Rebuilding the Pacific Palisades: A Pacific Palisades Architect’s Message

The January 2025 fires that devastated much of the Pacific Palisades community have had a profound and lasting impact on the residents. Beyond the buildings, which may eventually be rebuilt, the personal toll on homeowners and their families is immeasurable. The emotional trauma that comes with such devastation extends far beyond the physical losses, especially for those of us who have deep roots in this special town.

In the summer of 2000, I designed and built a custom home for my wife and me in the Pacific Palisades, just up the hill from my hometown of Santa Monica. Even 25 years ago, as a Pacific Palisades architect, I understood the importance of using fire-resistant materials in construction. We incorporated features like a Class A cement tile roof, plaster walls around the entire exterior, tempered glass double-glazed skylights, enclosed eaves, stone and cement flatwork around the perimeter, and double-glazed aluminum-clad windows. Despite these efforts, even the most fire-resistant homes couldn’t withstand the immense forces of nature—strong winds and intense heat—brought on by these fires.

As a Pacific Palisades architect and long-time resident, my wife and I have always been deeply involved in the community. I participated in the PaliHi Student Mentorship Program, and my wife served on the Fourth of July Parade Committee for 13 years. We feel a deep connection to the Palisades, and my heart goes out to the homeowners affected by these recent fires. The challenges they now face are significant, especially with insurance claims that may not cover the full scope of architectural services needed to rebuild their homes.

In light of these challenges, I am offering my 35+ years of architecture, engineering, and construction administration experience to the property owners in the Pacific Palisades who are facing this unfortunate tragedy. I am providing substantial fee reductions on new home architectural plans compared to traditional costs to help ease the financial burden of rebuilding.

While I now live in Colorado, my work as a Pacific Palisades architect is not limited by geography. Thanks to modern technology, I can transmit plans and collaborate with clients in the Pacific Palisades from anywhere in the country. In fact, my ability to visit sites for architectural observations is often quicker than a trip down the 405, as I am only two hours away by air. This flexibility has allowed me to work on projects across the country, ensuring quality and responsiveness no matter the distance.

Each project will, of course, have its unique considerations—site topography, design preferences, desired square footage, multi-car garage requirements, and possibilities for features like a detached guest house, ADU, motor court, or recreational amenities. This is also an opportunity to design homes that are energy-efficient, sustainably responsive, and healthy for the interior environment, all while incorporating fire-resistant materials in both the home and its perimeter.

If you are a Pacific Palisades homeowner affected by the fire, I invite you to use our Inquiry Form on our website to submit basic information about your property and the main objectives for your new home. I understand that developing a new scope of work for such an important project will require patience, flexibility, and collaboration with multiple parties and agencies. Rest assured, I will guide you through every step of the process with professionalism and care.

After submitting your inquiry, I will get back to you promptly for a complimentary consultation. Together, we can work towards a brighter future and help rebuild the heart of the Pacific Palisades.

Best regards,

Barry R. Shaw, AIA, GC

BSA Inc. Design & Construction

www.bsadesignbuild.com