Past rebuild testimonials.
The Thomas Fire families rebuilt eight years ago. Here is what they say about the process, now that they have lived in their new homes.
The Thomas Fire families rebuilt eight years ago. Here is what they say about the process, now that they have lived in their new homes.
David has guided over sixty families through post fire rebuilds across the Thomas Fire (2017 Ventura County), Woolsey Fire (2018 Malibu and Agoura), Mountain Fire (2024 Camarillo), and now Palisades Fire. The families from earlier fires have lived in their rebuilt homes for five to eight years now. Their feedback is the truest test of the process.
Below are unedited testimonials shared with written permission. If you want to speak directly to a past client, we can arrange a conversation. Many of our rebuild clients have volunteered to take those calls because they remember how overwhelming the early days felt.
"We worked with David through the Thomas Fire rebuild. The drawings were spotless, the plan check had zero corrections, and our contractor said it was the cleanest permit set he had ever built from." — Thomas Fire rebuild family, Ventura, 2018 to 2020.
"After losing our home in the Woolsey Fire, David helped us design a rebuild that was better than the original in every way. Seven years in, we still say it was the right decision to engage him early instead of later." — Woolsey Fire rebuild family, Malibu, 2019 to 2021.
"The Mountain Fire took our home in November 2024. We started working with David in January 2025. Our permit was issued in October 2025. Construction is on track. He has kept us oriented through every phase." — Mountain Fire rebuild family, Camarillo, 2025 (project in progress).
Past rebuild projects we can reference on request: names and specifics shared only with written permission. Ask us and we will facilitate a direct conversation with a past client who is comparable to your situation.
Our role on Pacific Palisades rebuild projects covers design, permit documentation, and construction administration. David Foote, Associate AIA, draws every project personally. No junior designer intermediaries. Forty years of California residential design, 1,532 completed homes.
We accept new Palisades Fire rebuild clients on a limited basis to preserve project quality. If your rebuild lot is in Pacific Palisades and you want to explore working with us, the next step is a free 90 minute consultation. Call (805) 444 1230 or email dcfoote@dcfoote.com. We respond within one business day.
Published hourly rate $350. Most rebuild projects quoted as fixed fee or percent of construction cost after initial scope is clear. Insurance often reimburses the design fee as a covered claim expense.
Yes. Several past clients have explicitly offered to take prospective client calls. We can facilitate a conversation within a week.
Yes. With the homeowner's permission, we arrange tours of completed rebuild projects. Usually one or two available per month.
Overwhelmingly yes, with specific reflections about things they would have done differently. The top reflection is "we should have engaged design help sooner."
Occasionally when the match was not right. We try to identify mismatches in the first meeting. In the cases where a project became strained, the common thread was misaligned expectations about fees, timeline, or communication pace, and we have tried to clarify these up front since.
Ninety minute consultation, no fee. We meet at our Camarillo office, your temporary housing, or your Pacific Palisades lot. From there, we decide together whether we are the right match for your rebuild.
David C. Foote, Principal Designer, Associate AIA. 40 years practicing residential design. 1,532 completed homes since 1986.