Journal Entry #25 - By Design
Today we’re answering the question - "How do we decide which homes become part of the Foothill Catalog?"
It Starts with the Data
Before designing anything, we first needed to understand the context and program.
Using County data, we mapped every fire-affected home against its size to better understand the types of homes needed in both Altadena and the Pacific Palisades.
We found that the largest concentration of affected homes fell between 1,200–1,600 square feet in Altadena and 1,800–2,600 (+) square feet in the Pacific Palisades. That analysis became the foundation for the mix of homes included in the Catalog.
Designing a home isn't just about square footage and program - it's also about understanding the regulatory framework it must perform within. Every Foothill Catalog home is designed to meet California's current High Fire Severity Zone requirements, blending modern fire-resilient construction with the architectural character of each community.
New Tool Highlight
The same data also powers our new Find My Plan tool, which allows homeowners to enter any address in LA County and explore Catalog homes that are a good fit based on their property characteristics and personal preferences.
The Spirit of a Place
Data and program tells us what a home needs to do. Place helps us understand how it should feel.
We studied the architectural history of Altadena and the Pacific Palisades, and worked closely with heritage organizations, local architects, and community members to ensure the Catalog reflects the unique character of the neighborhood—not by replicating the past, but by carrying its architectural language forward.
Left to Right: The Billy, The Alice, The Elizabeth, La Solana
The Wagner, El Guillermo, The Marlowe, The Lexington
Listening to the Community
The most important design input, however, comes directly from you.
Every consultation, survey, workshop, and community meeting helps shape the Catalog. Requests for different home sizes, back-loaded living spaces, architectural styles, ADUs, and outdoor connections have all influenced the designs available today.
That ongoing dialogue, combined with the creativity of our contributing architects and designers, continues to shape every new addition to the Catalog.
Looking Ahead
While we'll continue expanding the collection of pre-approved homes in LA County (with several new introductions coming soon), our current primary design focus is the Pacific Palisades.
In addition to the six currently pre-approved homes developed in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles, several existing Catalog designs - including Bayview, Miramar, Arroyo, Figueroa & Monterey I/II, Ellwood, and Passivist - will be prepared for pre-approval for the City of Los Angeles.
We're also developing several new plans specifically for the Palisades, informed by local data, HOA guidelines, and community feedback.
We're looking forward to sharing the first schematic designs later this month and, just as importantly, hearing your feedback as we continue refining them.
Design is never a straight line - it's an iterative process rooted in research, collaboration, and conversation. Your voice helps ensure the Foothill Catalog reflects the unique character of the communities it serves!
A few recent highlights from ongoing build sites -
La Solana comes to life - Groundbreaking Lewis! - The Elizabeth kitchen
Until next time,
The Foothill Catalog