Architects in Wildfire Recovery

RSVP is required.

Architects in Wildfire Recovery

The architect's evolving role in wildfire disaster response and rebuild efforts

Communities across the western US have suffered from devastating wildfire disasters in recent years. Homeowners and local businesses must navigate insurance claims (including coverage shortfalls), existing and proposed regulations that may come into conflict, varying levels of infrastructure damage, and stressed government agencies. Many homeowners in particular have never worked with an architect or built their own home previously and have no idea what to expect for any part of the rebuild process. Cities and unincorporated county communities face very different challenges as well after the same wildfire disaster.

Architects play an important role in rebuild efforts and this webinar will present recommendations and lessons learned from the perspectives of AIA members who've been directly involved in recent wildfire responses in both suburban and rural Colorado areas and across the Los Angeles metro area. We'll cover how architects can help communities in the immediate aftermath of a wildfire and what to expect in the coming years. Local government officials will also join us to talk about the response and rebuild process from their perspective.

Attendees will leave this webinar better prepared to understand what to expect after a local wildfire. This will help you as a community member, as an architect serving clients affected by wildfires, or when donating time and expertise to help residents navigate an especially challenging time in their lives.

Panelists:

• Scott Rodwin, AIA; Boulder, CO residential architect involved in the 2021 Marshall Fire rebuild effort

• Kim Sanchez; Boulder County Deputy Planning Director who oversaw Marshall Fire home rebuilds in unincorporated county areas.

• Jessica Orlando, AIA; AIA Pasadena & Foothill 2026 President and lead on the chapter's efforts after the 2025 Los Angeles area fires.

• Weston Burrer, AIA; Pueblo County staff architect, who is coordinating local government efforts for the 2026 Aspen Acres Fire in Beulah, CO.

• Moderated by Nikolaus Remus, AIA; AIA Colorado Advocacy Engagement Director

When: Wednesday, September 23, Noon

Where: ZOOM

Education: Tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW.

Registration is required. RSVP window closes 1 hour prior to the start of the event.

The Zoom meeting link will be emailed 1 day before the event from an AIA Colorado staff member to the email address used to complete RSVP.

Registration is required and only available to members. Active AIA member number required to complete registration.

AIA Colorado Allied Members: Allied Members use "Allied2026" as member number and register using the email address in your Allied Member Directory listing to register for free.

AIAS students: use your .edu email address to register and type AIAS into the member number field.