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ey were purists from the start, snubbing a cash offer because the buyer demanded design alterations. ey not only kept the Balboa house, but went on to remodel it three times. Today, their award-winning portfolio includes some 200 houses in San Diego, Napa Valley, Arizona, Connecticut, and beyond. eir process, too, is a throwback to core principles. "It starts with a hand-drawn floor plan. It's the essence and driving force," says Batter. "We're from the old school. We do physical models so we can play with them and problem-solve." Drive through the hills of Del Mar and La Jolla, and you're likely to spot their work: A Batter Kay house has become synonymous with a white-on- white palette, curvaceous forms, and abundant light. Equally important is what's left out: wood exteriors, drop ceilings, and (as Kay Batter proclaims), "never wallpaper." "Luckily, we share the same aesthetic," says Batter. FROM TOP At Mountain Top House, the intersection of the pool and dining area create a continuous sightline, guiding the eye from the ocean, through the house, over the pool to the surrounding mountains; the Dorne House in La Jolla was built by Batter Kay in 1993 and updated 20 years later to evolve with the client's needs. "Our designs are personal," says Batter; on this corner lot, the architects achieved the holy grail in Del Mar: Capture maximum ocean views without obstructing those of its neighbors << @ranchandcoast RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE NOVEMBER 2025 65