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NOT ARTISTIC FLUFF
Real problem-solving for rebuilds.
NOT ABOUT EGO
Function over vanity.
PLAN TO WIN
Safety . Sustainability . Cost control
ENGINEERING + PSYCHOLOGY
Design anticipates risk and behavior.
ECONOMIC WARFARE
Defend against overruns and slow-bleed
PROTECTING OWNERS
Design that puts the owner first.
Residential Experience and Partial Portfolio
Over 35 years of experience
ADUs
off-grid features
first time homeowners
custom residential design
basements
throughout California
traditional single family
smart systems
wildfire survivors
high end estate developers
Five Phase Design Procedure
AIA (American Institute of Architects)
Standard method
Five-phase procedure
Our design method follows
1. Master Planning
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Assess site, goals, and risk tolerance
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Outline rebuild options and constraints
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Set budget, schedule, and priorities
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Identify agencies and paths
2. Preliminary Design
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Concept layouts and massing studies
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Zoning review and plan logic check
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Reality check before detail & engineering
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Early cost and feasibility alignment
3. Design Development
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Refine rooms, elevations, and circulation
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Code integration across disciplines
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Fire resilience strategies incorporated
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Coordinate consultants and systems
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Select materials with cost impact awareness
4. Construction Documents
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Permit-ready drawings & specifications
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Technical and structural detailing
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Coordinated schedules and notes
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Resolve reviewer comments
5. Permit Support and Construction Transition
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Submittals, tracking, and corrections
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Clarifications (RFIs) during review
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Final updates; handoff to bidding and construction
Fire Rebuild - Requirements & Controls
After a wildfire: code integration, fire-resilient envelope, utilities, budget, schedule.
Site, Debris, and Soil
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CLEANUP CLEARANCE: EPA/County cleanup completed with clearance documentation on file.
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SOIL/GRADING PLAN: Soil testing, compaction, grading, and drainage plan confirmed before mobilization.
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SURVEY & HAZARDS: Survey control and benchmarks established; hazard trees
Codes and Permits (WUI)
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WUI SCOPE: Apply Chapter 7A Wildland-Urban Interface requirements with local amendments integrated.
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EARLY CODE INTEGRATION: Prevents redesigns and review delays; inspection points identified.
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PERMIT ROUTING: Coordinated with County/City and CalFire; special inspections listed.
Fire-Resilient Building Envelope
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RATED ASSEMBLIES: One-hour assemblies where required with consistent detailing across trades.
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EMBER DEFENSE: Ember-resistant vents;
ignition-resistant soffits/siding;
sealed eaves and penetrations.
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ROOF & OPENINGS: Class A roof, metal flashings, noncombustible elements,
Utilities and Systems
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POWER: Temporary power set; permanent service upgrades and trenching planned with utilities.
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WATER: Supply/pressure verified; backflow prevention; hydrant proximity confirmed.
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GAS: Meter placement with seismic shutoff; routing clear of ignition zones.
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WASTE & HVAC: Septic/sewer testing and repairs; HVAC filtration specified (e.a..
Budget and Insurance Alignment
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SCOPE RECONCILIATION: Match insurer categories with photo/log documentation.
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ALLOWANCES & CHANGES: Controls for unknowns and defined owner approvals.
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FUNDING SCHEDULE: Milestones tied to release of funds to avoid idle time.
Schedule and Procurement
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LEAD TIMES: Trusses, windows, panels, specialty items; early selections complete.
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CRITICAL PATH: Buffers for long approvals and inspections.
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ACCESS & SEASONS: Neighbor/HOA coordination, logistics, winterization and erosion control.
Design for Sustainability
Integrated Systems Smarter Choices Long-Term Value
Water Conservation
Greywater reuse and rain capture let you use water twice-cutting waste and bills.
Smart irrigation waters only when needed, saving water even in drought years.
Lower bills now; reliable water use over decades.
Materials & Carbon
Durable, renewable, and recycled materials last longer with fewer replacements.
Low gas-emitting finishes and fire-resistant assemblies create safer, healthier rooms.
Fewer replacements, cleaner air, better safety.
Systems Integration
Smart home and security provide control and awareness for daily living.
Backup power, sprinklers, and coordinated MEP layouts protect your home in emergencies.
Peace of mind with lower long-term hassle.
Energy & Lighting
Solar orientation and insulation keep your home comfortable year-round.
Efficient HVAC, battery storage, and LED lighting cut costs: rebates may reduce upfront expense.
Smaller energy bills; options for partial off-grid resilience.
Indoor Environment
Ventilation and HEPA filtration reduce smoke, pollen, and viruses indoors
Humidity control and daylighting improve comfort and help prevent mold.
Breathe easier better for asthma and wildfire seasora
Waste & Efficiency
Accurate planning and prefabrication cut leftover materials and change orders.
Recycling and reuse keep the site cleaner and inspections smoother.
Less waste = lower cost and faster progress.
ADVANCED OPTIONS FOR CUSTOM OR LUXURY
Luxury Estates & Compounds, Multi-Generational Planning, Off-Grid Systems, Safe Rooms, Wellness Systems.
Estate & Program Planning
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LUXURY ESTATES: Multi-wing massing, service loops, guest and staff flows.
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COMPOUNDS: Detached wings, guest houses, and support buildings.
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MULTI-GENERATIONAL PLANNING: Private suites + shared
Energy Independence
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OFF-GRID SYSTEMS: PV + battery storage; generator options; islanding.
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CRITICAL LOADS: Transfer, subpanels, and resilience priorities.
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WATER INDEPENDENCE: Wells, tanks, filtration; fire hydrant interface.
Wellness & Performance
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WELLNESS SYSTEMS: ERV/HRV, air and water quality targets, humidity control.
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LIGHT & ACOUSTICS: Circadian strategies; sound isolation where needed.
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MATERIAL HEALTH: Low-VOC finishes; hypoallergenic selections.
Envelope & Structure
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FIRE-READY DETAILS: Ignition-resistant skin, ember-resistant vents, sealed penetrations.
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WALL/ROOF UPGRADES: High R-values, sealing details, acoustic layers.
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EXTERIOR METALS: Standing-seam roofing and flashings; rainscreen hardware.
Windows & Facades
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GLAZING: Tempered, double, low-E; large units and corner windows.
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FRAME SYSTEMS: Fiberglass or thermally broken aluminum profiles.
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OPERATIONS: Lift-slide doors, tilt-turns, motorized shades.
Smart Systems & Security
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CONTROLS: Scenes, vacancy sensors, and smart system integration.
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SECURITY: Perimeter sensors, cameras, gate/entry management.
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BACKUP/EV: Battery backup, transfer switches, and EV charging.
ADVANCED OPTIONS FOR CUSTOM OR LUXURY
Luxury Estates & Compounds, Multi-Generational Planning, Off-Grid Systems, Safe Rooms, Wellness Systems.
BUDGET MONITORING -CONTROLS
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BASELINE
Approved budget by division; allowances and contingency separated.
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VARIANCES
Flag early; tie to scope or selections.
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ALTERNATES
A/B options with cost and schedule impact.
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PROCUREMENT
Lock long-lead pricing/quantities; document buyouts.
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DOCUMENTATION
Photos and logs for insurer and audits.
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TRACKING
Live log of commitments, actuals, and forecast-to-complete.
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ALLOWANCES
Convert to selections; track over/under against targets.
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CONTINGENCY
Project contingency.
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VALUE ENGINEERING
Cost saves without scope loss; document trade-offs.