How we Design Fire-Resistant Houses:

To begin, no house is “fireproof”.  We employ proven methods and thoughtful design to create a fire-resistant home and surrounding environment. The simple fact is California has mandated fire resistant buildings since 2008. Defensible space requirements have been around even longer in many fire prone areas such as Malibu, Santa Barbara and Carmel.

Statistically, Homes built after 2008 are nearly 50% less likely to be destroyed by wildfire than older homes

We at Ampdesign Inc. have many years of firsthand experience in designing specifically for the specialized conditions in Very High Fire Zones in coastal areas. 

Andrew Matt and his team at Ampdesign Inc are a full-service architecture firm. That means we are with you every step of the way. From the first meeting to discuss options for design concepts or strategy for rebuilding, through permitting and construction, up until the day you move in. We have over 20 years of experience designing residences in fire sensitive regions throughout the western united states. 

Fire Rebuild FAQ

Rebuilding After a Wildfire

Losing a home to fire is overwhelming. Our goal is to guide you through the rebuilding process with clarity, transparency, and thoughtful design. Below are answers to the most common questions homeowners have after a wildfire.

Where do I start after a fire destroys my home?

The first step is understanding what your insurance policy allows you to rebuild. Most policies cover rebuilding the home you had before the fire, though many also allow upgrades to meet current building codes.

Once you have contacted your insurance provider and received initial guidance, an architect can help evaluate your site, review local rebuilding regulations, and begin planning the next steps.

Do I have to rebuild the exact same house?

Not necessarily.

In many wildfire rebuild situations, homeowners are allowed to:

  • Rebuild the same home

  • Modify the layout

  • Increase fire-resistant features

  • Update the design to meet current building codes

However, square footage or location on the property may be limited by local zoning and insurance coverage.

An architect can help determine what is possible within these constraints.

How long does the rebuilding process take?

While every project is different, a typical timeline is:

  • 2–4 months: Design and architectural plans

  • 2–6 months: Permitting and approvals

  • 8–14 months: Construction

Many wildfire rebuild projects move faster because local jurisdictions often streamline permitting for fire victims.

Can I rebuild something more fire-resistant?

Yes—and it is strongly recommended.

Modern rebuilding standards often include:

  • Non-combustible roofing

  • Tempered glass windows

  • Ember-resistant vents

  • Fire-resistant siding

  • Defensible landscaping

These upgrades dramatically improve a home’s ability to survive future wildfires.

Will my insurance cover architectural services?

Most insurance policies include “architectural and engineering fees” as part of the rebuild costs. The exact amount varies by policy.

We regularly work with homeowners and insurance providers to ensure design services align with policy coverage.

What if I lost my original house plans?

This is very common after wildfires.

We can usually recreate your home using:

  • County records

  • Property photos

  • Satellite imagery

  • Previous real estate listings

  • Your own recollections of the layout

From there we rebuild the design and improve it for current codes and fire resilience.

Do I need to hire an architect, or can I just hire a contractor?

While some homeowners begin directly with a contractor, working with an architect provides several advantages:

  • A design tailored to your needs and property

  • Independent representation during construction

  • Clear documentation for permits and insurance

  • Integration of modern fire-resistant building strategies

Architects help ensure the rebuilt home is not only safe, but also better than what existed before.

Can I make improvements while rebuilding?

Yes. Rebuilding often creates a rare opportunity to improve the home.

Common upgrades include:

  • Larger kitchens

  • Better indoor-outdoor spaces

  • Energy-efficient systems

  • Solar readiness

  • Fire-resistant materials

We help homeowners balance improvements with insurance budgets.

Will my property have new building restrictions?

Possibly.

Since your original home was built, building codes may have changed. Common updates include:

  • Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fire codes

  • Updated energy efficiency requirements

  • Modern structural standards

  • New setback or zoning rules. Some of these may be waived depending on design. 

Part of our job is navigating these regulations for you.

How do we begin working together?

The first step is an initial consultation where we:

  1. Review your property and site conditions

  2. Discuss your insurance situation

  3. Identify rebuilding opportunities

  4. Outline a clear next-step plan

From there we develop architectural plans and guide you through permitting and construction.

Rebuilding With Care

Rebuilding after a fire is about more than replacing what was lost. It’s an opportunity to create a safer, stronger, and more resilient home for the future.

If you’re beginning the rebuilding process, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.

Contact us to schedule a consultation.