Design resources

Practical guides.
Written by an designer.

California building code, ADU law, fire restoration, permit strategy, and the mechanics of working with a residential designer. Plain English from forty years in practice.

Complete Guide to California ADU Laws in 2026
ADU Law

Complete Guide to California ADU Laws in 2026

Every updated California ADU law in 2026. SB 9, SB 10, streamlined permits, setback reductions, and fee waivers explained by a 40 year residential designer.

14 min readRead →
Fire Restoration: What to Do the First 30 Days
Fire Restoration

Fire Restoration: What to Do the First 30 Days

Step by step plan for the first 30 days after losing a home to wildfire in California. Insurance, debris removal, designer selection, and permit strategy.

11 min readRead →
Title 24 Compliance Explained
Building Codes

Title 24 Compliance Explained

Complete guide to California Title 24 residential energy code. What it is, how it works, what compliance costs, and how to design for it.

9 min readRead →
How to Choose a Designer
Getting Started

How to Choose a Designer

Practical guide to selecting a residential designer in Ventura County. Questions to ask, red flags to avoid, fee structures, and credentials that matter.

8 min readRead →
ADU ROI Calculator Guide
ADU Finance

ADU ROI Calculator Guide

Calculate the return on investment for an ADU in California. Construction cost, rental income, property tax implications, and break even analysis.

10 min readRead →
Permit Timeline by Ventura County City
Permits

Permit Timeline by Ventura County City

Current permit processing times by city in Ventura County. Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Malibu. Updated April 2026.

7 min readRead →

Have a question
not answered here?

David will answer personally. Start a project or call (805) 444 1230.

Ask David → Call (805) 444 1230