This blog serves as a guide for rebuilding homes in the Pacific Palisades covering site cleanup, permitting, rebuilding, and incorporating expert insights from architects, engineers, and fire management specialists.

Harry Statter, founder and CEO of Frontline Wildfire Defense, offers his perspectives on landscape ecology; the natural fire regime; issues caused by overcontrolling fires; how and why Frontline was founded; Frontline software services and process; water management system; retrofit solutions and preparing for the next fire; rebuilding homes with long-term mindset; future development of Frontline; and more.  

In this blog we discuss beauty in architecture. The two cover formulas for beauty in architecture; symmetry vs beauty; teaching beauty; style vs beauty; music and architecture; lighting; materials and textures; project context; movement; what makes a building beautiful; favorite beautiful buildings; and more.

Robert Gilligan, Senior Technology Advisor at Amplified Lifestyles, offers his perspectives on the company, the audio visual industry, future of technology in homes, and the unique challenges of AV smart home design

In this blog, we discuss how homes can be built to resist wildfires using a 3-layer design approach. More posts about fire-resilient design are forthcoming.

In this blog we discuss the different types of architecture fee structures including the percentage of construction cost model; the fixed fee model; the hourly fee structure; and hybrid fee structures. We also cover the benefits and challenges of each fee structure; interior design fees; why architect’s fees vary greatly; the amount of work involved in each project phase; and more.

Chris Barriatua, Vice President of Henrybuilt, offers his perspectives on his company, his favourite kitchen features, and the distinct challenges he encounters in the industry.

On this blog we discuss the responsibilities and roles of the Design Architect and the Architect of Record (AOR) also known as the Executive Architect when working together during each project phase from pre-design to concept design; schematic design; design development; construction documentation; bidding; and construction.
They also discuss legal liabilities; fee differences; knowledge overlap; and more.

Carl Howe, principal at C.W. Howe Partners Inc., offers his perspectives on the company, his career path, and the distinct challenges she encounters in the industry.

Mitra Khorramian, Contractor and Principal at Korra Group, shares insights into her company, career journey, and the unique challenges she faces in the industry.

Garrett Neal, the principal lighting designer at RNLD, discusses his practice and the key to quality lighting.

Elyas Balta, Founder of Euroline Steel Windows & Doors discusses his background, the benefits of steel, and things clients should consider when buying windows and doors.

Padra Bayani-Rad, Principal Engineer at Beyond Engineering Inc. provides an introduction to structural engineers and what clients should consider when hiring one.