Banyan Architects

Kirk is a talented architect and gifted artist. I had the pleasure of collaborating with him on a large residential project over several years, with spectacular results. Highly recommended if you are looking for an architect with an eye for detail. Rob Jenneve Synergy Lighting Design

Kirk is a master of the complexities of taking a project from just an idea through the planning process to approval. His ability to forsee issues and overcome problems is an amazing value add to a project! I was able to build a (4) residence building on a R-3 zoned property in Santa Barbara utilizing the AUD program. Kirk's guidance was essential while navigating this process and keep the project on track. He has a incredible architectural style and was able to adapt the project to multiple changes seamlessly.

We did a major remodel on our home following the Jesusita Wildfire. Kirk did an excellent job helping with design and material selection for our project. We highly recommend him.

Banyan Architects should be on the top of anyone’s list if considering hiring an architectural firm. Kirk Gradin, principal architect for the company, is a true professional. I have witnessed his thorough communication with all parties involved and completion of projects are timely and within budget. More inspiring to me is Kirk’s passion for what he creates. Numerous hours of research, whether through travel or his extensive book collection, allow him to totally immerse himself in the design process. The results are evident with the attention to detail at every turn. Banyan Architects work collaboratively with the client, tradespeople and vendors. There is a gentleness in their approach of working together and with this kindness and respect to each other’s contributions, each finished project is exceptional.

Our house delighted my husband and me when it was finished in 2003 and continues to until this day. This is due to primarily to the clever design aspects of our architect, Kirk Gradin. The house is equally attractive on the inside and the outside. With curved walls and varied ceiling heights it makes all spaces very interesting. Everyone who comes in comments on what a lovely place it is. I'm sure anyone would be pleased to work with this talented architect.

I am a landscape architect in Santa Barbara (Arcadia Studio), and have had the opportunity to work with Kirk on a variety of projects over the last 20 years. He is versatile in a variety of styles and his work always expresses quality and original thinking. Our work together has been diverse, from a small downtown plaza space to challenging Mediterranean style homes on hillside lots--all beautifully done.

Kirk was my architect and part of a team with Dennis Allen & Assoc. and me in designing and building a custom, "green", craftsman-style home. From the moment he saw the property he was filled with ideas and thoughts about opportunities and challenges in building on a hillside lot. He was a pleasure to work with and the beauty of my home stands as a testament to his design skill.

Kirk Gradin of Banyan Architects has a clear eye for graceful, clean lines. He's skilled at finding creative ways to make even small or complicated spaces workable. He also visions grand, spacious homes and commercial buildings of beauty and refinement. His artistry of design is matched by his understanding of structural integrity. Our contractor was continually delighted by Kirk's foresight and precise, consistently correct detailing of our complex roof design, for example. Besides holding a high architectural standard himself, Kirk listened carefully to all of our many design ideas and requests, finding ways to incorporate them into the blueprints. He was also open to our changes along the way. The tougher the design challenges we threw at Kirk, the more creative his solutions! We couldn't be more pleased with an architect for our home than Banyan Architects. Kirk's ground-up design of our new house happened several years after his remodel design in industrial space for my two-story, 6,000 square foot yoga dance studio. This versatility is the mark of a talented professional.

Kirk was a pleasure to work with he is very professional he also listened to my ideas and explained his very clearly. Kirk has worked on at least three of my remodels at three separate locations. I would highly recommend him and will look forward to working w him again on my next project.

We had a long, happy relationship with Kirk over the course of a number of years as he designed a lovely, large home for my wife and me on Camino Viejo (Montecito / Santa Barbara) as well as three homes in a project on the Riviera, between Grand Avenue & Prospect. Both sites were on fairly steep hillsides, requiring extensive planning for soil-related matters and retaining walls. In both instances, there also were Design Review and Planning Commission issues and community hearings. From the creative process, in working with us to develop our visions . . . through completion of administrative requirements in the permitting process . . . to developing bid specs and coordinating the contractor selection process . . . and project supervision . . . Kirk and his staff were unfailingly sensitive to budgets and responsive and timely in all that they did to help us.

Capitol Hardware provided Kirk with Sun Valley Bronze hardware on a project requiring historic style hardware, for both wood and metal doors and windows. Exceptional and thorough attention to detail, scale, and also to respecting the client's budget. Successful project and a happy client! This home is a showcase.

It is a great pleasure working with Banyan Architects. They are very talented, professional, and responsive. I highly recommend them!