Rebuilding LA After the Fires

Is it better to sell your burned lot or rebuild and stay? Hear real numbers, real strategies, and a creative “land contribution” model that lets homeowners keep upside without writing massive checks up front.

In this episode, Jan, Dylan, and Conor discuss:

• The founding of Village Rebuild and its mission to help restore the Pacific Palisades community
• Their real estate backgrounds and how the fires motivated them to shift into rebuilding homes
• The three different rebuilding models they offer: GC services, spec development, and land contribution partnerships
• How the land contribution model helps homeowners rebuild even when insurance proceeds are delayed

Key Takeaways: 

• Village Rebuild was created by two real estate professionals who wanted to help restore the Palisades responsibly. Their goal is to rebuild homes while preserving the character and architectural diversity of the community.
• The company offers multiple development pathways to meet homeowners where they are financially and emotionally. This flexibility allows families to rebuild even when insurance payouts or construction capital are uncertain.
• The land contribution model allows homeowners to retain equity in their property without funding the entire rebuild themselves. By contributing the land to the project, they become partners in the development and share in the eventual outcome.
• Rebuilding costs vary widely depending on lot complexity and design requirements. Custom homes can range from roughly $600 to $800 per square foot, depending on finishes, terrain, and architectural goals.

“If you're going to do it, our advice is to get started.” – Dylan Hart

“I think what a lot of people don't talk about is how encouraging it has been. I think a lot of the subcontractors are willing to really lend advice.” – Conor O’Donovan

About the Guests:

Dylan Hart is a co-founder of Village Rebuild, bringing real estate private equity and development experience along with deep roots in the Pacific Palisades community, where he was born and raised. He previously worked at Caruso Affiliated on the redevelopment of Palisades Village and the Rosewood Miramar Beach hotel, helped launch a $225 million cannabis-focused real estate platform at Subversive REIT LP, and later served as Vice President of Acquisitions at Avenue Capital Group. Dylan holds a bachelor’s degree in real estate from NYU and an MBA from Columbia Business School, and serves as a Pacific Palisades neighborhood Block Captain.

Conor O’Donovan is a co-founder of Village Rebuild, where he leads investment structuring and development integration to deliver high-quality homes that preserve the Palisades community. Previously, he worked on the real assets team at ICONIQ Capital and earlier at Goldman Sachs and Eastdil Secured, focusing on real estate acquisitions, development, and capital markets. Over his career, he has executed more than $8 billion in transactions across multifamily, industrial, and office properties, and holds a finance degree from Loyola Marymount University.

Connect with Dylan Hart:

Website: https://www.villagerebuild.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-hart-34a682b4/ 

Connect with Conor O’Donovan:

Website: https://www.villagerebuild.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conortodonovan/ 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Geoffrey von Oeyen is an award-winning architect and Associate Professor of Practice at the USC School of Architecture. A graduate of Stanford University, the University of Cambridge (Fulbright Scholar), and the Harvard Graduate School of Design, he previously worked for seven years with Frank Gehry in Los Angeles before founding Geoffrey von Oeyen Design and Von Oeyen Architects. His work focuses on innovative, resilient architecture, and in recent years, he has become a leading voice in wildfire-resistant design following the total loss of a family home in the 2018 Woolsey Fire.

In this episode, Jan and Geoffrey discuss:

• Geoffrey’s personal experience losing a newly completed Malibu home in the 2018 Woolsey Fire
• Why wildfire is no longer a fringe issue but an urban and global reality
• The role of IBHS and the Wildfire Prepared Home certification in rebuilding safer homes
• Practical strategies for hardening existing homes, from landscaping to vent protection

Key Takeaways: 

• Wildfire is no longer a rare event affecting isolated communities. It is an urban challenge that demands new thinking about how we design neighborhoods, homes, and public policy.
• Homeowners already have access to actionable tools like the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home checklist. From defensible space to ember-resistant vents, small changes can dramatically improve survivability.
• Resilient rebuilding is not just about individual homes. Fire-resistant construction protects entire neighborhoods by preventing structure-to-structure ignition.
• New building technologies, such as insulated concrete panel systems, offer promising alternatives to traditional stick-frame construction. These systems can improve fire resistance, seismic performance, and long-term durability.

