many.
To our adventurous clients…your unwavering trust in us and the chance to dream alongside you have been humbling. None of this would have been possible without your belief and support.
To our esteemed collaborators, thank you to all the builders, interior designers, and extended project team members that have contributed to each of our endeavors with boundless imagination, unwavering dedication, and exceptional craftsmanship.
To our incredible KAA Design team, we extend our deepest gratitude for the enthusiasm, dedication, and passion each and every team member, past and present, has brought to our work.
And to Charles Miers and Ellen Cohen and our amazing team at Rizzoli, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering belief in our work.
Official release on March 19th. Preorder available now at Rizzoli.
#announcement #news #book #monograph #rizzoli #thankyou #architect #architecture #landscape #landscapearchitecture #design #interiordesign #interiordesigner #photography #architecturalphotography #architecturalvisualization #homes #house #residence #art #california #site #nature #naturelovers #residing #indooroutdoorliving #indooroutdoor #interview #writer
Nestled in the forests of Karuizawa, Japan, the Shinrin-Yoku House (“Forest Bathing House”) is a private home inspired by nature as muse, blurring the lines between architecture and landscape.
Rooted in both Japanese and California traditions, the home embodies crafted simplicity, where every material and junction is quietly precise.
Visit our website to learn more about this unique home where cultural memory and personal meaning are not just an experience, but a way of living.
Architecture: @_kaa_design
Landscape: @_kaa_design
Interiors: @juriamaki
#architecture #landscapearchitecture #design #art #japan
Set within a verdant Los Angeles neighborhood, the Tortuoso Way residence blends modern clarity with a warm material palette to create a home rooted in comfort, light, and landscape.
Thoughtful spatial planning balances open gathering zones with intimate retreats, enabling both everyday living and gracious entertaining. Carefully composed transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces unify the design, resulting in a serene yet dynamic residence that celebrates light, landscape, and contemporary living.
Architecture: @_kaa_design
Landscape: @_kaa_design
Interiors: @noasantos
Builder: @touchstonehomes.co
Visualization: @shimaharavisual
A contemporary expression layered gently onto the Strand in California.
Warm wood soffits and finely detailed louvers filter light and privacy, while expanses of glass dissolve the boundary between interior and horizon. Floating above a grounded base of stone and steel, the upper volume is both sheltering and open.
Published 2025: @oceanhomemag
Architecture: @_kaa_design
Interiors: @alanahomesley
Builder: @hanoverbuilders
📸: @rogerdaviesphotography
#architecture #contemporary #modern #published #cool
Grateful to our friends at Ocean Home Magazine and Nancy Ruhling for sharing the special story behind the re-imagination of our client’s legacy home in Carpenteria, California, in this month’s issue.
This project would not have been possible without the trust of an amazing client, and the dedication and commitment of so many great collaborators.
Published: 2026 @oceanhomemag
Editor: Nancy Ruhling
Architecture: @_kaa_design
Interiors: @bonesteeltrouthall
Bullder: @giffinandcrane
📸: @manololangis
#architecture #landscape #interiordesign #design #published
A heartfelt thank you to our friends at Luxe Magazine and Jill Cohen for sharing our special hillside home within this month’s issue.
This project would not have been possible without the trust of an amazing client, and the dedication and commitment of so many great collaborators.
Published: 2026 @luxemagazine
Editor: @theturquoisepen
Architecture: @_kaa_design
Landscape: @gardenstudiodesign
Interiors: @changoandco
Builder: @sun_development_
Executive Architect: @lmdarchitecturestudio
📸: @timlenzphoto
#architecture #landscape #interiordesign #design #published
WestEdge Design Fair returns to Santa Monica for its 10th anniversary edition - November 20-22nd!
We hope you can join us for a wonderful week of panel talks with several of KAA Design’s leadership at the following events.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Grant Kirkpatrick:
1030-1130a
Planting Roots: Future Proof Your Design Business
Michael McGowan:
12:00-1:00p
Inspired by Nature: Exterior Spaces Built to Last
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Todd Paolillo:
Designing for Disaster: Smart Architecture for a Resilient Southern California
#westedge2025 #paneltalk #architecture #landscape #landscapearchitecture #design #event #talk #education #inspiration #leadership #leaders #convoxbydesign
We are excited to announce that we have been named one of Ocean Home’s Top Coastal Architects!
Thank you to @oceanhomemag for this tremendous privilege and honor, we are proud to be included.
#architecture #landscape #california #honor #coastalarchitecture #coastalmodern #coastalhome #coastalliving #coastal #thankyou #honor #published #cool #design #california #ocean
We are proud to be named to Forbes’ Best-in-State Residential Architects.
This recognition is a testament to our incredible team, and to our clients that entrust us with creating meaningful site driven architecture and landscape endeavors.
A heartfelt thank you to Forbes and all that have supported us throughout the years.
#forbes #california #award #architecture #landscapearchitecture #design #modern #contemporary #team #excellence #thankyou #residential #clients
It is wonderful to immerse ourselves and consider what it means to translate modern Californian design sensibilities to a context and culture different than your own.
Our journey begins with the vision of this natural site as a forest retreat, where architecture and garden will weave together to create a sanctuary of renewal.
Inspired by the practice of forest bathing, the design will offer spaces to reset mood and spirit — immersed in shifting light, rustling leaves, and the subtle fragrance of the earth. 🌳 🌏
Architecture: @_kaa_design
Landscape: @_kaa_design
Interiors: @juriamaki
#ontheboards #architecture #landscape #landscapearchitecture #design #japan #karuizawa #california #sanctuary #retreat #home #woods #forest #art #sculpture #nature #contemporary #modern #lifestyle #beauty #view #indooroutdoorliving #garden #planting #tree #culture #unique #process #green #forest #forestbathing
We are so grateful to our 2025 Presenting Sponsor, KAA Design Group! Thank you for taking the lead in making Powerful XII possible and for supporting the advancement of women in architecture and design. More information about Powerful XII can be found through the link in our bio.
#WIA #WIALA #AIA #AIALA #KAA #kaadesign #powerfulXII #sponsorship
