Welcome to the Architecting in Stilettos podcast with Arlene Edjourian, AIA and Katie Flores, Leed AP at amk STUDIO, an Architecture and Planning Firm, in sunny So Cal.
We typically get invited by developers, entrepreneurs, non-profits, and luxury home builders who are struggling with the big 3: maximizing site value and profits, obtaining approvals, and creating the ideal solution that will best achieve their goals.
When the final design is as buildable as it is creative, joyful, green, and profitable, that’s the win-win we’re looking for.
This podcast is how we get there!
We share stories, focus on real world, behind the scenes challenges, and candid discussions, all while playing well with others…
Episode 10 (Housing Laws Series) - SB79 - Nine-Stories Tall and Right Next Door
In Episode 9, we talked about the wave of housing laws already reshaping California—and the bigger question of where growth should go.
This week, we’re stepping into what happens when one of those laws, SB 79, lands right at your doorstep. This isn’t just a professional discussion for us—both Katie and Arlene are homeowners in neighborhoods that could be directly impacted.
In Episode 10 of Architecting in Stilettos, we’re unpacking what SB 79 really means, not just as architects or potential developers, but as people who live on these streets too. We’re not here to panic or preach—we’re here to talk honestly about density, design, and how neighborhoods adapt when the rules change.
To help keep all of this in context, we’re also including a cheat-sheet worksheet that places these newer laws alongside previously approved housing legislation—so it’s easier to keep the facts straight and see how different rules can be stacked for maximum impact on real sites.
View our worksheet here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/exy4parf8eginthwa1kw7/2025-CA_Housing_Laws_Cheat_Sheet_amkSTUDIO.pdf?rlkey=n6lf749vvki6w6489y33686us&dl=0
22 Jan 2026
Episode 9 (Housing Laws Series) - California’s Housing Reset: What Just Happened?
California didn’t just pass a housing bill — it passed nearly 30 of them. And the ripple effects are already showing up in our neighborhoods.
In Episode 9 of Architecting in Stilettos, we break down what actually changed — from SB 9 lot splits and parking-free housing under AB 2097, to CEQA reform with AB 130 and small-lot development under SB 684 and SB 1123.
This isn’t an anti-housing rant or a neighborhood panic button.It’s a clear-headed look at where California is headed — and the bigger question of where growth should really go.
22 Dec 2025
Episode 8 - "A Rabbi and a Priest walk into a bar..."
This episode explores the surprising commonalities in design across diverse spaces like synagogues and nightclubs, emphasizing the importance of shared understanding in creating community venues.
6 Dec 2025
Episode 7 (Wildfire Series) - Beyond the Flames: A (retired) Fire Chief’s Perspective on Prevention
Retired Division Chief Scott Wiedensohler shares his 30 years of fire service experience and discusses proactive fire solutions for architects and communities in fire-prone areas in this interview.
29 Nov 2025
Episode 6 (Wildfire Series) - Where do we go from here? Strategizing your rebuild after the fires, with Mike Nalbandian
Mike Nalbandian, a realtor and banker, discusses strategies for homeowners to rebuild or sell after devastating wildfires, providing financial and emotional guidance in this interview.
25 Nov 2025
Episode 5 (Wildfire Series) - Recouping after a Fire Loss
Homeowner Ara Juljulian recounts her experiences navigating the emotional, financial, and logistical challenges after losing her home to a wildfire, offering valuable insights into the recovery process in this interview.
14 Jul 2025
Episode 4 (wildfire series) - Decoding your insurance policy with Abe Bedros
Insurance expert Abe Bedros decodes insurance policies for property owners navigating wildfire recovery, explaining coverage, timelines, and common pitfalls in this interview episode.
14 May 2025
Episode 3 (wildfire series) - Thoughts on Mortgages & Loans with Yvonne Santos
On this first of four episodes dedicated to the wildfires, we are joined by Yvonne Santos, VP/ Business development Officer at New Day Commercial Capital.
Yvonne describes how to pick up the pieces after a natural disaster, such as the wildfires that Pacific Palisades and Altadena experienced in January. We discuss what to do with your current mortgage, how to potentially strategize with neighbors, and how to potentially qualify for future loans.
27 Mar 2025
Sewers and Trash - Unsexy, Sneaky, Project Killers
Let’s talk about the real foundation of any project… and no, it’s not the design. It’s sewers and trash💩🗑️ and a few other boring-ish details (like electrical service, anyone?⚡⚡)
Not the sexiest topics, we know. But if you don’t think about them early in your project, you’re in for some serious (and expensive) surprises later. In this episode of Architecting in Stilettos, we break down why these unglamorous details are critical to getting your project off the ground—before the first sketch is even drawn.
🎧 Episode 2 drops March 26th! Tune in and let’s get real about a few more reasons why it's so hard to build in California.
#ArchitectingInStilettos #PodcastEpisode #WomenInArchitecture #CaliforniaBuilding #AMKStudio
Website: https://www.amkstudio.com/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/arlene-edjourian
www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-flores
Instagram: @weareamkstudio
www.instagram.com/weareamkstudio
8 Mar 2025
Episode 1- Why is it so hard to build in California
In today’s episode, we launch the season topic “Why is it so hard to build in California” and kick things off with a discussion around costs, permits, timing and other project killers that make building in California as daunting as it comes. This is in line with our mission to empower builders, developers and adventurous clients to build their dreams and reach their goals. Please note that this episode was pre-recorded prior to the wildfires that we recently had here in southern california. We will be launching several episodes that focus specifically on the topics of empowering those who have lost their homes. In the meantime, Katie and I hope you enjoy this episode.
Who has been a guest on Architecting in Stilettos
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Scott Wiedensohler
Mike Nalbandian
Ara Juljulian
Abe Bedros
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 17 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
14
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
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