ON WILDFIRE RECOVERY & REBUILDING

*Written by Pooja Bhagat, AIA – Principal, Pooja Bhagat Architects & Planners

Los Angeles faces a future of abandoned lots and economic displacement if we continue with a fragmented approach to rebuilding. There just aren’t enough funds to build it all back. Instead, we can turn devastation into opportunity, attract investment, and rebuild stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.

Here’s what I’d like to see implemented under an emergency ruling in addition to the Fast-Track Rebuilding- clearer steps and assigned navigators for homeowners for all rebuilding projects.

1. Insurance & Financial Support – City-led negotiations with insurers for simplified claims, plus access to loans and PPP financing. Homeowners should be able to commingle dwelling units and personal property funds toward rebuilding and they should be able to expedite all rebuilding affected by the fires. PPP models can offer homeowners financing to build more and keep their property while adding saleable or rentable space on the property. Insurance should not dictate like for like- but pay for the development criterion pre-disaster.

2. Flexible Development Standards – End “like-for-like” restrictions, allow density incentives and embrace ADUs, SB9, and small-lot housing. This is an opportunity to build and build back better and more and provide a platform for regulated private funding and development platforms to help owners rebuild. We are facing a housing crisis. We have to rebuild- why can’t solve for both?

3. Cleanup & Infrastructure Upgrades –provide mass soil testing, ALTA surveys, and pre-approved foundation designs for typical two-story type dwellings where appropriate. Why do we need 17000 soil reports and ALTA surveys?

4. Preventing Displacement – Create a city-backed land trust or buyout program for homeowners unable to afford to rebuild, preventing land speculation and opening the opportunity for Density bonuses for affordable housing.

5. Workforce & Cost Adjustments – Expand construction training, adjust wage requirements, and fast-track third-party inspections for those who can take on the liability

6. Fire-Resilient & Sustainable Design – Mandate code-required fire-resistant materials, provide pre-approved home designs, and partner with resilient design experts for a clear code-mandated cost-effective approach to neighborhood-wide resilient master planning.

7. Coordinated Task Force – Replace fragmented leadership with a single task force to oversee all efforts. County, City, State- how many jurisdictions and processes are we seeing here? We need to simplify the process.

The list above has many initiatives that can be broken down into many actionable tasks. Los Angeles- a fragmented region of multiple agencies needs to come together to make this easier.

Rebuilding smarter isn’t just possible—it’s necessary. The time to act is now. This is a time to come together, collaborate, and cooperate.

Would love to hear your comments!

#RebuildLA #FireResilience #SustainableDesign

*Disclaimer: The advice and perspectives shared here belong to the author and should not be considered official recommendations from AIA Los Angeles.

Pooja Bhagat, AIA – Principal, Pooja Bhagat Architects & Planners

Pooja Bhagat, AIA, LEED AP, is the founding principal of Pooja Bhagat Architects & Planners, a Los Angeles–based design studio specializing in residential and educational projects. Her work is grounded in the belief that every design decision—whether in form, material, or spatial flow—should serve a clear purpose, and contribute to creating extraordinary spaces that are both beautiful and highly functional. With over 25 years of experience, her practice works across single-family, multi-family, and school projects—each guided by a commitment to thoughtful, human-centered design that strengthens communities and elevates the everyday experience.

Pooja’s work is rooted in the belief that architecture can be a tool for positive social, cultural, and environmental change. She brings deep expertise in innovative planning and design, as well as managing complex teams, client relationships, and entitlement processes. Her projects often engage communities, integrate sustainable strategies, and contribute meaningfully to the urban fabric. In response to the devastating 2025 wildfires, her firm is actively supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts throughout Los Angeles.

Prior to launching her firm, Pooja held leadership roles at Abode Communities, the City of Santa Monica, and Moore Ruble Yudell Architects & Planners. She has led the design and delivery of award-winning multi-family housing, institutional facilities, and mixed-use developments, including the SEED LA Public Charter Boarding High School for Transient Youth and Ocean Avenue South Mixed Use Multifamily in Santa Monica.

A long-time advocate for equity in architecture, she co-founded the AIA|LA Women in Architecture Committee, co-led the Powerful Conference and currently serves as 2025 President of Architecture for Communities Los Angeles (ACLA) and as Land Use Chair of the Del Rey Neighborhood Council. She holds degrees from the Sushant School of Art and Architecture in India and SCI-Arc in Los Angeles and is a licensed architect in California.