Journal Entry #19 - TFCF in Architectural Digest, Re-introductions, Interior Packages, & Updates

We’re starting this journal entry with some exciting news.

This past month, The Foothill Catalog Foundation was featured in Architectural Digest’s March LA Issue, alongside six other grassroots organizations working to support local families after the Eaton and Palisades fires. AD has also partnered with TFCF and SGV Habitat for their ongoing Design Making a Difference Campaign.

We’re grateful for the highlight and continued support, and we’re proud of the entire TFCF team and the extended network of volunteers who have dedicated so much time, care, and energy to get us here.

Image credit: Jake Michaels for Architectural Digest

One of the amazing things about Los Angeles is the talent, sheer creativity, and deep sense of care embedded in its people. Since its inception, it’s been a city defined by bold ideas and a willingness to think outside of the box. That spirit has been especially evident in this post-disaster landscape, and Architectural Digest did a beautiful job highlighting just a few (of many!) examples of that collective resilience.

TFCF was highlighted in the AD’s LA Issue alongside Angel City Lumber, Case Study Adapt, Collective Altadena, House Museum, Save the Tiles, and Seven Houses.

Pre-approved plan updates

There are now 33 design variations available in the Foothill Catalog - including ADUs and garage options - all pre-approved in LA County.

View the Foothill Catalog.

This month, we wanted to re-introduce the Figueroa, which you may remember from an earlier announcement. While developing the planning set, our design team identified an opportunity to make the floor plan reversible - responding directly to one of the most common requests we hear from homeowners: more back-loaded living spaces.

So, the Monterey was born! The Figueroa and the Monterey share the same floor plan (3 bed / 2 bath, 1,700 sqft), but with the layout flipped to orient living spaces toward the rear of the lot. Each design also has a two-story counterpart: Figueroa II and Monterey II (3 bed / 3 bath, 2,395 sqft).

The Figueroa (I & II) & Monterey (I &II) are currently in Plan Check review. We expect them to be officially pre-approved in the coming weeks.

Additional back-loaded living space options in the Catalog include the Elizabeth and the Gregory amongst others.

Interior Packages

Over the past few months, an incredible group of interior designers has generously volunteered their time to help the Foothill Catalog develop five interior design packages, each aligned with an architectural style featured in the Catalog: California Craftsman, Spanish Revival, Mid-Century Modern, Tudor Cottage, and California Ranch.

Each pre-approved plan establishes the home’s floor plan and exterior architecture. The interior, however, is intentionally left open, allowing homeowners to customize finishes, fixtures, and fittings to reflect their own preferences. At the same time, we recognize that starting from a blank slate can feel overwhelming. These interior packages are intended to provide clear, character-driven design guidance that helps each home feel cohesive, thoughtful, and special.

The packages are designed to be flexible. They can serve as a general style reference from which homeowners make their own adjustments, or they can be used as a complete selections package with no changes required. Moving forward, these packages will be shared with homeowners during our consultation process and may be used by build teams to clearly communicate design intent.

We are deeply grateful to the interior designers who contributed their creativity, expertise, and time to this effort: Dimitra Dorbacopoulos (Kastella Design Studio), Sandra Bishop (Western Office), Tina Forrestel (Silver Lining Design Studio), Shannon Ggem (Ggem Design Co), Michelle Sterling (Quid Collective), Daphne Brusso (Gratia Interiors), and Grant Rickard (Grant Matthew Rickard Design).

Construction Updates

Construction continues at several sites, and we recently shared some "before/after" shots from the first Lewis on Pine. This home is almost at the finish line - already filled with character and so much love from the hundreds of hands that have helped bring it to life.

Upcoming Events

Save the Date! - TFCF Open House - Sunday, March 8th, 2026 | 1:00-4:00pm | Eaton Fire Collaborative (540 W Woodbury Rd, Altadena, CA 91001)

Join us for an open house featuring available pre-approved designs, upcoming concepts, and virtual reality experiences in partnership with tkei. Meet our team, ask questions, learn about our process, and walk through Foothill Catalog homes at scale. Featured VR homes will include the Lewis (the Palm and Mariposa share the same floor plan), and La Solana.

TFCF will also be at the following events this month

The recording of last month’s Altadena Revealed lecture: Itinerant Craftsman:Lessons from the Duntley-Blackburn Residence is now available to watch. Watch the lecture here.

As always, we welcome your questions, comments, and suggestions. The Foothill Catalog is not just an organization - or a collection of designs - but an ongoing conversation with the people who matter most: our community. Contact us anytime.

Until Next Time,

The Foothill Catalog

Next
Next

Journal Entry #18 - A New Year