Leading with Integrity
Author:Lindsey ShookSave Iconic Architecture partners with Design Leadership Network to create a future for California design
“As a heritage designer and cofounder of Save Iconic Architecture [SIA], I instinctively went into solution mode,” says Jaime Rummerfield, reflecting on her immediate response to the recent wildfires in L.A. “It became clear that people needed more than generic tract homes or soulless spec builds. They needed thoughtful options—homes that honored California’s architectural legacy.” Rummerfield and her fellow SIA board members quickly mobilized to offer the community a vision for rebuilding rooted in design integrity. “When we began engaging with residents, we heard a recurring theme: Most people simply wanted to re-create what they had lost,” she recalls. “But the trauma and overwhelm left many without the bandwidth to consider design.”
At the same time, Michael Diaz-Griffith—president and CEO of the Design Leadership Network—was working swiftly to organize support from network members for fellow California colleagues in need. “Michele Trout (a DLN advisory board member) and Heidi Bonesteel of Bonsteel Trout Hall, called with the concept of developing a design resource of some kind,” Diaz-Griffith recalls. “We formed a rebuilding committee in January and activated immediately with regular Zoom meetings. In order to be efficient and create real impact, I decided to form three action groups within the larger committee. Heidi chaired the best practices group with a goal of determining how and what designers should charge for their services during the rebuilding process, while May Sung led the emergency response group that would track code and policy changes week by week.”
Rummerfield was tasked with chairing the design vision action group of 30 DLN members that convened for a two-day charrette at Shannon Wollack’s office, where they collaboratively sketched, ideated and developed content to shape a comprehensive architectural guidebook that would help lead rebuild efforts. “The DLN is home to the most talented design minds in the world,” Rummerfield says. “In this moment of crisis, the community’s response was nothing short of extraordinary.”
Since January, the group worked tirelessly to craft the guide that celebrates California’s rich design heritage while offering practical templates for resilient rebuilding. “This initiative speaks directly to the DLN’s core purpose: convening the design community to lead with intention, creativity, and care—especially in moments of uncertainty and crisis,” Diaz-Griffith notes. “The designs, details and ideas in this guide were born from that creative marathon.” The result is The Golden California Pattern Book featuring the New California Classics essential resource that showcases seven enduring architectural styles—Spanish Revival, Cali Cod, Colonial Revival, California Craftsman, Storybook Cottage, California Modern and California ranch. Through meticulously curated images, references and original drawings, the guidebook serves as both a visual reference and a practical playbook for rebuilding. “We wanted to distill the authentic architectural DNA of the Pacific Palisades and Altadena and present it in a way that’s accessible and inspiring,” says Rummerfield. “Our team even developed modern architectural designs within these styles, incorporating resilient landscape solutions from Patricia Benner to address fire safety and climate readiness.”
Beyond style inspiration, the pattern book serves a larger mission: fostering intentional design leadership in rebuilding efforts. “In the wake of natural disasters, neighborhoods often lose their sense of place,” says Diaz-Griffith. “Our goal is to help communities reclaim that identity. This isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about designing forward with context, character and climate resilience in mind.”
Each architectural direction in the book includes recommendations for enhancing du-rability and sustainability, ensuring that future homes are not only beautiful but also better equipped to withstand environmental challenges. The coalition is now seeking partnerships with builders and product manufacturers developing innovative, climate-responsive solutions that align with these timeless styles. “The guide is not prescriptive; it does not tell people exactly what to build,” Diaz-Griffith explains. “Instead, it offers a starting point—a set of vernacular styles, details and streetscape cues that reflect the architectural DNA of a place like Pacific Palisades. Ultimately, this project is a model: it shows how a design community can rally around a shared cause and produce something lasting, meaningful and generous.”
California Home+Design is proud to support this transformative initiative. In collaboration with Marvin, we are thrilled to present an exclusive, special-edition summary of The Golden California Pattern Book. Together, we are committed to easing rebuild efforts and championing the thoughtful preservation—and evolution—of California’s iconic architecture. For more information or to be involved with the guidebook, visit siaprojects.org.