“The most important takeaway is that this is the future. This is the world we live in.” – Geoffrey von Oeyen

Connect with Geoffrey von Oeyen:

Website: https://www.vonoeyen.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-von-oeyen-584a889/

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Amy Bach is a nationally recognized insurance consumer advocate and attorney who has been championing policyholders’ rights since 1985. She co-founded United Policyholders in 1991 and serves as its Executive Director and primary spokesperson, leading programs such as Roadmap to Recovery™, Roadmap to Preparedness, and Advocacy and Action to help individuals navigate insurance and disaster recovery. Amy is an expert on insurance claims, coverage, law, and public policy, currently serving her second term on the Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance and as an official Consumer Representative to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. She also sits on the Fire Victim Trust Oversight Committee and the Redwood Credit Union Services Group Associate Board, and is widely featured in national media. An accomplished author, her works include The Disaster Recovery Handbook and WISE UP: The Savvy Consumer’s Guide to Buying Insurance, and her honors include NAPIA Person of the Year and Money Magazine’s “Money Hero.”

In this episode, Jan and Amy discuss:

• The founding of United Policyholders and its role as a consumer advocacy nonprofit
• Valuation disputes between homeowners and insurers over rebuild costs
• The emotional and practical imbalance between individuals and insurance companies
• Building fire-resilient homes to improve future insurability

Key Takeaways: 

• A large majority of fire survivors discover they do not have enough dwelling coverage to rebuild their homes. In the LA fires, underinsurance rates appear significantly higher than in previous wildfire disasters.
• Disputes over reconstruction cost estimates are increasing as material prices, labor shortages, and economic conditions drive rebuilding costs upward. These disagreements complicate the claims process and can affect how quickly homeowners move toward resolution.
• Smoke contamination claims are occurring at unprecedented levels due to the materials that burned and heightened health awareness. Homeowners are pushing back more forcefully when insurers declare homes safe prematurely.
• Insurance markets in California are under strain, creating tension between consumer protections and insurer participation. Policymakers are exploring reforms while advocates warn about access and affordability risks.

“We empower the insured with information so that people can make good decisions, be their own best advocates, and get what they paid for.” – Amy Bach

Connect with Amy Bach:

Website: https://uphelp.org/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bach-8a76842/ 

Help library for LA wildfire-impacted households: https://uphelp.org/disaster-recovery-help/2025cawildfires/ 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Jennifer Gray Thompson is a nationally recognized leader in wildfire recovery and resilience, and a fierce advocate for disaster survivors. Named a Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact Leader, she is the founder and CEO of After the Fire USA, a survivor-led, survivor-focused nonprofit advancing equitable recovery from megafires nationwide. After the 2017 North Bay Fires, she transformed a small local effort into a national model supporting communities after catastrophic fire. Jennifer was instrumental in delivering more than $6 billion in federal tax relief for disaster survivors. A former high school teacher and public administrator, she designs survivor-centered recovery systems, advises federal policy, and hosts the How to Disaster podcast, spotlighting leaders who know how recovery actually works.

In this episode, Jan and Jennifer discuss:

• How mega fires have increased dramatically and reshaped disaster recovery in the U.S.
• The mission of After the Fires USA is to support local leaders after disasters
• Why collaboration between jurisdictions and leaders is essential in LA’s recovery
• The limits of philanthropy versus the role of federal disaster funding

Key Takeaways: 

• Mega fires are becoming more frequent and complex, requiring new models of coordination and leadership. Communities must rely on collaboration rather than waiting for a single hero or agency to solve recovery.
• Philanthropy can help with targeted needs, but it cannot replace federal disaster funding at the scale required. Public systems must function properly for recovery to be equitable and complete.
• Building back to wildfire-prepared standards, including Zone Zero defensible space, is essential for future insurability and safety. These measures are practical and can still be implemented in ways that are visually appealing.
• Trauma significantly affects how survivors make decisions in the first year after a disaster. Understanding this emotional reality is key to providing ethical support and avoiding exploitation.

