Architecting in Stilettos

In Episode 9, we talked about the wave of housing laws already reshaping California—and the bigger question of where growth should go. This week, we’re stepping into what happens when one of those laws, SB 79, lands right at your doorstep. This isn’t just a professional discussion for us—both Katie and Arlene are homeowners in neighborhoods that could be directly impacted. In Episode 10 of Archite...

California didn’t just pass a housing bill — it passed nearly 30 of them. And the ripple effects are already showing up in our neighborhoods. In Episode 9 of Architecting in Stilettos, we break down what actually changed — from SB 9 lot splits and parking-free housing under AB 2097, to CEQA reform with AB 130 and small-lot development under SB 684 and SB 1123. This isn’t an anti-housing rant or a...

Today’s episode is titled “A Rabbi and a Priest Walk Into a Bar.” It’s a playful way of looking at something very real: the spaces we design—be it a synagogue, a church, a nightclub, or venue—often share more in common than you’d expect. In light of the heartbreaking events in Bondi Beach, we’ve been reminded that honoring our differences begins with understanding our common ground. Our clients—wh...

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 7 of Architecting in Stilettos – Wildfire Recovery Series finale. Today, we’re joined by Scott Wiedensohler, a recently retired Division Chief with the Orange County Fire Authority and a seasoned leader with over 30 years of fire service experience in both Operations and Community Risk Reduction. Born and raised in Southern California, Scott is a mission-driven leader known f...

🎧 Episode 6: Where Do We Go From Here? Strategizing a Rebuild or Sale after the January Fires with Mike Nalbandian, Realtor & Experienced Banker Recorded in April 2025, just a few months after the devastating January wildfires in Southern California, this episode tackles a critical question faced by so many displaced homeowners: How do I land on my feet again? Our guest, Mike Nalbandian, DRE,...

Episode 5: Recouping after a Fire Loss  w/ Ara Juljulian, Homeowner While the January wildfires were still fresh in everyone’s minds, we sat down with homeowner Ara Juljulian, who experienced a devastating fire loss years earlier in Arrowhead, CA. Though not from the recent Altadena or Pacific Palisades burn areas, Ara's story offers powerful, first-hand insight into the emotional, financial, and...

In this episode of Architecting in Stilettos, we’re joined by insurance expert Abe Bedros, CIC, CiSC, CRIS — Vice President at The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers — for a conversation every property owner needs to hear. So your home or business was lost in a wildfire... now what? Abe walks us through: 🔍 How to actually read your insurance policy after a disaster 🧾 What’s covered, what’s not, a...

On this first of four episodes dedicated to the wildfires, we are joined by Yvonne Santos, VP/ Business development Officer at New Day Commercial Capital.  Yvonne describes how to pick up the pieces after a natural disaster, such as the wildfires that Pacific Palisades and Altadena experienced in January. We discuss what to do with your current mortgage, how to potentially strategize with neighbor...

Let’s talk about the real foundation of any project… and no, it’s not the design. It’s sewers and trash💩🗑️ and a few other boring-ish details (like electrical service, anyone?⚡⚡) Not the sexiest topics, we know. But if you don’t think about them early in your project, you’re in for some serious (and expensive) surprises later. In this episode of Architecting in Stilettos, we break down why thes...

In today’s episode, we launch the season topic “Why is it so hard to build in California” and kick things off with a discussion around costs, permits, timing and other project killers that make building in California as daunting as it comes.