Keith Kirley, AIA
Managing and Founding Partner

Keith is a third-generation licensed architect, whose distinctive style is palpably rooted in tradition, and reflects his idyllic New England upbringing.

With a Masters in Classical Architecture from The University of Notre Dame and undergraduate degree from Brown University, Keith ventured to Northern California to bring his unparalleled eye for detail, impressive industry knowledge and classical training to a new market. Following in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, Keith is a visionary in the industry–creating beauty and order amidst the often labyrinthine processes of building.

The work of his firm, Kirley Architects, spans disciplines. While they primarily craft single family homes, they are also experienced in commercial architecture. Their work can be seen in locations such as the Instagram Campus Urban Remedy, and the beloved San Francisco eatery, Noosh. Each is expertly tailored to the unique specifications inherent to the project. He and his associates are steadfast in their dedication to time-tested styles and remain prominent figures in the revival of classical and traditional architecture.

When he is away from the office, Keith serves on the Mayacama Golf Club design review committee in the role of Design Review Architect, and is a nominated member of the Kentfield Planning and Advisory Board in Marin County. He is active in the AIA San Francisco Chapter, and served on the Architectural Licensure Committee. Keith is an Architectural Registration Examination Mentor and Coach, where he inspires younger generations of future architects pursuing licensure. On a personal level, he is most at home skiing on the slopes in Tahoe, playing ice hockey, or fly fishing on California’s iconic rivers. He resides in Kentfield with his wife, dog and two young children.

Philosophy

We at Kirley Architects consider ourselves, fundamentally, as artists. At the heart of our process is hand-rendering in watercolor–we refine our work through the creation of imagery that evokes, stirs the senses, and inspires. Our vision is comprehensive, and we find it is best realized when we can be involved from a project's inception. We have cultivated our ability to forecast, troubleshoot, and shepherd each project toward a successful outcome.


We are intellectually curious and forever students of our craft — persistently educating ourselves and our clients. While our primary focus is architecture, we implicitly understand the importance of the relationship between our team, client, and contractor. Kirley Architects has had the distinct pleasure of working with countless Contractors, Engineers, Designers and vendors, and brings this valuable expertise to the table when qualifying key partners for your project. We are well-equipped to guide you through the many stages of design and construction, fostering an environment of respect, accountability and quality of service.