Principal Dovid Feld is a registered participant in the LADBS Self-Certification Pilot Program — a designation currently available for qualifying residential projects in Pacific Palisades. This is a significant advantage for eligible homeowners.

Here's what it means in practice:
What Self-Certification Is

The LADBS Self-Certification Pilot Program allows registered, licensed architects to personally certify that building plans comply with all applicable codes — bypassing the standard LADBS plan check review process entirely. To qualify for this designation, architects must carry $2M in errors and omissions insurance and pass specialized code certification exams tailored to California residential construction in high fire severity zones.

What It Means for Your Rebuild

For qualifying like-for-like rebuild projects in Pacific Palisades, self-certification can meaningfully reduce both permitting timelines and costs. Rather than waiting months for LADBS to complete their standard plan check review, a self-certified architect can review and certify the plans directly — eliminating one of the most unpredictable delays in the rebuild process.

What Projects It Applies To

Self-certification is specifically designed for like-for-like rebuild projects — where the new home closely mirrors the original structure in size and scope. If you are rebuilding a home that is substantially similar to what was there before the fire, this program may be available to you. It is not applicable to full redesigns or projects that significantly change the structure's footprint or program.

Contact us to discuss your specific property and whether self-certification applies to your project. 

There are a lot of architects in Los Angeles. Here is why Pacific Palisades homeowners and property owners are choosing Feld and Associates for their rebuild and custom home projects:

Self-Certification Status

Dovid Feld is a registered self-certified architect under the LADBS pilot program — one of a limited number of architects in Los Angeles with this designation. For qualifying rebuild projects, this can eliminate months of plan check wait time.

Deep LADBS Knowledge

With hundreds of projects permitted through the City of Los Angeles, we know LADBS's requirements, processes, and expectations in depth. We prepare complete, compliant submittals from the start — minimizing corrections, resubmissions, and costly delays.

SCI-Arc Trained Design

Principal architect Dovid Feld AIA NCARB LEED AP BD+C trained at SCI-Arc — Southern California Institute of Architecture. Our designs are thoughtful, modern, and tailored to each client and site. We design homes that belong in the Palisades — not generic plans dropped onto a lot.

Client-First Process

We start by listening. Our job is to understand your vision, your timeline, and your priorities — not to present our own. Every project begins with a clear conversation about what you want to achieve and what's realistically possible on your property.

350+ Projects Permitted in Los Angeles

Feld and Associates has completed over 350 individual projects throughout Los Angeles. We were the first architecture firm to obtain approved plans for an ADU on a single-family property in Long Beach — and we bring that same permitting tenacity to every Palisades project.

Pacific Palisades homeowners facing the rebuild process generally have two paths:

Like-for-Like Rebuild

Rebuilding a home that closely matches the original structure in size, layout, and scope. This pathway — sometimes called a "like-for-like" or "eligible rebuild" — qualifies for expedited permitting under current LA emergency orders and may be eligible for self-certification. It is typically the fastest route to getting back into your home.

Custom Redesign

Many homeowners see the rebuild as an opportunity to design something better than what existed before — a home designed for the way they actually live today, with modern fire-resilient construction, updated layouts, and improved site planning. Custom redesigns follow the standard permitting path but still benefit from our deep LADBS expertise and efficient project management.

We can help you evaluate both paths and understand which makes the most sense for your property, timeline, and goals.

Schedule your free consultation