Blog - LETTER FOUR, INC.

Lauren Adams of Letter Four Named to Fixr.com’s Prestigious Top 100 Architects of 2025

We are thrilled to announce a momentous achievement for our Co-Owner and Principal Architect, Lauren Adams. She has been officially recognized as one of Fixr.com’s 100 Top Architects of 2025. This prestigious honor places Lauren among the nation's most influential and innovative architectural minds, sharing the spotlight with other distinguished professionals such as Barbara Bestor, Brent Kendle, and Studio Gang, to name a few.

June 6, 2025

Hidden Hazards: Toxic Soil Challenges in Los Angeles’ Wildfire Burn Zones

The aftermath of the devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires in Los Angeles has revealed a troubling environmental hazard that could severely impact residents looking to rebuild or invest in properties within these burn zones. Letter Four wants to help you understand the extent of contamination, the health risks involved, governmental response, and practical solutions for homeowners and future buyers.

May 29, 2025

Mayor Bass’ Bold Move to Accelerate Rebuilding in the Palisades: What It Means for You and How Letter Four Can Help

The City of Los Angeles is stepping up in a big way. Following the devastation of the January 2025 wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires, Mayor Karen Bass has issued two most recent landmark executive actions to fast-track the rebuilding process. These measures, introducing a Self-Certification Pilot Program for plan checks and a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) initiative are set to cut red tape, reduce permitting delays, and get families back in their homes faster. At Letter Four, we’re already prepared to help you take advantage of these opportunities.

May 5, 2025

Rebuilding Your Home via High-End Custom Prefab and Modular Construction with Letter Four

In response to the unique needs of fire-affected homeowners, we're expanding our toolkit. We’ve partnered with innovative prefab and modular manufacturers to offer an approach that blends our signature design and project management services with the speed, cost efficiency, and enhanced fire performance of factory-built construction. This is custom prefab done the Letter Four way, fully customizable, design-forward, and handled end-to-end by our team.

April 25, 2025

Why Hiring an Architect or Contractor Separately is the Worst Way to Start Your Rebuild

If you lost your home in the Eaton or Palisades fire, time is not on your side. Rebuilding isn’t just about finding a contractor—it’s about securing a team that can take you from design to completion without unnecessary delays, cost overruns, or stress. Every day you wait puts you further behind in the queue. The unfortunate reality is that the firm you want to work with may not have space for your project if you don’t act now.

March 20, 2025

Understanding Fuel Modification Plans in Los Angeles

Learn how Fuel Modification Plans reduce wildfire risks in Los Angeles. Discover fire-safe landscaping, defensible space guidelines, and compliance steps for homes in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.

March 7, 2025

Roof Structures, Details, and Materials for Achieving a 2-Hour Fire Rating in Type III Construction

The devastating Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles have left many families displaced, forcing the need to rebuild from the ground up. In response, there is an urgent need to construct homes that exceed current fire safety standards, ensuring greater resilience against future wildfires. While we await code changes, we can get ahead of the curve by designing and building to higher standards.

February 28, 2025

Why Are Homes in California Still Built With Wood? Let’s Consider Type III CMU Block and ICFs Instead

In California, particularly in Los Angeles, wood framing has long been the predominant method for constructing single-family homes. This preference is deeply rooted in the region's history, availability of materials, and economic considerations. However, recent devastating events, such as the Palisades and Eaton fires, have prompted a reevaluation of building practices to enhance resilience against natural disasters.

February 28, 2025

Now Open: One-Stop Permit Center in West LA Aims to Speed Up Fire Rebuilds

Los Angeles has taken a significant step toward helping homeowners rebuild after the recent Palisades Fire by opening a Fire Rebuild Permit Center in West Los Angeles. This new one-stop shop is designed to streamline the permitting process for those replacing lost structures, bringing together key city departments under one roof. The center, located at 1828 Sawtelle Blvd, operates Monday–Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM and weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM. Representatives from various agencies—including LADBS, DWP, Public Works, SoCal Gas, City Planning, Street Services, Sanitation, Transportation, and Housing—will be on hand to help applicants navigate the complex permitting process.

