Prater Architects, Inc.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.