--- title: "Prater Architects, Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/prater-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~310862234 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~310862234.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Prater Architects, Inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/fe83fcec014ba2d4_0860-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "5151 Shoreham Place, Suite 280, San Diego, California 92122, United States" latitude: 32.8577 longitude: -117.2115 phone: "(858) 453-5611" website: http://www.praterarch.com rating: 5 review_count: 9 followers: 68 last_updated: 2026-09-08 --- # Prater Architects, Inc. Original Houzz profile: [Prater Architects, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/prater-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~310862234) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** San Diego, CA - **Serves:** San Diego, University City, National City, Poway, Point Loma San Diego, La Jolla, Ocean Beach San Diego, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Fairbanks Ranch, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar Heights San Diego, Hill Crest San Diego, Logan Heights San Diego, Mission Hills San Diego, Mission Valley San Diego, Tierrasanta San Diego - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (9 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Prater Architects, Inc. was established in 1990 and offers a full range of architectural services to the private and corporate community. We are well versed in the design of a variety of building types, with particular expertise in the specialty of residential design. In addition to architectural design services, we provide construction consulting and forensic litigation support to building owners, community associations, property managers and attorneys. We are committed to providing very personalized and responsive service. Regardless of the project type, size or complexity, Prater Architects is adept at providing sound, practical, inspired design solutions to the needs of our clients. Priority is given to clearly understanding the client’s needs and expectations in order to assure the long-term success of the project. Each project benefits from extensive involvement by the principal architect, ensuring continuity throughout all phases. Our success is measured by our reputation; 90% of our work comes to us as referrals from prior clients and repeat projects for prior clients. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Pool House Design & Construction - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Structural Engineering - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Site Preparation - Laundry Room Design - Earthquake Retrofitting ### Areas Served - San Diego - University City - National City - Poway - Point Loma San Diego - La Jolla - Ocean Beach San Diego - Solana Beach - Del Mar - Fairbanks Ranch - Rancho Santa Fe - Del Mar Heights San Diego - Hill Crest San Diego - Logan Heights San Diego - Mission Hills San Diego - Mission Valley San Diego - Tierrasanta San Diego ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Prater Architects, Inc. | | Address | 5151 Shoreham Place, Suite 280, San Diego, California 92122, United States | | Phone | (858) 453-5611 | | Website | http://www.praterarch.com | | License Number | C15882 | | Followers on Houzz | 68 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Prater Architects, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/prater-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~310862234) - **Website:** http://www.praterarch.com - **Phone:** (858) 453-5611 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Member AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, Licensed: Calif., Nevada, Arizona **Affiliations** - [AIA Custom Residential Architects Network](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-custom-residential-architects-network-pfvwus-pf~629398549) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [AIA San Diego](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-san-diego-pfvwus-pf~470823377) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 9 reviews** ### All 9 reviews **★★★★★ — Bob Coles, May 2017** > Kent designed our 2,800 ft. house in 2004. He did it just as we asked, and also "diplomatically" suggested some changes that worked out better than our ideas. He was very professional and did not exceed his original cost proposal, unless it was for a change that we made and approved. He was good at getting the plans through the city (Carlsbad) and he also made site visits. When making the plans, he measured some of our over sized furniture thus allowing it to fit perfectly where we had told him it was to go. > > i wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone. **★★★★★ — David Godfrey, April 2017** > Our experience with Kent Prater was extremely positive. Our remodel was of an existing condo with an already fixed footprint. Kent was able to understand the style, flow and ambiance that we wanted and translate that into a layout and design to meet our expectations. Kent originated innovative ideas that enhanced the project often in the smallest of details. Our meetings before construction began created the necessary plans and engineering information for contractors to provide adequately detailed bids. > He was available when needed to work with the general contractor to make sure the overall design concept was maintained while also needing to work around construction and engineering issues. > > Since the completion of our project we remain satisfied with