Building Type: - Single-family home
- Multi-family residential
- ADU
Fire Recovery area architect is available to work in: - Altadena
- Pacific Palisades
- Malibu
Project scope architect offers for fire recovery: - New Home from New Design
- Rebuild Previous Home with Changes or Upgrades
Project size: - 2000 sq ft or Less
- 2001 sq ft to 5000 sq ft
- 5001 sq ft or More
Sustainability Expertise & Credentials
Sustainability Expertise: Yes
Sustainability Expertise & Credentials: Resilient + Fire-Rebuild Leadership
Extensive experience guiding homeowners and HOAs through post-disaster rebuilds in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Venice. Knowledge of California’s Executive Orders (e.g. EO-6 self-certification) and streamlined permitting pathways, with a focus on balancing immediate rebuild needs and long-term resilience.
Sustainable Design Integration
Specialize in high-performance residential and boutique commercial projects that incorporate passive cooling, daylighting strategies, and natural ventilation to minimize energy loads. Proven record of designing homes and tenant improvements that exceed baseline Title 24 requirements.
Material & Systems Expertise
Deep familiarity with fire-resistant assemblies, low-embodied carbon materials, and innovative cladding systems (Corten, wood siding with fire treatment, exposed steel and concrete). Regular collaboration with MEP consultants to integrate energy-efficient mechanical systems, all-electric infrastructure, and renewable readiness.
Urban + Landscape Sensitivity
Practice centers on harmonizing built form with Southern California’s coastal and hillside ecologies. Projects often feature water-conserving landscapes, permeable hardscapes, and indoor-outdoor continuity that encourages biophilic connection while supporting stormwater management.
• Professional Affiliations
• Licensed Architect in California (AIA Member).
• Active participant in Crest Real Estate’s Case Study 2.0 initiative, showcasing sustainable fire-rebuild strategies.
• Contributor to local design networks focused on climate resilience, coastal adaptation, and community rebuilding.
Fire Resiliency Experience: Yes
Fire Resiliency Experience Details: Via Cielito – Thomas Fire Rebuild – Led the design and rebuild process for a hillside residence destroyed in the 2017 Thomas Fire, navigating complex
Ventura hillside zoning, WUI standards, and insurance coordination to deliver a resilient new home.
Post-Disaster Rebuild Leadership – Guided multiple homeowners and HOAs in Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and Venice through fire-rebuild processes, balancing urgent recovery timelines with long-term resiliency strategies.
Executive Order Expertise – Skilled in leveraging California’s Executive Orders (EO-6, EO-8) for streamlined permitting, self-certification, and expedited plan check approvals.
Resilient Design Strategies – Extensive use of fire-resistant assemblies, non-combustible cladding, hardened detailing, and defensible space integration to meet and exceed Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) standards.
Insurance & Entitlement Coordination – Experienced in aligning architectural scope with insurance coverage, entitlement processes, and client recovery needs.
Community Networks – Active in collaborative rebuild initiatives such as Crest Real Estate’s Case Study 2.0, documenting and advancing sustainable fire-rebuild approaches across Southern California.
Contact Person: Ed Millán
Address: 606 Venice Blvd.
90291
Architect Member or Associate* Member
Architect AIA Member: Yes
