California didn’t just pass a housing bill — it passed nearly 30 of them. And the ripple effects are already showing up in our neighborhoods.

In Episode 9 of Architecting in Stilettos, we break down what actually changed — from SB 9 lot splits and parking-free housing under AB 2097, to CEQA reform with AB 130 and small-lot development under SB 684 and SB 1123.

This isn’t an anti-housing rant or a neighborhood panic button. It’s a clear-headed look at where California is headed — and the bigger question of where growth should really go.

Today’s episode is titled “A Rabbi and a Priest Walk Into a Bar.” It’s a playful way of looking at something very real: the spaces we design—be it a synagogue, a church, a nightclub, or venue—often share more in common than you’d expect. In light of the heartbreaking events in Bondi Beach, we’ve been reminded that honoring our differences begins with understanding our common ground. Our clients—who lead communities, host celebrations, create sacred moments—are the real heroes. And we’re just here to help shape the space where those connections happen.

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 7 of Architecting in Stilettos – Wildfire Recovery Series finale.

Today, we’re joined by Scott Wiedensohler, a recently retired Division Chief with the Orange County Fire Authority and a seasoned leader with over 30 years of fire service experience in both Operations and Community Risk Reduction.

Born and raised in Southern California, Scott is a mission-driven leader known for team building, critical thinking, and his ability to connect the dots between frontline needs and long-term planning. He’s been married for 26 years, is a proud father of two, and has built a career around ensuring that communities—and the professionals who serve them—are safer, more prepared, and better informed.

Scott now serves as a fire-hardening consultant with Proactive Fire Solutions, a team of fire service professionals offering decades of expertise in fire prevention, community planning, and emergency operations. Their mission is to provide smart, code-informed solutions to architects, designers, engineers, contractors, HOAs, and homeowners in an increasingly fire-prone California.

Check their brochure out here https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ztcxzjpfy3qpynmob69yc/Proactive-Fire-Solutions-PFS.pdf?rlkey=ekfgwvxq165jjeu7t9vp0m1gq&dl=0

From defensible space planning to fuel modification, fire master plans, fire behavior modeling, and more—Scott and the team at Proactive Fire Solutions are helping reshape how communities build and rebuild with safety in mind.

🎧 Episode 6: Where Do We Go From Here? Strategizing a Rebuild or Sale after the January Fires

with Mike Nalbandian, Realtor & Experienced Banker

Recorded in April 2025, just a few months after the devastating January wildfires in Southern California, this episode tackles a critical question faced by so many displaced homeowners: How do I land on my feet again?

Our guest, Mike Nalbandian, DRE, NMLS, brings a unique and deeply relevant perspective. A Southern California local and seasoned real estate agent at Equity Union Real Estate, Mike also comes from an extensive background in mortgage lending, finance, and executive banking. His mission? Helping clients make objective, informed, and emotionally balanced decisions—whether they're rebuilding, relocating, or considering a sale.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 🏡 Rebuilding vs. selling: how to evaluate both options financially and emotionally
• 💵 Loan packages and financial tools available after a natural disaster
• 🔍 What homeowners need to consider when re-entering the housing market
• 💡 How to think clearly—and strategically—after losing your home

Whether you're navigating your own post-disaster recovery, supporting someone who is, or just want to understand what it takes to bounce back, this episode will give you grounded insight and next steps.

Mike can be reached at realestatebymiken@gmail.com and through his website at https://mikenalbandian.com/

Episode 5: Recouping after a Fire Loss w/ Ara Juljulian, Homeowner

While the January wildfires were still fresh in everyone’s minds, we sat down with homeowner Ara Juljulian, who experienced a devastating fire loss years earlier in Arrowhead, CA. Though not from the recent Altadena or Pacific Palisades burn areas, Ara's story offers powerful, first-hand insight into the emotional, financial, and logistical aftermath of losing a home to wildfire.

In this episode, Ara walks us through:

• What it’s like to face the immediate chaos after the fire

• The painful realities of navigating insurance claims

• The unexpected lessons learned in the recovery process

• 🌲 Whether you’re rebuilding, helping someone who is, or just want to be prepared—this series is for you.

In this episode of Architecting in Stilettos, we’re joined by insurance expert Abe Bedros, CIC, CiSC, CRIS — Vice President at The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers — for a conversation every property owner needs to hear.

So your home or business was lost in a wildfire... now what?

Abe walks us through:

• 🔍 How to actually read your insurance policy after a disaster
• 🧾 What’s covered, what’s not, and the fine print that matters most
• 🧠 What to expect from your insurance company in the first 30, 60, and 90 days
• ⚠️ Common mistakes and missed opportunities that could delay your recovery
• 💬 Scenarios involving homeowners, second home owners, and business owners

This episode is for anyone rebuilding in the wake of disaster — or anyone who simply wants to be better prepared. Because when the worst happens, understanding your policy could be your best defense.

🎧 Episode 4 is live now. Link in bio. Stay tuned — we’ve got more wildfire recovery insights coming up.

Additional resource from Abe: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/91trwjj26fy2lznuns744/Abe-s-resource-6-trends-affecting-commercial-property-ins.pdf?rlkey=2xhoksyovn5l2aen5mgzv5llp&dl=0

#ArchitectingInStilettos #WildfireRecovery #DisasterInsurance #Insurance101 #RebuildCalifornia #WomenInArchitecture #AbeBedros #LibertyCompany #ArchitectsWhoGetIt #PostDisasterPlanning #CaliforniaFires

Let’s talk about the real foundation of any project… and no, it’s not the design. It’s sewers and trash💩🗑️ and a few other boring-ish details (like electrical service, anyone?⚡⚡)

Not the sexiest topics, we know. But if you don’t think about them early in your project, you’re in for some serious (and expensive) surprises later. In this episode of Architecting in Stilettos, we break down why these unglamorous details are critical to getting your project off the ground—before the first sketch is even drawn.

🎧 Episode 2 drops March 26th! Tune in and let’s get real about a few more reasons why it's so hard to build in California.

#ArchitectingInStilettos #PodcastEpisode #WomenInArchitecture #CaliforniaBuilding #AMKStudio

Website: https://www.amkstudio.com/

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