Autodesk backs post-wildfire rebuild in LA

Following the fires earlier this year, the company is collaborating with The Foothill Catalog Foundation (TFCF), a nonprofit organisation that is creating a catalogue of modular, pre-approved home designs for fire survivors in the region.

The designs offered through TFCF are projected to significantly lower architectural and permitting costs for homeowners. Furthermore, the plans are expected to reduce permitting timelines from as long as a year to just a few weeks.

In addition, Autodesk is funding an AI-powered software too to expedite the approval of building permits and aid in recovery efforts from the wildfires, in partnership with Governor Gavin Newsom, LA Rises, and other organisations.

“Our technology powers the industries that are rebuilding Los Angeles — from planning, architecture, engineering, and manufacturing to construction,” said Andrew Anagnost, President and CEO, Autodesk. “This is about designing and building for resilience—not just to recover from disaster, but to efficiently scale solutions, inspire recovery models everywhere and futureproof our communities.”

With Autodesk’s backing, TFCF is recruiting hundreds of volunteer architects, engineers, and students to develop home designs specifically suited to neighborhoods such as Altadena. These designs will adhere to strict climate resilience standards, including capabilities to withstand extreme heat, wildfires, and power outages, while maintaining the architectural character of the region.

Autodesk says that architects involved in the catalogue will utilise tools like BIM Collaborate Pro and other resources from the Autodesk AEC Collection, such as Autodesk Forma, to enhance collaboration, conduct AI-driven analyses, and facilitate the delivery of more resilient homes to families in a timely manner.