In our latest From the Tap podcast, we spoke with Aaron Leshtz and Harper Halprin, founders of the LA-based architecture and design firm AAHA Studio on an increasingly timely topic: how to navigate rebuilding in the wake of a fire with both existing and new clients.
The conversation opens with learning how the AAHA team dealt with the communication disruptions that occurred in the aftermath of the Altadena and Pacific Palisades fires.
In some cases, AAHA checked in with past clients who had homes in the affected areas, while in others, it was the clients who initiated the conversation. The architects offered space to homeowners who needed it, and emotional support to all.
Aaron & Harper started a Slack channel, organizing important post-fire information and official updates in a single place to help the architecture community more efficiently deal with the flood of disparate emails and Zoom calls that was emanating from diverse authority sources (building departments, executive orders from state and local government officials, realtor information, land use updates).
The conversation moves on to how designers can help their clients with filing insurance claims. AAHA now routinely allocates several hours of time to this service. They explain how their project files and photographic records – documenting both construction conditions and the finished, furnished home – have been useful and appreciated resources by their clients.
Next, the talk focuses on how the project priorities of clients are changing in view of the increasing frequency of fires and floods across the country and the world.
Finally, the architects outline positive takeaways from this massive rebuilding – including developments in urban planning, environmental regulations, building systems and materials – that can empower other design pros who may be dealing with natural disasters in their own localities.
To learn more, listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets.
