How To Choose The Right Architect For Your Rebuild

By Kambiz Kamdar, CEO of Pali Construction

Dear Neighbors,

Choosing the architect who will guide your rebuild is one of the most important steps on your journey home. The checklist below is designed to keep things simple—whether you’re ready to start design or still gathering paperwork. Here are the steps:

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1) Gather Your Property Records (Before You Meet Anyone)

Having these documents up front can save weeks once design begins.

• LADBS Records
  Email: Records.LADBS@lacity.org
  Ask for your plot plan and all permitted records.
  (Tip: include your address, assessor’s parcel number if you have it, and proof of ownership.)
  
• County Assessor
  Request your assessor records. Be ready to provide a driver’s license and proof of ownership.
  

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2) Define Your Project Scope (Know Your Category)

LADBS generally recognizes two categories for fire rebuilds:

• Eligible – Rebuilds up to 110% of your previous home’s footprint (per Mayor’s Executive Orders #1 and #8).
  
• Ineligible – Any expansion beyond 110%, including new pools, ADUs, or additions that did not exist on January 7, 2025.
  

Knowing this early helps your architect plan efficiently and avoid plan-check delays.

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3) Outline Your Budget & Timeline (Be Realistic)

Your budget will likely be driven by insurance proceeds (and possibly an SBA loan).
As much as we want everyone home quickly, a total project budget below ~$400/sq. ft. is generally not realistic in our market— and even at that level, it can be challenging depending on finishes and site conditions.
Share your expectations up front so your architect can align design scope, materials, and structural options with your comfort zone.

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4) Start Your Architect Search (Cast a Smart Net)

• Ask for Recommendations from neighbors and anyone currently rebuilding in the Palisades.
  
• Browse Professional Directories such as Architect Connect and the AIA Los Angeles Member Directory.
  (We also maintain a local directory of architects working in the Palisades.)
  
• Verify Licensing on the California Architects Board website.
  
• Review Portfolios—prior work in the Palisades, coastal, or fire-zone areas is a plus.
  

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5) Interview Thoughtfully (Questions That Matter)

• Have you worked on Palisades or fire-rebuild projects before?
  
• Are you familiar with eligible vs. ineligible rebuild rules?
  
• Have you handled projects in ESA or Coastal zones? (If applicable, confirm your property status.)
  
• Do you design to IBHS or other fire-resilient building standards?
  
• Who on your team will lead my project day-to-day?
  
• What is your fee structure (percentage, flat fee, or per-sq-ft)?
  
• What’s included in your fee (e.g., plan-check clearances, coordination, construction administration)?
  

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Architect Fee Insights (Local Poll Conducted October 2025)

Pali Builds surveyed 15 Los Angeles–area architects (solo and firm). When it comes to how local architects in west LA are charging, this is what our results show:

• 66% charge a percentage of construction cost (typically 4–10%).
  
• 17% charge a flat fee (about $18,000–$75,000 for a ~3,000 sq. ft. home; scope varies).
  
• 17% charge per square foot ($25–$125/sq. ft. typical, scope varies).
  

Rule of thumb: You get what you pay for.

• Full Service = design through construction completion.
  
• Limited Scope = design through permit only; construction services hourly as needed.
  Always compare proposals line-by-line so you understand inclusions and exclusions.
  

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6) Put It in Writing (Always)

Use a clear written contract before work starts.
The AIA offers standard, homeowner-friendly templates: AIA Contract Documents.

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7) Ask About Their Network (Your Extended Team)

Great architects come with strong partners. Ask about their go-to:

• Structural, civil, geotechnical, and MEP engineers with fire-rebuild experience
  
• Energy, Title 24, and sustainability consultants
  
• Local general contractors familiar with Palisades sites and LADBS workflows
  

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Helpful Resources

• Consumer’s Guide to Hiring an Architect — California Architects Board
  
• AIA Los Angeles Member Directory
  
• California Architects Board — License lookup
  
• (Optional) Check if your property is in Coastal or ESA zones before you design.
  

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Final Thoughts

Rebuilding is a marathon, not a sprint. Selecting the right architect early can make everything smoother, faster, and far less stressful. Take your time, ask good questions, and choose a partner who shares your vision of coming home—stronger.

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Acknowledgment

This newsletter was prepared in collaboration with May Sung of SUBU Design & Architecture, who has been actively advocating for Palisades residents and a faster, more resilient rebuild.
Contact: may@subuda.com

Thank you to all of the talented architects that participated in our poll to better understand current trends, and in no particular order:

Thank you local Architects

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About the Author

I’m Kambiz “Biz” Kamdar, owner of Pali Construction and a longtime Highlands resident. I’m a fourth-generation contractor and developer, a founding member of the Palisades Builders Coalition, and I serve on both the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association Board and the Park Advisory Board.
My wife and I are raising our three children here—two at Pali High and one at Calvary—and, like you, we’re committed to seeing our community come back stronger than ever.

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