Business Details
30 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Electrical Contractors in Southern California
Founded in 1996, A.J. Kirkwood & Associates is a legacy-driven, employee-owned electrical contracting firm rooted in over 130 years of industry expertise. Our team of licensed engineers, NICET-certified professionals, and state-certified technicians delivers comprehensive solutions for electrical construction, fire & life safety systems, security systems, and low-voltage maintenance across Southern California. We specialize in design-build projects, leveraging BIM technology and prefabrication to ensure precision and efficiency. With a commitment to proactive safety and responsive service, we provide 24/7 emergency support while maintaining rigorous compliance with local and national codes. Our employee-owned structure fosters accountability, pride, and long-term partnerships with clients ranging from major construction firms to local businesses.We prioritize cost-effective, code-compliant designs tailored to client needs, supported by annual inspections, retrofits, and system upgrades. Our expertise spans high-rise developments, child care centers, and critical infrastructure projects, ensuring reliable power solutions for diverse industries. Backed by NICET IV certifications and LEED accreditation, we combine technical excellence with personalized service to meet evolving client demands. As a trusted partner since 1886, we continue to power Southern California with integrity-driven craftsmanship.
Services
Electrical Construction
Fire & Life Safety Systems
Security Systems
Service & Maintenance
Design-Build
BIM Coordination
LED Retrofits
Emergency Communication Systems
Distributed Antenna Systems
Annual Inspections
Details
- Year established: 1996
Highlights and features
- We are 100% employee-owned since 2003, ensuring accountability and pride.
- 30+ years of experience serving Southern California's electrical needs.
- NICET-certified technicians provide expert fire and life safety solutions.
- 24/7 emergency service available across Southern California.
- Comprehensive design-build expertise with BIM and prefabrication technology.
Associations and certifications
- NICET IV
- NICET II
- LEED BD+C AP
- C-10 Systems Integration Contractor
What people say
Expert fire safety solutions
24/7 emergency response
Reliable technicians
Code-compliant installations
Long-term partnerships
Services
Electrical Construction
We deliver full-spectrum electrical construction services for commercial and residential projects. Our team manages installations, retrofits, and tenant improvements with precision engineering and code compliance. Specializing in high-rise developments and critical infrastructure, we ensure reliable power distribution systems that meet current needs while accommodating future growth through strategic design planning.
Fire & Life Safety Systems
Our fire safety solutions include smoke detection, mass evacuation systems, and emergency communication networks. We provide code-compliant installations, annual inspections, and 24/7 monitoring services. Our technicians perform system retrofits and upgrades to meet evolving regulations while maintaining operational continuity for healthcare facilities, commercial buildings, and public spaces.
Security Systems
We design and implement comprehensive security solutions including CCTV, intrusion detection, and access control systems. Our IP-based video surveillance and telephone entry systems protect commercial properties with scalable technology. We offer ongoing maintenance and system upgrades to ensure optimal performance and compliance with current security standards for businesses of all sizes.
Service & Maintenance
Our 24/7 service team provides emergency repairs and scheduled maintenance for electrical and low-voltage systems. We offer LED retrofits, motor control repairs, and generator testing services. With state-certified technicians across Southern California, we ensure rapid response times and long-term system reliability through preventive maintenance programs tailored to client operations.
Design-Build
We manage complete design-build projects from concept to completion using BIM technology and prefabrication. Our in-house engineers create cost-effective, code-compliant electrical systems while coordinating with other trades to streamline construction. This single-source approach reduces timelines and ensures seamless integration of power, data, and safety systems for new developments and facility upgrades.
People
Arch Kirkwood
Chairman Emeritus & Founder
Founded A.J. Kirkwood & Associates in 1996 after decades leading electrical contracting firms. Transferred company ownership to employees in 2001, establishing a legacy of craftsmanship and client-focused service spanning five generations.
Michael Hewson
CEO/CFO
Oversees financial and operational strategy with extensive experience in electrical contracting. Focuses on maintaining technical excellence while driving growth through innovative solutions and client partnerships across Southern California's construction industry.
Trent Stouvenel
Virtual Design & Construction Manager
LEED-certified expert leading BIM implementation and prefabrication initiatives. Specializes in accelerating project timelines through digital coordination while ensuring compliance with complex building codes and jurisdictional requirements for large-scale developments.
Michael Stefun
Head of Engineering
Licensed electrical engineer with deep expertise in code-compliant system design. Directs engineering efforts for complex projects, ensuring technical precision in power distribution, fire alarm systems, and energy-efficient solutions that meet Title 24 standards.
Leah Zappia
COO & Corporate Counsel
Manages day-to-day operations and legal compliance while maintaining focus on client relationships. Ensures adherence to industry regulations and contractual obligations, supporting the company's commitment to integrity-driven service and employee ownership principles.
Questions
What electrical services do you offer in Southern California?
We provide electrical construction, fire & life safety systems, security solutions, and 24/7 maintenance services for commercial and residential clients across Southern California.
Are you available for emergency electrical repairs?
Yes, our certified technicians offer 24/7 emergency service with rapid response times for critical electrical issues across Southern California.
What makes your company different from other contractors?
As 100% employee-owned since 2003, we combine five generations of expertise with personalized service, BIM technology, and NICET-certified professionals for superior project outcomes.
Do you handle large-scale construction projects?
Yes, we specialize in design-build projects for high-rises, commercial developments, and infrastructure with integrated BIM coordination and prefabrication solutions.
What fire safety system services do you provide?
We offer fire alarm design, installation, annual inspections, retrofits, and 24/7 monitoring services that ensure compliance with local and national safety regulations.
Are your technicians certified for low-voltage systems?
Our team includes NICET-certified professionals qualified to handle all aspects of low-voltage systems including security, data, and emergency communication networks.