February 26, 2025

Rebuilding Los Angeles: Navigating the Road to Recovery After the Wildfires

On February 10, 2025, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass provided a critical update on the city’s wildfire recovery efforts, marking one month since the Palisades Fire and the launch of Los Angeles’ largest disaster recovery operation to date. In her announcement, the mayor outlined the completion of damage assessments for more than 15,000 structures and detailed the next steps in the rebuilding process, including the opening of an in-person permit assistance center next week to streamline reconstruction efforts for displaced residents.

February 14, 2025

The State of California's Construction Industry: Challenges in the Rebuilding Effort

The construction industry in California will soon face unprecedented challenges in the wake of increased demand due to wildfire rebuilding efforts, compounded by possible federal policy changes and likely material shortages. For a state with a history of resilience, the stakes are high as homeowners, builders, and policymakers grapple with an increasingly strained industry. Notably, President Trump’s immigration crackdown and proposed tariffs on essential construction materials have introduced complex hurdles that could significantly impact rebuilding efforts. These combined factors contribute to a longer and more expensive rebuilding process for those affected by the wildfires.

February 4, 2025

Building Fire Resistance for Remodels and Additions: Fortifying Existing Homes and Businesses

Wildfires have become a devastating and recurring challenge for Southern California residents, with the Los Angeles area experiencing some of the worst. Over the past decade, fires like the recent Palisades and Eaton Fires, the Woolsey Fire, Thomas Fire, Paradise Fire, and the Bobcat Fire have collectively destroyed thousands of structures, displacing families and business owners while underscoring the urgency of fire-resistant building practices. According to CalFire, in 2021 alone, wildfires burned over 2.5 million acres in California and destroyed over 3,600 structures. For those planning a remodel or addition, fortifying your home or business against fire risks is critical—not just for safety, but to meet insurance requirements and building codes.

January 30, 2025

How California’s Insurance Commissioner is Helping Wildfire Survivors Recover

Wildfires have become an all-too-familiar threat in California, recently leaving behind devastation in communities like Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Altadena, and now, Castaic Lake. The relentless advance of these fires has turned cherished homes into ashes and uprooted families who now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives. As Californians, we are no strangers to the fire season’s impact, but these recent fires and unprecedented winds came as a surprise during what should be our rainy season. The increasing intensity and frequency of these disasters have only emphasized the need for preparedness, resilience, and strong consumer protections.

January 24, 2025

Recovering from Devastation: Property Cleanup and Debris Removal After Los Angeles Fires

The recent wildfires across Los Angeles, including Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Pasadena, Altadena, and surrounding areas, have left a trail of destruction, upending the lives of countless families and businesses. The heartbreak of seeing homes reduced to ash and cherished memories lost is immeasurable. As Angelenos come together to recover, property cleanup and debris removal are critical first steps toward rebuilding. This article offers guidance and resources to help those affected navigate this challenging process with safety and efficiency.

January 22, 2025

Options for Rebuilding After the Fires: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners In Los Angeles

The recent fires have left many of us facing the daunting challenge of rebuilding our homes and lives. We understand that there’s a lot of other specific information needed from insurance experts, FEMA, and other health and life safety agencies. We are focusing here on re-building in the City of Los Angeles. There is new information coming out daily and we will do our best to expand information to affected areas, such as Altadena, Pasadena, and Malibu. Some of the resources we’re presenting do cover Los Angeles County, and hence all of the devastated areas.

January 21, 2025

Rebuilding After the Fires: How Homeowners’ Property Taxes Are Affected and What You Can Do Now

The devastating fires that have recently swept through Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Pasadena, Altadena, and other parts of Los Angeles have left countless homeowners grappling with the challenges of rebuilding. Beyond the emotional toll and the logistical hurdles of reconstruction, many homeowners are now confronting questions about how rebuilding will impact their property taxes. This article will break down what you need to know, provide actionable tips to reduce property taxes while designing and building your home, and explain how Letter Four can support you through this process.

January 21, 2025

Air Quality and Safety in Los Angeles After Recent Fires: What You Need to Know

In the wake of the Palisades, Eaton, and other fires that have ravaged areas across Los Angeles, it’s critical to understand the long-term impacts on air quality and safety. These wildfires leave destruction in their wake, but the invisible threats they create—airborne toxins, contaminated water, and hazardous debris—are just as concerning as the visible damage.

