Will volunteer designers and other professionals be credited for their contributions?

Absolutely - every contributor will be acknowledged as a designer or design architect on the materials they produce unless requested otherwise. Recognizing the work of professionals, especially those who contributed to the community in a time of need, is a top priority for the Foundation.

Will the Foothill Catalog compensate contributing design professionals for their work?

At this time, contributions from participating architects and designers are pro bono. Pro bono work in disaster recovery does not replace paid opportunities but fills critical gaps where immediate assistance is needed, often before traditional funding becomes available.

We are exploring compensation models in later phases, and the options for in-kind donations to be considered tax deductible as a nonprofit organization.

Why should architects and designers consider offering pro bono work?

At the very core of The Foothill Catalog’s mission is the belief that every wildfire victim deserves the option of a well designed home, not only the people who have the resources to pursue it.

While we recognize that not all architects are in a position to donate their services, many choose to do so as a way to give back—just as professionals in law, medicine, and engineering often contribute their skills in disaster relief. Our organization is specifically structured to protect architects from liability, allowing them to engage in charitable contributions without undue risk.

It should also be noted that TFCF welcomes architects and designers to contribute any amount of their time and expertise — as much or as little as you are willing and able to give.

If I am willing to develop a standard plan and retain responsible control/ownership over the design, can I still contribute to the Foothill Catalog?

Yes, we are exploring the possibility for individuals and firms with the willingness to retain responsible control over their designs to contribute to the Foothill Catalog, provided that the design still meets the framework of our charitable mission.

What role will architects and designers play during each phase?

The Foothill Catalog will assume the role of Architect of Record to allow for the flexibility of contributing designers to provide what they are willing, and remove the risk for long-term exposure. In the design phase, the Foothill Catalog will be managing the development of drawings and the various contributions of volunteer designers. Once a home design is selected by a property owner, the Foothill Catalog will grant license to the homeowner and the builder to use the drawings to construct the home. The property owner will be contracted directly with the builder as is typical.

We are currently exploring multiple models that allow for various levels of engagement by architects and designers.

Will the Foothill Catalog have errors & omissions insurance?

Yes, the Foothill Catalog Foundation will maintain continuous errors & omissions insurance and general liability insurance as acting Architect of Record.