We are a high-end, custom residential architecture practice located in the coastal town of Santa Barbara.
Kas Architect is a high-end, custom residential architecture practice located in the coastal town of Santa Barbara. Kermit A. Seefeld III, a.k.a. Kas is the founder and principal architect.
Kas brings over 20 years of experience in the field, a decade of which was spent contributing to the portfolios of two award-winning firms, Walker Warner Architects in San Francisco, and NMA Architects in Carpinteria. Kas has played a successful role as a team leader on luxury residential, estate, and recreation club projects. He brings a clear understanding of the design and construction process to the practice, is driven by details, and believes that one of the most important jobs is listening.
Our firm practices site responsive design and looks to nature to influence our process. Seeing our clients as lifetime friends, we enjoy fostering that relationship and feel that well-appointed design solutions can outlive their inhabitants. We consider this our goal on all projects.
Being a native of Santa Barbara allows Kas to continue to foster relationships with leading landscape architects, engineers, interior designers, and general contractors in the community.
In addition to his practice, Kas volunteers for BEEP (built environment education program) at local elementary schools and is a board member of The Friendship Paddle.
Architecture should be enduring and timeless
MY LIFE
Kas is a nickname, and also my acronym. My real name is Kermit - the third in my family. I was born and raised in Santa Barbara. I moved to Oregon to attend college, and while there I fought wildland fires, raced my mountain bike and became a fan of Duck Football. Afterwards, I moved to San Francisco, where I lived for just shy of a decade. While there I became fond of the rugged coastline, the fog, the food, and the lively culture of city life. Apart from exploring, I also spent my years in the city working for an architecture firm that specialized in high-end residential projects. One day, while visiting family in Santa Barbara, I met a special lady named Julie and we fell in love. I returned to paradise, where I have enjoyed re-discovering my roots, as well as applying my unique understanding of the local vernacular to my practice as an architect. Ultimately my favorite memory is the births of my sons.
MY INSPIRATION
My path has been inspired by both of my grandfathers. My grandpa Kermit was the head of the Industrial Arts Department at University of California at Santa Barbara; my other grandfather was a talented craftsman who enjoyed creating beautiful, functional furniture. I like to think my craft combines a bit of both of their skill sets. Today, I find travel to be the most powerful source of inspiration; whether it is a trip to the Big Sur coast, Buenos Aires, or Istanbul.
CREDENTIALS
Architect, State of California - License No. C34517
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional, LEED AP
EDUCATION
2002 - Bachelor of Architecture, University of Oregon School of Architecture
2000 - Minor in Business Administration, Rome Summer Academy