FastCompany.com: Crest Real Estate Launches “Case Study 2.0” to Revolutionize Wildfire Rebuilding in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA – In response to the widespread destruction caused by January’s wildfires, Crest Real Estate—Southern California’s top entitlement and permit-expediting advisory firm—today announced the official launch of Case Study 2.0, an innovative program offering preapproved, fire-resilient home designs aimed at accelerating rebuild efforts in Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
Case Study 2.0, spearheaded by Crest Real Estate and Fast Company–featured architects, builds on the legacy of the 1940s Case Study House program by creating a modern catalog of over 50 architect-designed house plans, developed by 40 prominent architecture firms, including Morphosis, Marmol Radziner, and Tighe Architecture. These ready-to-go designs range from Spanish Colonial and compact bungalows to minimalist ranch-style residences and sculptural modern homes, all tailored to the region’s most common lot types.
A New Paradigm in Resilient Rebuilding
- Affordable & Scalable – Designs are available to wildfire-impacted homeowners at $25 per square foot, approximately 25–35% of standard architectural fees.
- Preapproved for Permitting – Each plan undergoes initial city or county approval, slashing permitting time by more than half in subsequent builds.
- Material and Process Savings – Partnered suppliers offer 15–30% discounts on materials like windows, cladding, and tile. Contractors benefit from repeat-use efficiencies, turning rebuilds into near assembly-line processes.
- Design Diversity Ensured – Customized for eight common lot typologies, designs preserve neighborhood individuality—countering fears of bland tract housing.
Founder’s Vision
“Case Study 2.0 picks up the baton from mid-century innovations,” notes Crest Real Estate founder Steven Somers. “We’re combining architectural quality with the speed and cost-efficiency that wildfire-affected families urgently need.” His brother, Jason Somers, adds: “Our goal is to rebuild not just homes, but hope—restoring community identity with beauty, affordability, and resilience.”
How It Works
- Select a plan suited to your lot and style preferences.
- Secure initial approvals—a four- to six-month process—for one prototype design.
- Deploy repeat builds of the same plan in under two months using established designs and contractors.
- Benefit from discounts on design and materials for faster, lower-cost rebuilding.
Impact & Industry Response
- Designed to reduce costs by 20–35%, lowering building expenses by hundreds of thousands for a typical 2,000 ft² home.
- Fast Company describes the program as “a catalog of preapproved and deeply discounted house plans for fire victims,” highlighting its potential to reshape rebuilding trajectories.
- The initiative draws acclaim for balancing speed and aesthetics—echoing a modern approach to community rebuilding.
Read more at https://www.fastcompany.com/91358382/housing-designs-los-angeles-case-study
Jason Somers, President & Founder of Crest Real Estate
With over 15 years of professional experience in the Los Angeles luxury real estate market, Jason Somers has the background, judgement and track record to provide an unparalleled level of real estate services. His widespread knowledge helps clients identify and acquire income producing properties and value-ad development opportunities.
Learn more about Jason Somers or contact us.