January 21, 2025

Rebuilding After Wildfires: The Case for Type III Construction in Fire-Prone Areas

The recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area have further exposed vulnerabilities in local housing stock and emphasized the need for more resilient construction practices. These fires have been fueled by climate change, urban sprawl, and natural conditions unique to California’s environment. Most homes in these areas, built with Type V construction methods, are particularly susceptible to fire damage. As rebuilding efforts begin, it’s crucial to consider alternative construction methods, such as Type III construction, which offers significantly enhanced fire resistance.

January 20, 2025

Rebuilding After Wildfires in the City of Los Angeles: A Summary of Provisions

Rebuilding homes and structures after the wildfires here in Los Angeles involves navigating a complex set of provisions aimed at expediting the process while ensuring safety and compliance. Here we're summarizing the key provisions outlined in the City of Los Angeles’ executive order, discussing their pros and cons, and highlighting potential challenges in their implementation. Notably, this order provides only general guidelines, leaving much to be clarified within 60 days by affected cities and agencies (see official California state requirements).

January 17, 2025

Does it Make Financial Sense to Phase Your New Home Build or Major Remodel?

Building a new home or undergoing a significant remodel can be an overwhelming task, especially when managing the complexities of design, budgeting, and construction. A key consideration is whether to undertake the project all at once or phase it over time. So, the question becomes: What makes the most financial sense?

December 4, 2024

FIXR.com's 2025 Windows and Doors Report: A Letter Four Perspective

FIXR.com recently released their "Windows and Doors Report 2025: Residential Trends and Statistics", and we're excited to share that our co-owner and principal, Lauren Adams, is featured as a top expert contributor!

November 8, 2024

Maximizing ROI with Passive House Design: The 10 Core Principles and the Benefits of Letter Four's Design-Build Approach

Passive House (or Passivhaus) design principles have been gaining popularity for their impressive potential to reduce energy costs while improving indoor comfort. The concept originated in Germany, but it has found applicability in various climates around the world, including the sun-soaked city of Los Angeles. For homeowners, incorporating Passive House standards into their home design not only offers significant cost savings but also contributes to a sustainable future by reducing the home's carbon footprint.

October 28, 2024

Top 7 Home Building Mistakes and What They Could Cost You

If you’re considering a new home build or significant remodel, you likely know that proper preparation is critical. The cost of such an undertaking is often second only to your purchase of the property itself. As licensed architects and general contractors, we’ve seen the countless mistakes that homeowners make when embarking on a major home construction project here in Los Angeles. Fortunately, knowledge is power. After we break down our Top 7 Home Building Mistakes, you'll have the tools to avoid these common financial pitfalls.

October 7, 2024

Build Smarter, Not Harder: How To Leverage The Recent Interest Rate Drop to Build Your Dream Home

The recent drop in interest rates presents an excellent opportunity for homeowners and future builders in Los Angeles to realize their dream of building a custom home. By partnering with a reputable design-build firm like Letter Four, the process becomes streamlined and efficient, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of lower financing costs while creating a personalized, high-quality home. Lower interest rates translate to reduced monthly payments, increased borrowing power, and more favorable refinancing conditions, making it easier to afford your dream home and incorporate your desired features.

September 27, 2024

Build-to-Rent Homes in Los Angeles: A Comprehensive Guide for Investors and Developers

Los Angeles is experiencing a surge in Build-to-Rent (BTR) homes, a trend that has gained significant momentum due to rising housing costs, the flexibility of renting, and the growing demand for suburban-style living with rental benefits. For investors, BTR homes represent a compelling opportunity, offering stable, long-term returns and a solution to the ongoing housing crisis. At Letter Four, we specialize in creating innovative, durable, and efficient single family homes, positioning our developer clients for success in this evolving market. This article will explore the key benefits of BTR homes for investors, the current landscape in Los Angeles, and why partnering with Letter Four is essential for developers looking to maximize the potential of their BTR investments.

