AMK Studio

amk STUDIO

Architecture and Planning

“…Arlene & Katie have completed several projects for me over the years. Their knowledge, creativity, and professionalism is 2nd to none….The single most important thing for me on my projects is to get the design correct....2nd to NONE.”
Scott Reinhardt - General Contractor

Unique details

We help our adventurous clients build luxury custom homes

“We love our new home. We receive comments daily about the design and how beautiful the house looks. The flow and style are exactly what we were hoping for. Thank you …”
Ken and Eileen Jacobs - (Repeat) Clients

Curated style

We help our adventurous clients build apartments

“… They listened …were flexible, and always respectful of our wishes. We love the remodel, and everyone who comes into our home now…goes "Wow!!!" Would recommend to family and friends!!!”
Sylvia Yeh Palomino - Client

We help our adventurous clients

build luxury custom homes

build ambitious home additions

build infill housing

build townhomes

build small-lot housing

build apartments

build prefab/factory housing

build single family homes

build production communities

build mixed-use developments

How We Can Help You

Do you dream about a home crafted around you…personalized for your journey?

We design distinctive, timeless, & cool spaces for awesome people.

Are you curious about what to do with a piece of property, land or acreage?

Our discovery & collaborative design process empowers builders, developers, & aspiring homeowners to create vibrant innovative projects that enhance joy & well-being, for better homes & communities.

Not sure if you need an architect?

Let’s schedule a 15 minute call to chat & find out.

INSPIRE. EMPOWER. TRANSFORM

Let’s Talk

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Architecting in Stilettos

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 developers, entrepreneurs, non-profits, and luxury home builders who are struggling with the big 3: maximizing site value and profits, obtaining approvals, and creating the ideal solution that will best achieve their goals.
When the final design is as buildable as it is creative, joyful, green, and profitable, that’s the win-win we’re looking for.
This podcast is how we get there!
We share stories, focus on real world, behind the scenes challenges, and candid discussions, all while playing well with others…

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 California Governor 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 yvonne@sbaloans.ccsend.com

💰 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 abedros@libertycompany.com

📐 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.