What is your timeline?

The Foothill Catalog Foundation (TFCF) is currently actively working with LA County to develop a framework for a pre-approval process. While our timeline is partially dependent on some external factors like the County's pre-approval process and resources available to support the Foundation, it is our goal to have an initial collection of pre-approved designs ready within the next several months.

While pre-approved, standard plans will shorten the overall timeframe from the typical process, it will still initially take some time to produce a well-designed, thoughtful, permit-ready set of construction drawings.

What will the cost be?

The specific cost structure is currently in development. The Catalog homes would have the design, engineering (non site-specific), and non site-specific permitting (the pre-approval) already complete. We will be able to offer the product of all of these completed services at a fraction of the typical cost to produce the equivalent for a custom design. As a nonprofit organization, we are also hoping to offer a need-based grant system to help offset those costs for those who are underinsured and uninsured.

On the constructability side, early involvement of builders in the design process, along with utilizing some modular and prefabricated elements, can help produce a more efficient and affordable design. Through efficiency and cost savings injected at every stage, coupled with the repeatable nature of the designs, the intent is that the Catalog home will be a more affordable option with the intent of making rebuilding attainable for as many homeowners as possible.

Will TFCF’s plans be customizable?

TFCF was formed in the wake of the devastation of our community to provide well-designed, resilient, and sustainable home options and rebuilding solutions specifically for those who may not have the resources or bandwidth to go through the rebuild process in a traditional way. Our plans will initially focus on the modest homes that made up much of Altadena’s housing stock before the fire, and TFCF will not be offering any customizations outside of finish options.

What if I need a custom solution?

For those looking for custom solutions, we highly encourage you to engage a design professional for your rebuild. We are happy to share referrals for local architects & designers, resources, and to help point you in the right direction.

As a start, we encourage all homeowners to learn more about the design and building process. A great resource is AIA Pasadena Foothill’s “Ask an Architect” program, where you may consult one-on-one with an architect at no cost. More information can be found here.

Will sustainability and fire resiliency be considered in TFCF’s plans?

Yes. While a key pillar of TFCF’s mission is to retain the character of Altadena expressed through architectural style, it is equally important that we are all rebuilding better with resiliency and sustainability in mind. Through material selections, smart detailing, and informed design, we can ensure that resilient, sustainable, and regionally-sensitive design can be accessible and attainable for as many people as possible.