September 24, 2024

The Hidden Costs of DIY Interior Design and Why Hiring a Professional Actually Saves You Money

Is DIY interior design really the most cost-effective way to transform your home? We've worked with many clients over the years who watch HGTV shows and think it's easy. But here's the thing: while it allows for control and the chance to express your creativity, TV shows, online tutorials and social media may make it seem more simple than it truly is.

June 7, 2024

Why Acting As Owner-Builder Actually Costs More Money

To avoid General Contractor fees, some property owners take on the role of contractor themselves. Is this a smart choice, or will it leave you with major regrets? Consider your neighbor, John, who decided to act as an owner-builder for his new home build. Initially, he expected to save money and maintain more control over his project. However, a few months later, he faces delays, increased costs, poor quality, and significant stress—all issues that could have been avoided with professional help from the start by working with a Design-Build firm like Letter Four. This scenario is all too common among those who opt for the owner-builder route, often unaware of reasons why this route is much more costly in the long run.

May 30, 2024

Securing Funding for Your New Home Build in Los Angeles

Thinking about building your dream home in the heart of Los Angeles? Get ready for an exciting journey that requires a detailed plan and significant investment. As most of us don’t have nearly enough cash on hand to fund the entire build, outside financing can become an essential support to help manage those hefty project costs. Luckily, there are various funding options available, each with its unique eligibility criteria and benefits. Armed with these insights on how to secure funding for your project, you can then concentrate on creating your dream house instead of worrying about financial issues.

May 16, 2024

LA Blows the Lid off LID: 2024 Revisions to LID Thresholds Are a Benefit for Smaller Builds

We all know urbanization takes its toll on the natural world. This is particularly evident when it comes to stormwater runoff in high-density cities like Los Angeles. With so much land covered by man-made infrastructure - roads, parking lots, roofs - it can be difficult for rain to soak into the soil. This disruption can fill up sewers and local bodies of water, causing flooding, soil erosion, and water pollution. Without corrective protocols in place, the effect on our landscape, wildlife, native vegetation, and water supply can be dire and far-ranging.

May 9, 2024

How Consultants Shape Your Home Building Success

Feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of your new home build? Have you realized that it requires a unique mix of expertise, skill sets, and experience that feel slightly beyond your grasp? At Letter Four, we have the perfect solution for whatever's causing you stress - our top-notch consultants!Consultants are like our secret weapon, our partners on every project. They're the ones making sure everything runs without a hitch. Still a bit cloudy on what they do? Let's dig in.

May 3, 2024

Chasing the Dream: The Reality of Seeking Cheap, Quick, High-Quality Builds

Are you in search of the perfect design-build project? One that is affordable, fast, and boasts top-notch quality? Every homeowner or developer shares this dream. Yet, more often than not, this aspiration leads to disappointment when faced with the practical realities of construction.

March 11, 2024

Smart Home Dilemma: How Smart Should Your Home Be?

In a tech-savvy world where technology permeates every aspect of your life, you may wonder: "How intelligent should my home be?" It's not a straightforward question. As you introduce more tech into your living spaces, you'll encounter various challenges. How can you ensure device harmony? How do you strike a balance between convenience and privacy? These issues highlight the complexities of smart home living.

March 1, 2024

Comparing Open Concept and Traditional Floor Plans: Finding the Ideal Fit for Your Lifestyle

How would you like your home to feel? When embarking on a home design journey, one of the most impactful choices is between open concept layouts and traditional floor plans. These floor plans determine how spaces connect, flow, and function. In this article, you’ll learn about the characteristics, advantages, and challenges of both open concept layouts and traditional floor plans. Recognizing the importance of aligning your home design with your lifestyle, this article aims to empower you with knowledge to make an informed decision. Whether you relish in the vast openness and fluidity that comes with an open concept layout or prefer the distinct room divisions that traditional floor plans offer - there are considerations for everyone. As you read this article, think about your lifestyle needs. How do you plan to use your space? What's your entertainment style? How important is privacy to you? Every choice in designing a home has its trade-offs. Thus, understanding these trade-offs becomes vital in choosing a floor plan that resonates with you.