and enjoy living in the house that Kent created from our original concepts. **★★★★★ — neilmckay45, April 2017** > When we chose an architect to design our home we had very specific requirements. We wanted to build a classic Wallace Neff inspired traditional home using traditional materials and incorporating features that reflected the style of the iconic Neff. > Kent Prater got it !! > Not only did Prater Architects get the design right but they did an exceptional job in completing the plans. When we submitted our plans to the County of SD Planning Department we got planning approval without a single amendment. > We unreservedly recommend Kent Prater. **★★★★★ — Don Maescher, April 2017** > We have lived in our home in La Jolla for 30 years. During this time we have reconfigured and/or remodeled every single room, creating a bright modern house. > > In 2009-2010 we realized that the exterior was drab, blah and so typical of most tract-like homes built in the early 1970's. We weren't exactly sure of the look and feel we wanted so we hired Kent to come up with something. After reviewing several early schematics we quickly settled on a Mediterranean style. It was stucco with a clay tile roof and a number of very interesting architectural details. He expanded the 3-car garage creating more storage under an elegant front balcony. > It turned out that we needed a zoning variance because the new footprint encroached one foot into the front setback. Kent offered to slightly modify his plans so that we wouldn't have to go the whole approval process but we decided to go ahead with what he designed. It took a very long time to go through the San Diego Planning Department and La Jolla architectural review process but Kent handled the whole thing. > Kent recommended the general contractor we ended up hiring and coordinated all construction with them. The entire job cost about $150,000. > Every time we enter our driveway we appreciate the marvelous home Kent created for us. **★★★★★ — Robert Morse, April 2017** > Have been thrilled with the house since construction. Living in it for the past 12 years we are still thrilled and wouldn't change a thing- well maybe and additional 3way light switch. **★★★★★ — Richard Heinz, April 2017** > Kent Prater was recommended to me by a trusted contractor friend that I was considering for our major house addition/renovation project. Although I'm an architect myself, my specialty is in a completely different field (science facility design), so my wife and I really wanted to work with an architect who was knowledgeable and creative in custom home design. We couldn't have been happier with the work of Kent and his colleagues at Prater Architects. Kent was personable, thoughtful, responsive and creative. He took our initial 'rough' ideas and turned them into a better reality. Our original developer tract home become our customized dream home. Without Kent's guidance and creativity, the results would have been far less satisfying or successful. Along the way he exhibited incredible patience as he worked with my wife and me through the inevitable spousal differences of opinion, lively discussions and resultant changes from prior direction. From our very positive experience, I would recommend Kent without reservation. I'm including two 'before' photos and two 'after' photos of the back of our home. It is quite a transformation! Our neighbors and visiting friends marvel about how you really can't tell that it is an addition. **★★★★★ — Barry & judy Petro, April 2017** > Kent did the plans on our extensive remodel (living, dining rooms and kitchen for our home. > The new floor plan and exterior elevations were perfect! Although we completed the remodel over 10 years ago, we still get great compliments from our friends and family! > > Kent was also our go to guy on floor plans we needed on a recent Townhome investment. > > His work is reasonably priced with a very expeditious turnaround. > > He's the perfect 10 architect! **★★★★★ — Hedy Thomas, April 2017** > Kent was a pleasure to work with. He was professional and talented while still approachable. We worked with him for several years as he designed our dream home for retirement and are extremely pleased with the outcome. Once we were ready to break ground he was available for every stage of the construction. Everyone who walks into our home wants to know who designed it. We have no hesitation in recommending him. **★★★★★ — Bonnie Kane, April 2017** > Phenomenal! We are so enthralled with the remodel design by Kent of our 50's 60's tract home which had gone through several additions. Kent understands mid-century modern! He is professional, prompt, reasonable in price, easy to work with and knows design at the highest level. AND he understands his clients. We are enjoying the results each and every day. To the fullest. ## Selected projects - [Coastal Soft Modern](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-soft-modern-pj-vj~312785) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Extensive remodel and expansion of 1950's single story home. Second floor addition includes and ocean view gallery opening to a covered lanai with sliding and pocketing commercial grade glass doors. The owner's extensive, large format art collection required considerable attention to wall spaces, viewing perspectives as well as natural and artificial lighting. - [Solana Solitude](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/solana-solitude-pj-vj~2418446) - Location: Solana Beach, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Whole house remodel and reconfiguration of a 1980's split-level townhome. Interior walls