“There is no one group or person; no one is a hero or a savior. The community itself is the hero and savior.” – Jennifer Gray Thompson

Connect with Jennifer Gray Thompson:

How to Disaster Podcast

Website: https://www.howtodisaster.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HowtoDisasterPodcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howtodisaster

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-disaster/id1556177625

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6qf4grpRpMbegzl56vM4fM

Audible: https://www.audible.com/podcast/How-to-Disaster/B08JJQ4MWC

After the Fire USA

Website: https://afterthefireusa.org

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@afterthefireusa

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afterthefireusa

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afterthefireusa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AfterTheFireUSA

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Shah was co-head of Cityview’s development and acquisitions in the Western US. He has 27 years of experience in real estate investment, development, design, construction, and asset management. Previously, Devang was the principal of Marketcents Inc., an independent project management firm, serving as an owner’s representative to investment firms, builders, and developers. Prior to that, he worked as Vice-President at RCLCo, LLC, a national independent real estate consulting firm. Today, Devang is applying his deep industry expertise through Genesis Builders to help homeowners rebuild faster, safer, and more affordably in wildfire-affected communities like Altadena.

In this episode, Jan and Devang discuss:

• The origin story behind Genesis Builders after the January 7 wildfires
• Pre-approved home designs and streamlined permitting in Altadena
• Fire-resistant building standards and insurance-driven construction requirements
• ADUs as a cost-effective add-on during the rebuilding process

Key Takeaways: 

• By leveraging long-standing subcontractor relationships and economies of scale, Genesis Builders can lower per-square-foot costs compared to traditional custom homes. This makes rebuilding achievable even for homeowners with limited insurance proceeds.
• Pre-approved plans significantly shorten the approval process, allowing homeowners to move from decision to completed home in roughly 16 months. This speed is critical given insurance “loss of use” time limits.
• Fire resistance is a central design priority, with homes exceeding California Chapter 7A requirements and aligning closely with insurance-backed wildfire safety standards.
• ADUs become far more affordable when built alongside the primary residence, since many soft costs are already absorbed. This has led to strong adoption of ADUs among rebuilding homeowners.

“You could be nine months in with a permit in hand and realize you can’t even afford the home. With ours, architectural and structural is already included.” – Devang Shah

Connect with Devang Shah:

Website: http://www.genesisbuildersla.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devang-shah-re/ 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Sue Kohl is President of the Pacific Palisades Community Council and a local realtor serving as Assistant Manager at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. A top producer since 1989, she’s recognized as one of the best Realtors in Pacific Palisades, and has been effectively representing both sellers and buyers in sales and purchases of single-family homes and condominiums. Sue lost her own home in the January 2025 Palisades Fire. She's now navigating the rebuilding process firsthand while helping her community recover. Sue brings both personal experience and professional insight into what it takes to rebuild LA after the fires.

In this episode, Jan and Sue discuss:

• The mission and structure of the Pacific Palisades Community Council
• Insurance struggles, rebuilding costs, and utility infrastructure issues
• Efforts to underground power lines and modernize infrastructure
• City governance, emergency orders, and the role of local leadership in recovery

Key Takeaways: 

• The Pacific Palisades Community Council serves as the voice of the community, advocating to the city and state government on residents’ behalf.
• The community faces high costs and technical hurdles in efforts to underground utilities for future safety.
• Concerns over housing density remain high due to evacuation and accessibility issues during emergencies.
• Sue emphasizes the importance of preserving the Palisades’ character and community feel, even amid redevelopment.