February 2, 2024

Your Home, Your Budget: Mastering Construction Costs

In the realm of residential construction and design, where every penny counts, it can feel overwhelming to keep your budget in check. Soaring costs and unexpected expenses can trigger frustration and anxiety, leaving homeowners and builders at odds and searching for solutions. In this insightful blog post, we'll delve into the daunting reasons behind the escalating costs in residential construction. Moreover, we'll reveal our strategic approaches and practical tips to conquer these challenges, ensuring that your budget stays intact while bringing your dream home to life. So, if you're ready to gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play and learn invaluable strategies to preserve your financial resources, this blog post is your ultimate guide.

January 19, 2024

How Will My Property Taxes be Affected by My New Build/Remodel?

Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling your existing one, there are a wide range of financial considerations at play. You’ll not only have to think about your budget for the project itself, but also anticipate changes in your property taxes. As a Design-Build firm, Letter Four has helped many Los Angeles homeowners complete new builds and renovations that have increased the value of their properties. We understand that this has important tax implications, and want to prepare our clients for the impact their project will have on their taxes. We’ve created this post as a quick guide to help you learn how your property taxes will be impacted by your project, and what can be expected as you move forward. You’ll also discover some helpful strategies to minimize or mitigate your property taxes.

December 8, 2023

Why Cost per Square Foot is the Worst Way to Calculate Total Project Costs

Building a custom home is an exhilarating and deeply rewarding endeavor that empowers you to transform your vision into reality. It allows for the creation of a dream living space, meticulously crafted to meet your unique needs and desires. However, it is crucial to approach the custom home building process with a clear understanding of the factors that truly matter. While the cost per square foot is frequently used as a benchmark for affordability, solely relying on this metric can very easily be limiting and misleading. Far more often than not, a cost per square foot budget determination will result in a budget that is far too low to achieve your project goals. Unfortunately, it is the most common basis for price quotes given by contractors, often without even having a design in place.

November 24, 2023

Can You Sell Your ADU? What AB 1033 Really Says?

Recent reports have announced promising news for California’s homeowners: a new law now allows the separate sale of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Assembly Bills are rarely simple, so let’s look further! As Design-Build contractors with extensive experience in residential projects across Southern California, we at Letter Four have become very familiar with the regulations overseeing ADU development. We’ve analyzed the bill in question, and have identified some important things you will need to consider before planning to sell your ADU.

November 17, 2023

What Is A Greywater System and Why Should You Have One?

Greywater systems, a fascinating and eco-friendly concept, may seem straight out of a sci-fi movie, but in reality, they are a remarkable solution for reusing water in your household or business. Greywater, which refers to relatively clean wastewater from showers, baths, sinks, and washing machines, can be effectively treated and repurposed for various non-drinking purposes. This includes watering plants, flushing toilets, or even in certain industrial applications, ensuring a sustainable and efficient water management approach.

October 13, 2023

Embracing the Concept of All-Electric Buildings in Residential Construction

In recent years, the construction industry has experienced an extraordinary shift towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. This transformation is driven by a dual purpose: to improve the planet and enhance the efficiency of residential construction. In fact, in locations such as Los Angeles, all new construction is required to be electric, effectively expediting this growing movement.These innovative homes make exclusive use of electricity for all heating, cooling, and appliance needs, completely eliminating any reliance on fossil fuels such as natural gas. By delving into the world of all-electric buildings, this in-depth blog post aims to explore the wide-ranging benefits they offer, backed by compelling statistics showcasing their positive impact on the environment.

September 29, 2023

The Surprising Ways Our Design Choices Affect Indoor Air Quality

Do you check the air quality on your iPhone before heading out in the morning? Breathing clean air can be challenging, especially if you live in bustling cities like Los Angeles, where smog-filled days permeate your home with harmful pollutants. Fortunately, there are ways to improve indoor air quality through thoughtful design choices. It's not just about temperature and humidity; it's also about reducing the presence of pollutants. Feeling overwhelmed? Don't worry, we've got you covered. Let's dive in and explore further.

September 22, 2023

Environmental Benefits Unlocked: Reusing and Recycling Construction Materials

In today's world, there is an increasing awareness about the profound impact of our actions on the environment, especially in California and Los Angeles, specifically. From conscientious recycling practices to consciously opting for sustainable products, there exist numerous small but significant steps that we, as individuals, can take to actively contribute towards reducing our carbon footprint. By doing so, we strive towards leaving behind a healthier and more sustainable planet for the generations to come.

