Architecting in Stilettos

Episode 10 (Housing Laws Series) - SB79 - Nine-Stories Tall and Right Next Door

In Episode 9, we talked about the wave of housing laws already reshaping California—and the bigger question of where growth should go. This week, we’re stepping into what happens when one of those laws, SB 79, lands right at your doorstep. This isn’t just a professional discussion for us—both Katie and Arlene are homeowners in neighborhoods that could be directly impacted. In Episode 10 of Architecting in Stilettos, we’re unpacking what SB 79 really means, not just as architects or potential developers, but as people who live on these streets too. We’re not here to panic or preach—we’re here to talk honestly about density, design, and how neighborhoods adapt when the rules change. To help keep all of this in context, we’re also including a cheat-sheet worksheet that places these newer laws alongside previously approved housing legislation—so it’s easier to keep the facts straight and see how different rules can be stacked for maximum impact on real sites. View our worksheet here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/exy4parf8eginthwa1kw7/2025-CA_Housing_Laws_Cheat_Sheet_amkSTUDIO.pdf?rlkey=n6lf749vvki6w6489y33686us&dl=0 [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/exy4parf8eginthwa1kw7/2025-CA_Housing_Laws_Cheat_Sheet_amkSTUDIO.pdf?rlkey=n6lf749vvki6w6489y33686us&dl=0]

Episode 9 (Housing Laws Series) - California’s Housing Reset: What Just Happened?

California didn’t just pass a housing bill — it passed nearly 30 of them. And the ripple effects are already showing up in our neighborhoods. In Episode 9 of Architecting in Stilettos, we break down what actually changed — from SB 9 lot splits and parking-free housing under AB 2097, to CEQA reform with AB 130 and small-lot development under SB 684 and SB 1123. This isn’t an anti-housing rant or a neighborhood panic button. It’s a clear-headed look at where California is headed — and the bigger question of where growth should really go.

Episode 8 - "A Rabbi and a Priest walk into a bar..."

Today’s episode is titled “A Rabbi and a Priest Walk Into a Bar.” It’s a playful way of looking at something very real: the spaces we design—be it a synagogue, a church, a nightclub, or venue—often share more in common than you’d expect. In light of the heartbreaking events in Bondi Beach, we’ve been reminded that honoring our differences begins with understanding our common ground. Our clients—who lead communities, host celebrations, create sacred moments—are the real heroes. And we’re just here to help shape the space where those connections happen.

Episode 7 (Wildfire Series) - Beyond the Flames: A (retired) Fire Chief’s Perspective on Prevention

🎙️ Welcome to Episode 7 of Architecting in Stilettos – Wildfire Recovery Series finale. Today, we’re joined by Scott Wiedensohler, a recently retired Division Chief with the Orange County Fire Authority and a seasoned leader with over 30 years of fire service experience in both Operations and Community Risk Reduction. Born and raised in Southern California, Scott is a mission-driven leader known for team building, critical thinking, and his ability to connect the dots between frontline needs and long-term planning. He’s been married for 26 years, is a proud father of two, and has built a career around ensuring that communities—and the professionals who serve them—are safer, more prepared, and better informed. Scott now serves as a fire-hardening consultant with Proactive Fire Solutions, a team of fire service professionals offering decades of expertise in fire prevention, community planning, and emergency operations. Their mission is to provide smart, code-informed solutions to architects, designers, engineers, contractors, HOAs, and homeowners in an increasingly fire-prone California. Check their brochure out here https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ztcxzjpfy3qpynmob69yc/Proactive-Fire-Solutions-PFS.pdf?rlkey=ekfgwvxq165jjeu7t9vp0m1gq&dl=0 [https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ztcxzjpfy3qpynmob69yc/Proactive-Fire-Solutions-PFS.pdf?rlkey=ekfgwvxq165jjeu7t9vp0m1gq&dl=0] From defensible space planning to fuel modification, fire master plans, fire behavior modeling, and more—Scott and the team at Proactive Fire Solutions are helping reshape how communities build and rebuild with safety in mind.

Episode 6 (Wildfire Series) - Where do we go from here? Strategizing your rebuild after the fires, with Mike Nalbandian

🎧 Episode 6: Where Do We Go From Here? Strategizing a Rebuild or Sale after the January Fires with Mike Nalbandian, Realtor & Experienced Banker Recorded in April 2025, just a few months after the devastating January wildfires in Southern California, this episode tackles a critical question faced by so many displaced homeowners: How do I land on my feet again? Our guest, Mike Nalbandian, DRE, NMLS, brings a unique and deeply relevant perspective. A Southern California local and seasoned real estate agent at Equity Union Real Estate, Mike also comes from an extensive background in mortgage lending, finance, and executive banking. His mission? Helping clients make objective, informed, and emotionally balanced decisions—whether they're rebuilding, relocating, or considering a sale. In this episode, we discuss: * 🏡 Rebuilding vs. selling: how to evaluate both options financially and emotionally * 💵 Loan packages and financial tools available after a natural disaster * 🔍 What homeowners need to consider when re-entering the housing market * 💡 How to think clearly—and strategically—after losing your home Whether you're navigating your own post-disaster recovery, supporting someone who is, or just want to understand what it takes to bounce back, this episode will give you grounded insight and next steps. Mike can be reached at realestatebymiken@gmail.com [realestatebymiken@gmail.com] and through his website at https://mikenalbandian.com/ [https://mikenalbandian.com/]