Our Mission
The Foothill Catalog’s mission is to develop a collection of preapproved home designs for displaced residents to affordably and resiliently rebuild, while collectively retaining our community identity and local architectural character.
Retain the People
The Foothill Catalog was created within the community to help residents rebuild in ways that truly work for them. We simplify the design and permitting process so homeowners have a clear, reliable path back home. By offering preapproved, regionally appropriate plans, we cut the time, cost, and decision fatigue that often overwhelm fire survivors. Our approach reduces the knowledge and emotional burden of rebuilding, making it possible for more families to remain on their property. For those who need additional support, we help identify financial resources that can close insurance gaps and keep homeowners rooted in their community.
Retain the Place
Our design process is grounded in the eclectic architectural heritage of Altadena, shaped by more than a century of pre and post war development. From Spanish Revival to Craftsman and the varied styles that defined the foothills, we study and honor the character that made these neighborhoods unique. The Catalog documents the homes lost in the fires and uses that survey to guide the scale, proportions, and design intent of every plan, ensuring each option fits the community and its lots. We share educational resources that highlight the history and variety of local architecture, helping residents understand what was lost and how it can be thoughtfully rebuilt. By rooting the Catalog in this legacy, we support a future that reflects the place people remember and value.