August 25, 2023

The Decline of Hybrid and Remote Work: 5 Reasons Why In-Office Work is Better

In today's ever-evolving work landscape, where remote work is gaining significant traction and transforming the traditional office setup, it is crucial to shed light on an unpopular but thought-provoking opinion: full-time in-office work is the best way to work. While the lure of remote work cannot be denied, it is essential to recognize the immeasurable benefits of in-person interaction within a professional workspace, especially for creative work which requires collaboration across teams

August 11, 2023

How to Find a Good Contractor

With many people falling prey to contractor scams, it is essential to be extra cautious when hiring a contractor, especially without prior experience working with one. Here are 10 essential tips to follow when seeking a competent contractor for your major renovation

July 7, 2023

The Importance of Insulation in Reducing Energy Bills

Reducing energy bills while ensuring maximum comfort level should be a top priority for every homeowner. Living in an age of technological advancements and innovative solutions, it's important to make the most energy-efficient choices for your property. Did you know that the right type of insulation can make an enormous impact on your energy usage? In this comprehensive article, we'll delve deeper into the world of insulation to explore various types of insulation available in the market, along with their R-Values, to help you make informed decisions about optimizing your property's energy usage.

July 14, 2023

Making Your Home Energy-Efficient With Modern Windows And Doors

With summer upon us here in Los Angeles, now is a great time to think about reducing your energy consumption and need for air conditioning. Replacing old, outdated, or poorly installed windows and exterior doors can greatly improve your home’s energy efficiency, and reduce your utility bills and carbon footprint. They are a great investment for these reasons and, while costs for windows and doors have increased significantly over the last few years, they boost the sale price of your home should you choose to sell.

June 30, 2023

What You Need to Know About SFR Construction Costs

Single-family residential (SFR) construction may be smaller in scale, but planning projects remains a complex task. Estimating costs alone can be a major undertaking. SFR project costs are affected by a wide range of factors, often evolving throughout the course of work. These include things like material prices, design elements, property size, and problems uncovered during site preparation or demolition.

June 23, 2023

How Much Does It Cost to Build a New House?

Building a custom home is a big investment, especially when you’re trying to achieve a unique vision that reflects your personal style and needs. Planning the perfect design will require the help of a skilled architectural team, in addition to a general contractor.

June 16, 2023

How to Read a Reflected Ceiling Plan

A reflected ceiling plan (RCP) is a drawing that shows which shows the items are located on the ceiling of a room or space. It is referred to as a reflected ceiling plan since it is drawn to display a view of the ceiling as if it was reflected onto a mirror on the floor.

June 9, 2023

California's SB9 Bill Explained

In one of our recent posts, we covered the introduction of Senate Bill 9 (SB9) and what it means for California’s residential properties. Today, we’re digging deeper, looking at the details of the new rules and providing a full explanation of SB9’s terms.

June 2, 2023

What is California's SB9?

California’s affordable housing shortage has reached a dire point. Over 3.2 million residents are rent burdened, and only 16% are able to afford to buy a home. This unsustainable crisis has put extreme pressure on the government to provide solutions, prompting the introduction of several recent state bills.

May 24, 2023

What Architectural Fees Can I Expect When Building or Remodeling a Home in California?

Setting out to build or remodel a California home is an expensive endeavor. A number of pricing considerations are at play, and one of the foremost is what costs to expect from the architecture firm handling the project.

May 26, 2023

Spring Home Decor: 27 Tips to Welcome the Season

Check out the recent Redfin article we were featured in: Spring Home Decor: 27 Tips to Welcome the Season | Redfin‍

March 30, 2023

Home Designer or Architect?

Whether you’re thinking of renovating your home or starting a new build from scratch, launching a home design project can be quite an undertaking. Knowing where to begin is the first hurdle, which is often a sticking point for many. Who exactly do you need to call? Who’s best qualified to help with your project - and how can you tell?

