The Eaton Fire destroyed most of the historic central core of Altadena. In that core were hundreds of craftsman homes, four by Louis B. Easton, a couple of Greene and Greene’s, and homes by dozens of lesser or unknown designers. Some were lovingly restored and maintained, others soldiered on for decades unrestored, adapted, or lived in. They were each and all loved for their history; the stories the walls could tell us about our past, the materials and technologies once available, now unusual or unavailable.

Now the question is: In the wake of the fire’s destruction, can a new home, built of different technologies to different codes, out of different materials, still be a “Craftsman”? Is a “Craftsman” house a set of elevations and details, or is it the result of a philosophy applied?

The lecture and discussion will be led by Steven S. Lamb, who serves as an official advisor to Rebuild Altadena, offering deep expertisein community advocacy, historic preservation, and traditional residential design. A long-time Altadena Town Council member and preservation consultant, Steven has been a long-trusted voice for thoughtful, place-based rebuilding in the San Gabriel foothills.