This past weekend I spent a few hours volunteering for the Design Leadership network. They hosted “Rebuild the Palisades” event. Homeowners brought their new plans, and we, a room full of architects, designers and landscape architects made themselves available to answer questions.
Most of the homeowners had already hired architects. Not all had hired designers. What they wanted was a second set of eyes on flow, how rooms connect, where the light falls, and yes, paint color. They didn’t need anyone to take over their project. They wanted a little reassurance that they were headed in the right direction.Many told me they have a full time job and children and just wanted someone to choose for them. Others said they were overwhelmed beyond belief because not only were they working to rebuild but they also had to navigate insurance payouts. It was some of the most rewarding work I’ve done in a long time.
I lost my office in the Palisades fire right after I had finished decorating, but I want to be clear that it’s nothing compared to what these families lost. Homes, clothes, photo albums, the mementos that took decades to collect. It is so devastating it’s beyond words.
And then comes the second round. The people I spoke with described insurance companies that are slow to pay and a city permitting process that is not nearly as smooth as advertised. I’m reporting what I heard, not what I’ve researched, but I heard it from person after person.
I’m reminded of it every time I walk through my own neighborhood in Malibu.I live in Sunset Mesa where part of the streets are Pacific Palisades and part are Malibu. One street has five houses left, and then two adjacent streets were completely decimated. . You still see signs of a life that once was:: a barbecue, a swing set, a basketball. It had meaning to a family at one time.
We’re almost two years out, and the picture is more complicated than “rebuild or don’t.” Some are dealing with strict zoning laws, some have decided it’s not for them. Others made decisions that had nothing to do with the house. The schools burned in the Palisades too, so families with young children had to choose between classes in an office building or moving to a new school district. After two years, those kids have settled in and made friends, and uprooting them again is a hard thing to ask.
We had so much success people have requested we do another one. Whether or not I get clients from it, is beside the point. It was great to feel that you were making a small difference in what can be an overwhelming process even when there isn’t a fire.
Originally published on Substack