March 31, 2023

Case Study: When Architectural Projects Go Wrong

Renovating a home is always a big undertaking, with many ideas to explore and plans to make. These projects are so complex that a well-organized approach is an absolute necessity. Without it, a project can easily go downhill - or fail to launch at all.

March 24, 2023

The Future is Electric: Why It's Going to be All About Induction Cooking

Recent news has highlighted the health and environmental concerns associated with gas stoves, prompting a wave of building electrification policies across the United States. While this shift away from gas cooking will bring numerous benefits, it comes with important considerations that must be taken into account in order to make sure the transition is successful.

March 16, 2023

Should I Remodel or Build New?

If you’re a current homeowner looking for a custom upgrade, it can be difficult deciding whether to remodel your current residence, or build an entirely new home. Both options are appealing for different reasons, but they may not align with your objectives. Below, we’ll walk you through the basics of each and help you understand what considerations should be made before making your final choice.

March 9, 2023

Keeping Up with the Fluctuating Costs of Construction

The construction industry is still affected by the pandemic, and factors like inflation and extreme weather events have led to high volatility in the construction materials market. Read more to learn how Letter Four can help manage construction costs effectively.

February 14, 2023

Design-Build vs Design-Bid-Build: What’s the Difference?

In this matter, it often comes down to one key question: should you choose a Design-Build approach, or Design-Bid-Build? But to make that decision, you first need to know the difference between the two. In this post, we’ll walk you through the basics of each and help you learn which approach consistently yields the best results.

February 3, 2023

Should you develop your Los Angeles property as a Small Lot Subdivision or through SB9? Which is preferred based on your investment goals?

When it comes to developing your single family-zoned Los Angeles property, there are a few options available to you. If you’re looking to use your property to generate income there are two stand-out options you should consider.

November 10, 2022

Supporting Women in Architecture: What We Do Differently At Letter Four

When architecture became a formalized profession in the 1850s, women were excluded. Though a few universities admitted women to architectural programs starting in the late 1800s, it wasn’t until a century later, in 1972, that Congress passed Title IX — an education amendment that prevented universities from discriminating against applicants based on sex.

October 10, 2022

What Do We Care About? Letter Four’s Mission and Values

When you’re working with Letter Four, you’re working with more than just a Design-Build firm. You’re working with a dedicated team that’s passionate about bringing your dreams to life. Whether that dream is the new home you’ve always envisioned or the perfect commercial space to continue expanding your business, we are here to help.

October 3, 2022

Why it’s Best to Work with a Contractor Who Understands Design

As an architect, it’s difficult to leave your design in a contractor’s hands. So much work has been put in to perfect the vision created by you and your clients, but you’re then asked to trust another team to make it a reality.

September 19, 2022

How Do You Make Sense of Different Architectural Bids? Our Fees Explained

When it comes to hiring an architect, it can be incredibly difficult to compare quotes and know what each firm brings to the table. What criteria should you be using to find the best fit?

September 12, 2022

Your SB 9 Window Is Closing: Make the Most of It Today

If you are a homeowner in California, now is the time to take advantage of Senate Bill 9 before it’s potentially repealed. SB 9, the new bill that allows homeowners to split their lot in two, is being challenged and risks being revoked. This means Senate Bill 9 might get repealed by the next election in November.

September 5, 2022

Not in my backyard? The pushback against SB9

Three new bills, California Senate Bills (SB) 8, 9, and 10 were introduced by Governor Gavin Newsom back in September 2021. Aimed at relieving California’s crippling housing shortages, these bills encourage the construction of new homes across the state. Each of the bills came into effect at the start of this month, but they haven’t arrived without their fair share of controversy. So what exactly is SB9 and what’s the pushback all about?

August 29, 2022

Who to Hire for a Construction Project? Architect or Home Designer

Taking on a construction or renovation project for your home is exciting, but it’s important to make sure that you have the right kind of help from the get-go. This often means choosing between an architect or a home designer. Making an informed decision as to which professional to work with requires a bit of understanding of their craft and specialty.

