Local American Institute of Architects Chapter Launches Free Architect Consultations for Wildfire Rebuilding

The American Institute of Architects Pasadena & Foothill Chapter has launched “Ask an Architect,” a new program connecting community members affected by the January 2025 wildfires with licensed architects for free consultations to help inform them of their options for rebuilding. 

“When a disaster occurs, like the wildfires that hit Los Angeles in January, architects are vital to the recovery process -applying their professional insights and guidance to the task of supporting individual property owners and the broader community,” said Jessica Orlando, Vice President/President-elect of AIA Pasadena & Foothill. 

The initiative provides one-on-one sessions with licensed architects who offer expert guidance, resources, and community support. On their Instagram, the organization posted: “Need help rebuilding? Meet one-on-one with a licensed architect, free of charge, to ask your most pressing questions about how to move forward. We are equipped with resources, information, and support for our community members as they navigate the rebuilding process.” 

“Starting the rebuild process after a wildfire can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone,” the organization added in another post. “AIAPF’s member directory connects you with licensed professionals who have the local experience and expertise to guide you through the journey.” 

To support this effort, AIA California has developed a Disaster Response Toolkit that maps out typical recovery phases and architects’ roles in each

stage. As the organization notes, “AIAPF will continue to provide resources and materials for the public as well as our members and partners.” 

Community members seeking rebuilding assistance can access the program through AIAPF’s member directory, which connects them with licensed professionals who have local experience. Those interested can sign up for sessions through the organization’s website at https://www.aiapf.org/wildfiresupport or follow updates on their social media at https://www.instagram.com/aia_pf/. 

Architects wishing to volunteer for the program can “click here to sign up” through the link on AIAPF’s website. For additional information about the initiative, community members and professionals can email wildfiresupport@aiapf.org. 

The program particularly serves communities across Altadena, Pasadena, LA and the Foothill areas affected by recent fires, including the Eaton Fire.