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In the wake of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, The Expert has transformed its platform into a lifeline for those starting over. With over 125 interior designers, architects, and contractors donating more than 950 hours—and counting—the newly launched Rebuild Hotline is connecting homeowners with the help they need, whether it’s rebuilding from scratch or finding temporary solutions while they recover.
“Living in Los Angeles, I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastation that has affected our community as a whole, as well as close friends who have lost both their homes and businesses,” The Expert co-founder and interior designer Jake Arnold explains. “In times like these, it’s incredibly challenging to act swiftly while also ensuring that efforts are directed in the most impactful way—offering services that can truly support and assist the victims in their recovery.”

The initiative has drawn in design pros deeply connected to the city, like Kirsten Blazek, creative director of A1000xBetter. “I raised my children during their elementary school years in the tight-knit and nurturing community of Altadena. Our Studio is based in Pasadena, and we have many friends and clients who have lost everything in the Eaton Fire,” she shares. “We are honored to be a part of the Rebuild Hotline and to donate our time to anyone in need of our expertise as they navigate the weeks, months, and years to come.”
For Joelle Kutner, co-founder of Ome Dezin, the decision to join was deeply personal. “We’re all sharing in the fear, anxiety, and uncertainty—yet for some, the aftermath has been far more devastating, with the loss of homes and livelihoods,” Kutner explains. “Right now, we’re simply doing what we’ve always done, but offering it for free, out of love for Los Angeles and for our neighbors in need.”
For Noz Nozawa, founder of San Francisco-based Noz Design, the call to action was just as urgent. “I was born and raised in L.A. and its suburbs. These fires could just as easily have been in my backyard,” Nozawa shares. Three of her friends have lost their homes, one of which she helped design. “I don’t know anyone in California who isn’t close with someone who has been affected. So when I got the word that The Expert team was setting up a Rebuild Hotline, it was an immediate yes.”

The hotline has already fielded over 60 requests, ranging from homeowners actively working with architects to those just starting to imagine what their next chapter might look like. “Our mission is to provide comprehensive support, guiding them through critical decisions from the very beginning,” Arnold says. This includes assembling a trusted team of professionals, offering design advice on layouts, millwork, and finishes, and even helping to furnish temporary homes.
The assistance offered is as varied as the situations people are facing. Nozawa explains that for those in temporary living situations, her advice often focuses on creating a sense of home. “I think I’ll be helping suggest ways to make that space feel homey and familiar, quickly—things they can bring with them to wherever becomes a more permanent future home,” she says. Additionally, she hopes to help clients find ways to honor the houses they’ve lost.

“Currently, we’re assisting a woman in her 70s who lost her home in Pasadena,” shares Kutner. “Her daughter is welcoming her into her own home, where she’ll be moving into an office space attached to the garage. We’re helping transform this space into a cozy, functional living area for her mother to feel good in, over the next two to three years.”
The designers agree that the hotline’s evolution will match the needs of those it serves. “Initially, we would like to be able to help the people we are connected with in advising in logistics and practical first steps,” Blazek says. “Out of necessity, I have learned more than I ever thought required to know about smoke and fire damage, housing needs, and insurance claims that are relevant to rebuilding after devastating fire events,” says Lynn Kloythanomsup of Landed Interiors. “We are available to consult on construction planning and design for renovation and new build construction in all phases, but in the beginning, we can also help get those lists started and questions answered for organizing the long road ahead.” Nozawa adds, “Truly, I am just humbled to serve as a caring, reassuring ear to the Rebuild Hotline clients I’m paired with—I know that if I were on the other side of the hotline, someone would be the same for me.”
The initiative has also sparked a wave of more than 300 volunteers from non-affiliated designers and home professionals, eager to contribute. Arnold and his team are compiling a database of these offers to ensure no resource goes untapped.