Architecting in Stilettos

By amk STUDIO

Welcome to the Architecting in Stilettos podcast with Arlene Edjourian, AIA and Katie Flores, Leed AP at amk STUDIO, an Architecture and Planning Firm, in sunny So Cal.

We typically get invited by de... more

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FAQs about Architecting in Stilettos:

How many episodes does Architecting in Stilettos have?

The podcast currently has 4 episodes available.

Architecting in Stilettos episodes:

July 14, 2025Episode 4 (wildfire series) - Decoding your insurance policy with Abe Bedros
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
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1h 13min
May 14, 2025Episode 3 (wildfire series) - Thoughts on Mortgages & Loans with Yvonne Santos
On this first of four episodes dedicated to the wildfires, we are joined by Yvonne Santos, VP/ Business development Officer at New Day Commercial Capital.
Yvonne describes how to pick up the pieces after a natural disaster, such as the wildfires that Pacific Palisades and Altadena experienced in January. We discuss what to do with your current mortgage, how to potentially strategize with neighbors, and how to potentially qualify for future loans.
The show notes:
**Due to the fluidity of the current information landscape, the following links and handouts are current as of the posting of this podcast**
🏡 Wildfire Recovery Guide: Altadena & Pacific Palisades
🔨 The Rebuilding Process
AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter Resources
Rebuilding Options:
Rebuild the same home with up to a 110% increase in size (area, height and/or mass). The plan check should be streamlined and permitting fees waved for those rebuilding after a fire loss.
Design a new home from the ground up. This can be a custom or a pre-approved plan or a hybrid. Stay tune for; Some example designs for some typical Altadena lots that we will add to our website.
Install temporary housing on-site for up to 3 years.
AIA Roadmap to rebuilding Process Diagram https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/x0b9t4ybr6oa3xymwmiph/Roadmap-to-Rebuilding_Process-Diagram_English.pdf?rlkey=hnbiw1kioktzxbzlcyu5b0f9k&dl=0
Free Consultations: The "Ask an Architect" program offers complimentary guidance on fire-resistant design, permitting, and structural safety. aiapf.org+5TLRS+5Pasadena Now+5
Rebuilding FAQs: Detailed answers to common questions about the rebuilding process. Archinect+3ABC7 Los Angeles+3Governor of California+3
🚨 Emergency Funding & Permitting Updates
Permit Fee Waivers
Pacific Palisades: Building permit fees are waived for residents rebuilding after the wildfires. Pasadena Now+18SM Mirror+18ad05.asmrc.org+18
Streamlined Permitting
Statewide: Governor Newsom's executive orders have cut permitting delays and suspended certain environmental regulations to expedite rebuilding. Governor of CaliforniaGovernor of California
Solar Panel Requirements
Exemptions: Legislation has been introduced to exempt low- and middle-income homeowners rebuilding after wildfires from mandatory solar panel installations. CapRadio

💰 Financing Options & Tools
Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans
Homeowners: Loans up to $500,000 at a 2.5% interest rate, with no payments due for 12 months. Must apply by May 30, 2025. Home
Nonprofits: Loans up to $2 million at a 3.625% interest rate, with similar deferment terms. Small Business Administration
Application: Visit the SBA Disaster Assistance website to apply. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance
From Episode 3: Yvonne’s Post-Disaster Mortgage Calculator https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/9xmae9hqjfyy6ng4fksja/Yvonne-s-worksheet-post-disaster-financing-calculator.xlsx?rlkey=9qv7ykxexv96b2ux114o8rcx4&dl=0
Purpose: Estimate potential mortgage payments and financing options post-disaster.
Access: Use the calculator to plan your rebuilding budget effectively.
Yvonne can be reached at [email protected]
💰 Insurance resources
From Episode 4 : Abe’s handout – 6 Trends Affecting Commercial Property Insurance https://cms.zywave.com/sharedcontentdownload/11aac3f3-67e5-4b06-9c79-a43db591786d
📌 Purpose:
To inform property owners, developers, and investors about current shifts in the commercial property insurance market that could impact their bottom line and planning strategies.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Premiums Are Rising: Insurance costs are increasing due to natural disasters, inflation, and reinsurance market constraints.
Valuation Accuracy Is Critical: Undervaluing property leads to coverage gaps; accurate replacement cost appraisals are essential.
Climate Risk Is Reshaping Coverage: Insurers are reassessing risk models, particularly in wildfire- and flood-prone areas.
More Scrutiny on Older Properties: Aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance can lead to higher premiums or denial of coverage.
Policy Terms Are Stricter: Expect more exclusions, reduced limits, and increased deductibles.
Proactive Risk Management Pays Off: Implementing mitigation strategies can reduce premiums and increase insurability.
Abe can be reached at [email protected]
📐 Additional Resources
SB 9 Information: Details on lot splits and additional dwelling units under Senate Bill 9. CA Housing and Community Development
LA County Rebuilding: Guidelines and resources for rebuilding in Los Angeles County. Governor of California+3Governor of California+3Times of San Diego+3
Permit Requirements: Checklist for plan submittal requirements for wildfire rebuild projects. LADBS
Commercial property Debris Cleanup Deadlines: June 1, 2025 – debris removal permits must be submitted. June 30, 2025- completion of debris removal process.

For personalized assistance, reach out to us at (949) 863-3000 and ask to speak with Arlene or Katie.

Note: This information is current as of May 2025. For the most up-to-date guidance, please refer to the official websites and resources provided.
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59min
March 27, 2025 Sewers and Trash - Unsexy, Sneaky, Project Killers
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/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/arlene-edjourian
www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-flores
Instagram: @weareamkstudio
www.instagram.com/weareamkstudio

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28min
March 08, 2025 Episode 1- Why is it so hard to build in California
In today’s episode, we launch the season topic “Why is it so hard to build in California” and kick things off with a discussion around costs, permits, timing and other project killers that make building in California as daunting as it comes.
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27min

FAQs about Architecting in Stilettos:

How many episodes does Architecting in Stilettos have?

The podcast currently has 4 episodes available.