were removed to open and modernize the kitchen/dining/living spaces and open them to the new atrium off the living level. - ['Phoenix' House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/phoenix-house-pj-vj~1017087) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 7 - Description: After the complete destruction of their home in the firestorm of 2003, these owners opted not to rebuild their 1980’s tract home and instead create this home that more accurately fits their current lifestyle and future needs. The individual living spaces are well defined by ceiling and wall articulation yet the entire area flows together physically and visually as a comfortable ‘Great Space’. - [Mountain Craftsman House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-craftsman-house-pj-vj~1016913) - Location: Flagstaff, AZ - Photos: 11 - Description: Built as a retirement home for this Southern California couple, the prime living areas of the home are graciously arranged to flow together and to take full advantage of the forest vistas. A complete ‘visitors wing’ is located on the second floor. Five decks and balconies are arrayed around the home to provide a variety of experiences with the natural setting. - [Suburban Expansion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suburban-expansion-pj-vj~1023958) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: Whole house makeover and expansion of a 1980's tract home. - [Rancho Santa Fe Classic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/rancho-santa-fe-classic-pj-vj~1023880) - Location: Rancho Santa Fe, CA - Photos: 3 - Description: Classic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture is the theme of this family home in the Crosby Estate. A desire to remove the garages from view coupled with the challenges of an irregular shaped lot led to this unique plan. The formal circulation axis creates the spine of this home on two levels linked by a stair at each end. Formal rooms are on axis with the entry and motor court. - [Suburban Facelift 1](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suburban-facelift-1-pj-vj~1023919) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 4 - [Suburban Facelift 2](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suburban-facelift-2-pj-vj~1023973) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: Exterior 'face-lift' to a very dated 1970's tract home with transformation to a Mediterranean style. Front balcony was reconfigured and roof covering added to protect against southern sun exposure. - [Suburban Facelift 3](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suburban-facelift-3-pj-vj~1024005) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 2 - Description: Second floor addition and front 'face-lift' to a 1990's tract home. - [Silver Gate Yacht Club](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/silver-gate-yacht-club-pj-vj~1458689) - Location: San Diego, CA - Photos: 12 - Description: Silver Gate Yacht Club is a 10,000+ s.f. full service private club with a very residential feel in its scale, materials, colors and furnishings. Outdoor spaces that feel like rooms and interior spaces that feel like home! [See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/prater-architects-inc-pfvwus-pf~310862234) ## Ideabooks - [PRATER KITCHEN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/177906643/list/prater-kitchen) — 17 ideas - [BENEDEK RESIDENCE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/151214625/list/benedek-residence) — 8 ideas - [MILLER-VALENCIA](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/131984089/list/miller-valencia) — 5 ideas - [Villa La Playa](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/103594222/list/villa-la-playa) — 24 ideas - [HATCH/BUSE STAIR](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/117050772/list/hatch-buse-stair) — 10 ideas - [Hatch Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111575631/list/hatch-residence) — 17 ideas - [Prater Landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102351739/list/prater-landscape) — 7 ideas - [Prater-Lacy](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78165334/list/prater-lacy) — 111 ideas - [CASE RES. - INTERIORS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82971811/list/case-res-interiors) — 4 ideas [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/praterarch) ## Community Q&A **Q: Paint color** *(in Photo Questions)* What is your wall color? A: Hello Tracey. That color is Sherwin Williams 'Kilim Beige' \#SW6106. However, I would caution you that colors can look vastly different on different monitors and handheld devices. I never finalize a color without first sampling it in various locations and lighting conditions throughout the home. Good luck with your project! Kent Prater **Q: What is the wood and stain on cabinetry?** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you please provide the wood and stain for cabinetry? Thank you. A: The wood is Alder with a light walnut stain. **Q: granite** *(in Photo Questions)* what is your granite? A: The cabinet hardware is a nickel finish. Sorry for the delayed response. **Q: Where did you get the mirrors?** *(in Photo Questions)* Those mirrors are the perfect complement to your lovely craftsman style bathroom. Were they custom made? A: Thank you! The mirrors were framed by the finish carpenter on this project. **Q: Where in the house is this staircase located?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It's in a large foyer. Extends up to a 'bridge' spanning between the master bedroom and a gallery. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-08.*