When fires tore through Southern California, they left behind an almost unimaginable path of destruction; over 12,000 homes were lost, from Altadena to the Palisades to Topanga. For many, it was the single worst disaster their community had ever faced.
But in the ashes, there’s also resilience. At Miyamoto International, we’ve seen it firsthand. And we’re committed to turning that resilience into reality.
Why Fire Survivors Need More Than Just a Builder
After a disaster of this scale, homeowners face a maze of challenges:
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Finding and vetting architects and contractors
- Understanding design options and budgets
- Navigating permitting and timelines
Most people have never managed a construction project before—let alone while coping with trauma and displacement. That’s why our Fire Recovery & Rebuilding Experts offer total project management.
“We meet homeowners, understand their intent, communicate with insurance, and build a coordinated plan with architects, engineers, and contractors—all under one roof,” says Dr. Kit Miyamoto, CEO. “That’s how we keep the process under budget and on schedule.”
The Power of Speed in Recovery
Reconstruction is starting now, but experience tells us that demand for materials and labor will surge in the next 1–2 years. After other major disasters, inflation in construction costs has doubled projects’ budgets.
By starting design and permitting early, Miyamoto ensures homes are built before costs spike, often returning families to their homes within a year.
Fire-Resistant Homes, Built to Last
Rebuilding is more than replacing walls; it’s about building back better. Our engineers integrate proven fire-resistive features into every design:
- One-inch plaster/stucco envelope for a two-hour fire rating
- Dual-pane, heat-resistant windows
- Protected vents and penetrations to block embers
- Optional active systems like solar-powered water cannons
Each home’s design is tailored to its location. For example, ridge-top properties in Topanga face direct flames, while others are primarily at risk from windborne embers.
Lessons from Global Recovery Projects
From Haiti to Turkey, Miyamoto has rebuilt more than 20,000 homes after disasters. Our strategy:
- Group projects to create buying power for materials and contractors
- Step-by-step cost estimating during design to prevent budget overruns
- Community-focused planning to restore neighborhoods, not just houses
More Than a House: Rebuilding Community
For many homeowners, returning to the same land isn’t just about property—it’s about belonging.
This is our home, our neighbors, our friends,” says Dr. Kit Miyamoto. “We’re not outsiders. We live here. We’re rebuilding our community because it’s ours.”
This sense of place is powerful. Past fires show that roughly half of residents return to rebuild, keeping the community alive. And for many, an existing mortgage makes rebuilding more practical than buying elsewhere.
A Better Home Than Before
While most homeowners want their homes to look and feel familiar, this is also a rare chance to fix old problems:
- Smarter kitchen layouts
- Better circulation and natural light
- Modernized bathrooms
- Safer, more comfortable living spaces
It’s not just about recovering—it’s about improving.
The Goal: Home by Next Christmas
Our mission is simple: design and build quality, fire-resistant homes within budget, and return families to their homes by the following Christmas.
For those still facing uncertainty after the fires, know this: recovery is possible. And when it’s guided by expertise, compassion, and urgency, the results are homes and communities that are stronger than ever.
Ready to start your rebuild?
Visit our Fire Recovery & Rebuilding Experts page or call us today to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
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Questions? Contact us: Phone: +1 (213) 362-7778 Email: services@miyamotointernational.com
