Michelle Gainer Architect

Home
United States
Torrance, CA
Michelle Gainer Architect

Full service architectural firm serving Southern California for over 20 years. We specialize in new residential homes, additions and remodeling.

08/19/2025

Sometimes you have to stop working and enjoy the view 🌊🌞

07/12/2025

Recent projects we have completed.

01/12/2025

The devastation we are witnessing this week, due to the wildfires in Los Angeles, is heartbreaking. I know people are worried and wondering what they can do to prevent such destruction to their homes in the event of an external firestorm.

As disasters occur and vulnerabilities are discovered in the codes we use to build, the codes are amended.

Chapter 7A of the California Building Code is for homes and buildings that are located in a designated high wildfire zone. For us in the South Bay, the whole Palos Verdes Peninsula is designated as a high fire zone.
Any new construction will require the following items to be flame and ember resistant.

Most modern roofs are flame resistant since wood shakes have been eliminated as a roofing material years ago.
In my opinion, attic vents and tempered glass windows are key to preventing the intrusion of fire and wind blown embers into the attic and building envelope. Most of us have stucco as the exterior cladding and the newer cementious siding (looks like wood siding) are acceptable in the code.

Other items to consider upgrading when replacing any items are fire resistant wood or composite wood for decking and trellises, removing landscaping against the building and exterior ceiling materials being fire resistant.

These are only for exterior fires that start outside of the home. Building sprinklers are for the inside and are required for any new home or significant additions over 1000 square feet regardless of your fire zone designation.

Most all of the homes built in years past have attic vents with little to no protection from wind driven embers. These tiny embers land inside your attic and usually atop the insulation, where the fires can start. Upgrading your attic vents to prevent embers from entering is a good start. I worked on a home that was burned by a dead palm frond hitting the power lines and catching on fire. This occurred during the Santa Ana winds and the embers from the frond blew into the attic via the vents. While the damage was superficial and didn’t change the integrity of the structure, the whole interior of the house was stripped out because of smoke and water damage. This was not in a high fire zone.

Just a PSA for anyone concerned about their home.

11/13/2024

At some City Building Departments, the wait isn’t so bad when you can sit in the sunshine with this view!
If you are interested in adding to or remodeling your home, let’s get together and make it happen for 2025. I offer a free 1 hour consultation to discuss your ideas and dreams!

05/25/2023

A few years in the making but my clients new home is under construction. Torrance, CA

10/28/2021

This project was finished in November 2019. I wasn’t able to see the finished version until recently. The kitchen is my favorite room, I designed it to be open, filled with light and a place to gather. I love how it turned out. My clients selected all the finishes with the help of an interior designer.

06/30/2021

The Federal government wants to expand its control over State’s local zoning laws. By eliminating single family zoning in your neighborhood, several lots can become a large housing apartment building by developers, anywhere in your neighborhood or City. If the city refuses to change its zoning codes, it’ll lose important transportation funding by the federal government that they rely on to fix roads. Single family homes “the suburbs” are in jeopardy of being outlawed. Accessory Dwelling Units, that garage rental in your backyard is just their foot in the door. This particular Bill is a part of the current administration’s infrastructure package.

05/01/2021

A great kitchen design is less expensive than a therapist. 😉 If you’re interested in redesigning your kitchen, contact me and we’ll create a stress free room for your culinary creations!

03/17/2021

My clients were kind enough to share these photos of their family room addition during construction and allowed me to share. A good portion of my project are additions. This is a family room addition off the dining room and kitchen. We’ll remove the sliding door and it’ll be open to the addition. Sloped ceiling, a new fireplace (direct vent) with stone veneer and doors out to the patio. These clients knew exactly what they wanted and I was able to assist them in realizing their dream.

02/01/2021

Not all fireplaces are created alike. Actually now they’re more like a decorative heating unit than a traditional fireplace.
When clients select a fireplace from a dealer or online, I can’t always get them approved through the building officials. Most jurisdictions require a report from a testing lab that certifies the safety and quality of a product. Not all manufacturers can provide this necessary report. Frustrating for my clients that dealers continue to sell products that can’t be approved when requesting a permit. If you’re not sure ask, before you purchase, for an ICC or ESR report.

12/17/2020

The “Riviera Arboles” home is almost complete. I got to visit and take some photos. Will post before and after when the landscaping is complete.

10/10/2020

Kitchen Remodel Complete. My friends hired me to turn their dining room, kitchen and family room into one big Great Room. 2 walls removed, 3 steel beams added (it’s a 2-story home) and we flip flopped the kitchen and dining rooms. Their new dining table is on it’s way and floats between family area and kitchen. I love how it turned out, they selected all the finishes. Vinyl Flooring ( I love this look and it’s waterproof), Quartz counters, standard white shaker cabinets, brick backsplash. The lighting is amazing. So happy to make their design dreams come true!

Address

P. O. Box 1448
Torrance, CA
90505

Telephone

+14243280642

Website

http://mgaine4.wix.com/michellegainerarchit

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Michelle Gainer Architect posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Michelle Gainer Architect:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Contractor in Torrance?