August 15, 2022

Don’t Stop at Walls! 23 Unique Places You Probably Haven’t Thought of to Add Accent Colors In Your Home

Nothing refreshes a room quite like a fresh coat of paint. And although your walls get the most attention when painting a room, there are many overlooked areas in your home that can be brightened up with a splash of color. Whether you’re looking to paint an entire wall or add subtle hints of color to perk up your living space, we’ve got you covered.

August 8, 2022

What are the risks of a Design-Bid-Build process

It can be nerve-wracking for clients to delegate such a large amount of responsibility to a single company. Because of this, the Design-Bid-Build process usually appeals to owners with more time and expertise to oversee aspects of the project themselves.

July 25, 2022

What are the benefits of a Design-Build process?

Design-Build is first and foremost a simpler approach to construction. It’s rapidly growing in popularity, now delivering almost half of America’s building projects.

July 18, 2022

Design-Build vs Design-Bid-Build: What’s the Difference?

For anyone planning a construction project, the number of queries and various approaches to getting started can seem pretty overwhelming. For both residential and commercial projects, one of the first questions to answer is the working relationship with your architectural and construction team. Contractual agreements between clients, designers, and construction service providers commonly fall into two categories: Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build. But what exactly is the difference between these two approaches?

July 11, 2022

Top 5 Areas of Your Home to Invest in

If your current home isn’t your forever home, it’s smart to think ahead to make improvements that are not only for your own quality of living, but for future resale. Find savvy ways to improve your home and you stand to make the best possible return on your investment.

July 4, 2022

What’s the best way to add space to your home? Should you build up, down, or out?

Deciding on the right way to expand your home can be a very hard decision to make. It is important to understand what’s involved in the design and construction process and what affect your decision has on project cost. Your best bet would be to involve the services of a licensed architect to help you to better understand the considerations to make and the best solution for your particular needs.

June 27, 2022

Five Things You May Not Expect When Working With an Architect

Architects are most known for making homes and buildings visually sound, but they do so much more than that. They are masters at utilizing space, putting together ideas into a cohesive theme, and helping clients visualize their ideas into an official plan.

June 20, 2022

Do You Really Need a Licensed General Contractor?

From securing permits and supervising workers to managing the day-to-day operations on-site, it is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that everything goes smoothly and according to plan. These are reasons enough to hire one of the longest-serving general contractor companies in Culver City to oversee the construction of your home or commercial property.

June 13, 2022

Consulting an Architect? Here’s What to Expect

Contrary to popular opinion, architects do more than just design. They coordinate construction projects of varying scales from concept to creation. They pay careful attention to every detail in order to transform artistic visions into functional work and living spaces.

June 6, 2022

Why Work with a Design-Build Firm

Construction requires a lot of time and energy. Even if you have the will and the resources to execute the plan, the sheer complexity of taking it on yourself can often leave the project delayed, at best, or cancelled, at worst. But there is a way to make sure this doesn’t happen to you and that everything runs smoothly every step of the way. It starts with choosing the right Design-Build firm as your partner.

May 30, 2022

The Typical Architectural Design and Planning Process for Homeowners

Building a house is an exciting process. Whether it is your dream home or something you wish to turn into an investment property, the experience is unlike any other. You’ll witness your plans transform from inspiration imagery and sketches to an actual structure you can live in or profit from.

May 23, 2022

4 Telltale Signs that You Found the Dream Architect for Your Dream Home

Building your dream home is one of the most fulfilling and expensive endeavors of your life. Given the money and time investments involved, realizing your vision requires that all variables are ironed out from beginning to end. One of the most critical of these variables is choosing the right architect.

May 16, 2022

No results found

Get in touch

Ready to dream up your perfect home? We are too.

Your Dream Home Awaits

Let Letter Four help transform your ideas into an extraordinary living space. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of the process, from conceptualization to completion, ensuring that your project exceeds expectations. Contact us today, and let's turn your vision into a reality.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

LETTER FOUR, INC. is a full service Design-Build firm offering the seamless integration of architecture and construction that addresses the diverse goals of our clients. Our team is committed to creating inspired, original works that are feasible and achievable given any project challenge. Our mission is to design and build great spaces with great people.

Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (323) 275-1140

© Letter Four, Inc, 2025 | Architecture License #C30146 - Contractor License #B1028949 | Sitemap

Consent Preferences