Eaton fire, re: Pro-bono Architectural, Engineering evaluation and guidance

In the midst of the largest wildfire emergency Los Angeles has ever faced, I’ve experienced firsthand the pain and anxiety that comes with evacuating my home. Because of this, Studio North will be offering pro-bono evaluation services to help determine if homes affected by the Eaton Fire are safe to return to and guidance on rebuilding. We’re also reaching out to our design (Structural and Civil) and construction partners in hopes they can offer similar support. Our community’s safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure you have the resources and support to rebuild, together.

Please reach out to us via email sam@studionorthla.com or ‪(323) 985-4643‬

To my fellow licensed architects and engineers. The California Architects Practice Act (Business & Professions Code § 5500 et seq.), licensed architects can apply their expertise in building construction and code compliance to determine structural safety. The Professional Engineers Act (Business & Professions Code § 6700 et seq.) similarly permits licensed engineers to evaluate the structural integrity of buildings.

Providing pro-bono services in an emergency—such as evaluating whether a home is safe to re-enter—can be a crucial public service, guided by both professional ethics and state emergency regulations.

California law (including various sections of the Government Code and the Architects Practice Act) may offer certain liability protections for architects who volunteer in declared emergencies. While this varies by circumstance, it is designed to encourage prompt and voluntary professional assistance to protect public safety.