“The main mission of the Community Council is really to be a voice for Pacific Palisades. A voice gathering info from the residents, a voice providing information for the residents, and most importantly, a voice in which we communicate to civic and government leaders.” - Sue Kohl

Connect with Sue Kohl:

Website: https://pacpalicc.org/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suekohl/ 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Leo Marmol, FAIA, is the Founder of the architect-led design-build practice Marmol Radziner, established in 1989 with Ron Radziner, FAIA. With a guiding hand in every project from concept to completion, Leo works closely with studio directors and construction teams to ensure seamless design execution. A passionate advocate for architectural preservation, he frequently lectures on architecture and historic restoration and has led tours showcasing Southern California’s mid-century Modernist treasures. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University with a degree in Architecture and a minor in Philosophy, Leo was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 2007 and inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame in 2009.

In this episode, Jan and Leo discuss:

• How Marmol Radziner evolved from a small partnership to one of Los Angeles’s most respected architecture firms
• The challenges of rebuilding homes in fire zones and the complexities of California’s approval process
• The impact of bureaucracy, CEQA, and NIMBYism on California’s housing crisis
• How leadership, legislation, and community action can drive more attainable and sustainable housing development

Key Takeaways: 

• Bureaucratic inefficiency and overregulation severely delay construction and drive up housing costs.
• Community support for density and sustainability is essential to solving California’s housing crisis.
• The expedited permitting process for fire rebuilds proves that faster, more efficient systems are possible.
• Real change requires political diversity, professional expertise, and the courage to streamline housing policy.

“Housing is a fundamental need. I think it is a human right. We are failing to provide our children the opportunity to have economic growth and afford housing.” - Leo Marmol

Connect with Leo Marmol:

Website: https://www.marmol-radziner.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-marmol/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leonardo_e_marmol/ 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Kimberlina Whettam is a seasoned real estate development leader with a proven track record guiding projects from concept through completion. She specializes in due diligence research, entitlement management, public hearings, and development permits, leveraging her strong government and industry relationships to secure timely, cost-effective approvals. Previously, she served as Chief Planning & Environmental Deputy for Los Angeles City Councilmember Jack Weiss, where she launched the city’s Green Building Incentive Program and secured community support for the Van Nuys Airport Masterplan. Kimberlina’s company, Kimberlina Whettam & Associates (KW&A), is managing several projects in the fire zones.

In this episode, Jan and Kimberlina discuss:

• The role of permit expediting and land use consulting in LA development
• How executive orders changed rebuilding timelines after the fires
• The challenges of non-conforming structures and rebuilding policies
• Shifts in development activity, tariff and cost implications, and investment trends across LA

Key Takeaways: 

• Ministerial approvals now make the permit process much faster than before.
• Policies were updated so homeowners can rebuild their non-conforming houses without losing what they had.
• Unlike single-family homes, commercial projects have not yet been granted the same streamlined path.
• Development has slowed in LA due to several factors, like homeowner sentiment, environmental concern, and new policies affecting developers, among others.

“I feel really confident that this is happening and it will happen, and to get in the game, to get in there and start pushing, push, push, push, all of us pushing. It's gonna happen. We put a man on the moon. We can do this.” - Kimberlina Whettam

Connect with Kimberlina Whettam:

Website: https://www.kwhettam.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlina-whettam-174b05205/ 

Resources & Contacts:

Christopher Carlin [email protected]  & [email protected] 

Case Study 2.0: XTEN Architecture Scott Utterstrom [email protected] 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Randy Balik brings over 25 years of expertise in demolition, remediation, and environmental services. Randy is the executive vice president and co-owner of OFRS, an industrial and commercial remedial construction company that is now providing its services to areas affected by the wildfire in the Pacific Palisades. Randy’s work after the fires has been featured in the L.A. Business Journal and the L.A. Times. 

Randy has served on the boards of the Professional Environmental Management Association (PEMA), where he was President, and the Western States Petroleum Association Associates (WSPA Associates), where he is now Chairman Emeritus.

