The Foothill Catalog’s integrated design process is envisioned to encompass every key stage of rebuilding. Each design will offer instant concept visualization, thoughtful design development, detailed construction documentation, and an early look at estimated construction costs—all in one streamlined approach.

Every home in the Foothill Catalog will be thoughtfully created with expert oversight in key areas like sustainability, resilience, historic character, and affordability. With a growing range of styles inspired by the foothills of Altadena, these designs offer homeowners a solid starting point that balances beauty with practicality.

What sets this process apart is the collaboration that happens early on. Builders and other professionals are involved from the beginning, helping shape the design to ensure it's not only beautiful but also realistic and ready to build. This early teamwork helps avoid surprises down the road and ensures a smoother, more efficient construction experience.

Each Catalog home design will be accompanied by a full set of construction documents—including drawings, specifications, and all the details needed to bring the design to life. Plus, by including preliminary cost estimates with each design, homeowners can make confident decisions from the start, with a clear understanding of potential expenses.

The Foothill Catalog Foundation is actively working with Los Angeles County to develop a framework for non-site-specific permitting (pre-approval). This initiative aims to streamline the permitting process, allowing for greater efficiency and flexibility in project development. Through collaboration with Los Angeles County representatives, we seek to establish guidelines that ensure compliance while providing an expedited timeline of 15–30 days. Further updates will be provided as this initiative progresses.

The Catalog will offer a growing number of designs in various layouts, sizes, and styles.

A key pillar of TFCF’s mission is to retain the character of Altadena as expressed through architectural style. Equally important is the commitment to rebuilding better—with resiliency and sustainability in mind. Through thoughtful material selection, smart detailing, and informed design, we can ensure that resilient, sustainable, and regionally sensitive homes are both accessible and attainable for as many people as possible. 

The TFCF Licensing Fee supports the contributing architect/designer, engineer, and insurance/liability costs. It also allows The Foothill Catalog Foundation to provide rebuilding plans at low or no cost to severely underinsured or uninsured homeowners. Supporting the community rebuild is the founding mission of TFCF.

A site-specific verification and construction administration fee (estimated at 1–3% of the construction cost) covers placing the Catalog design on the homeowner’s specific site, coordinating foundation type and utility hookups, and providing basic construction administration throughout the construction period.

As part of their new pre-approval/post-verification permitting process, Los Angeles County has an estimated post-verification approval time of approximately two weeks.

The Catalog Home model is designed to lower building expenses through several key strategies: leveraging economies of scale, utilizing repeatable and predictable designs (which result in minimal or no change orders during construction), and incorporating contractor and builder input early in the design phase to optimize efficiency. Additionally, we aim to partner with prefabrication manufacturers to preassemble components when feasible, collaborate with nonprofit builders like Habitat for Humanity, and work with material vendors who may offer discounted or donated products at scale.

As a nonprofit organization, we are also actively fundraising to cover critical gaps in areas such as design, site verification, permitting, and construction. Bridging these costs can make a substantial impact on reducing overall rebuilding expenses.