About
The Firm
KSW Construction Management
KSW Construction Management is an independent owner’s representation and construction management practice led by Steven E. Kiss, a Licensed Architect in California and Hawaii. Founded after more than 20 years representing owners across San Diego’s most demanding residential and commercial projects, KSW delivers the disciplined planning, transparent financial controls, and direct accountability that owners deserve at every stage of construction.
Our Values
Core Principles
Independence
Owner-first recommendations with no builder conflicts of interest.
Transparency
Clear budget and scope tracking at every stage of the project.
Accountability
Principal-level oversight and documented decision-making throughout.
Practicality
Proactive issue resolution before costs escalate or schedules slip.
Principal
Steven E. Kiss
Steve began his architecture career in 1987 at WWA, one of San Diego’s oldest and most respected architectural firms, contributing to the design and construction of several notable projects including the Steven Birch Aquarium Museum. He earned his California architectural license in 1994 and founded Kiss Studio West (KSW) to serve select San Diego clients.
In 1995 Steve joined MOA, leading construction drawing production and construction administration on commercial projects. He joined CSAA in 1998, working on a custom residence remodel in La Jolla and conducting forensic window investigations for a prominent local legal firm. This dual perspective, representing owners and working within building organizations across both residential and commercial, gave Steve a ground-level understanding of how project costs are made, managed, and misrepresented.
In 2001 Steve joined a local construction management firm, overseeing multimillion-dollar custom residential projects throughout San Diego. His work expanded into forensic investigation, construction defect analysis, and construction accounting. The same legal firm that first retained him for forensic work later selected Steve to lead two multimillion-dollar office tenant improvement projects, a testament to the trust that direct, principal-led service earns over time.
After more than 20 years representing owners, Steve founded KSW Construction Management as an independent boutique practice. His combination of architectural training and construction management execution gives owners a rare bridge between design intent and field reality, with direct accountability that larger firms cannot match.
Credentials
- Licensed Architect, California and Hawaii
- Bachelor of Architecture, NewSchool of Architecture and Design, San Diego
- 39 years across architecture, project management, and owner’s representation
Specialized Expertise
- Budget and schedule oversight for custom residential projects
- Contract development and administration
- Forensic investigation and litigation-support consulting
- Art and sculpture installation management
Geographic Focus
San Diego and surrounding Southern California markets, with project-specific availability in Hawaii. Primary service areas include La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Coronado, Point Loma, Mission Hills, and Downtown San Diego.
Peer Testimonial
“…he has worn both hats and understands the intricacies.”
C.A. Marengo, Principal, Marengo Morton Architects
33 years in the industry · La Jolla, California
Work With Us
Ready to discuss your project? We would like to hear about your goals.