In this episode, Jan and Randy discuss:

• Randy’s career in environmental science and oil field reclamation, and how he got involved in residential work after the fires
• Key contaminants: asbestos, heavy metals, arsenic, and dioxins
• Costs, permitting, and insurance challenges in rebuilding
• The future of communities like the Palisades and their recovery

Key Takeaways: 

• Randy emphasizes that OFRS approaches residential fire cleanup with the same precision as industrial projects, ensuring every property undergoes full soil sampling and remediation for safety.
• The most concerning long-term risks stem from metals like lead, arsenic, and chromium, which can persist in the soil even after standard debris removal.
• While the price tag for comprehensive cleanup may seem high, many homeowners can leverage insurance to cover much of the cost, ultimately buying peace of mind.
• Beyond the cleanup itself, Randy points out that slow permitting processes and inadequate environmental testing remain two of the biggest barriers to safe and timely rebuilding.

“I really do hope Palisades comes back, and to come back, that's going to take some smart decisions by both existing property owners rebuilding and developers coming in. Don't be afraid of it. You know, spend a little bit of money. Make sure you know what's there. Be safe about it, and let's move forward. I believe the Palisades can come back very strong if people make the right decisions, and that includes our public agencies, supporting the effort.” - Randy Balik

Connect with Randy Balik:

Website: https://www.ofrsinc.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/randy-balik-898bbb4/  

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Kennedy Zak is an award-winning journalist at the Los Angeles Business Journal, bringing deep expertise in economics, housing, local government, and wildfire recovery—especially her powerful series on the Altadena and Pasadena fires. With bylines across outlets like the Glendale News-Press, Burbank Leader, Dallas Morning News, and Annenberg Media, she blends nimble reporting with thoughtful insight. Zak’s storytelling highlights how financial hardship, policy shifts, and community resilience intersect—a perspective rooted in rigorous reporting and local context. Whether unpacking insurance shortfalls or examining recovery systems in crisis, she brings clarity, compassion, and a sharp lens to the evolving challenges of Southern California.

In this episode, Jan and Kennedy discuss:

• Kennedy’s journey into journalism and her focus on real estate and housing in LA
• Southern California’s affordability crisis and generational housing challenges
• Insurance shortfalls are hitting homeowners after the Altadena and Pasadena fires
• Cost-cutting rebuilds solutions like economies of scale, modular housing, and AI design
• How community leadership, partnerships, and government shape recovery

Key Takeaways: 

• Kennedy Zak uses her journalist’s perspective to connect the dots between finance, politics, and community issues in the housing crisis. Her reporting highlights how these forces intertwine to shape Los Angeles’ future.
• The Altadena and Pasadena fires exposed billion-dollar insurance gaps, leaving families with staggering rebuild shortfalls of $300,000 to $900,000 each. This financial strain has become one of the greatest obstacles to recovery.
• Cutting-edge building methods are offering hope—modular construction, AI-driven design, and bulk neighborhood contracting are helping bring per-square-foot costs down. These approaches could redefine what affordable rebuilding looks like.
• Surprisingly, neighbors have emerged as the most trusted leaders in recovery efforts. Community-driven organizing has proven just as critical as institutional guidance in keeping rebuilding momentum alive.
• Moving forward, collaboration between public agencies, private finance, and local organizations may be the key to success. Creative solutions like rebuilding credit lines and hybrid housing models could fill critical gaps while addressing LA’s broader housing needs.

“Home ownership currently in LA County is at a 53-year low, and only about 45% of residents own the home that they're living in. A lot of the people I've been speaking with, that is their focus. But I do know that there's a lot of lots being built and people who just want to cut their losses and move on, rather than go through this kind of uncertain process.”

- Kennedy Zak

Kennedy Zak’s wildfire articles:

• https://labusinessjournal.com/featured/homes-made-by-robots/ (August)
• https://labusinessjournal.com/real-estate/research-fire-displacement-hits-westside-oc/  (August)
• https://labusinessjournal.com/real-estate/builder-altadena-residents-unite /  (August)
• https://labusinessjournal.com/real-estate/case-study-2-0-mission-to-rebuild/  (July)
• https://labusinessjournal.com/featured/how-effectively-will-calassist-help/  (June)

Connect with Kennedy Zak:

Website: https://www.kennedyzak.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedy-zak-0a03aa1a9/ 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: [email protected] 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Angelo Paul Tagama

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.