Rebuilding Greener: How Architects Support Fire-Affected Schools Toward Resilient, Sustainable Recovery

Room: 212
Time: 1:30pm – 2:30pm

As California schools face increasing wildfire threats, rebuilding in the aftermath is more than a construction challenge—it’s an opportunity to create safer, healthier, and more sustainable learning environments. This session explores how Okapi Architecture partners with school districts, utilities, and communities to deliver fire-resilient, energy-efficient, and equity-focused campus solutions.

Attendees will learn how architects leverage expertise in sustainability design, public sector coordination, and incentive program alignment to guide schools from disaster response to long-term recovery and climate adaptation. Through real-world examples and practical frameworks, participants will gain tools to accelerate recovery and elevate outcomes for students and communities.

Rebuilding after a fire is high-stakes and time-sensitive—but also rich with potential. This session equips educational leaders, planners, and facilities teams with actionable strategies to not only rebuild, but to build back better.

This session brings practical experience from on-the-ground school recovery efforts, utility collaborations, and sustainability integration—ensuring attendees leave with both a vision and a roadmap for delivering resilient, student-centered, and environmentally sound schools after disaster.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Understand key post-wildfire challenges affecting schools—including funding barriers, environmental regulations, and urgency in timelines.
• Learn how to integrate energy efficiency and resilience into rebuilding through passive design, materials selection, and renewable systems.
• Discover how to access funding and incentive programs to support sustainable recovery (e.g., utility rebates, state/federal grants).
• Apply community-centered planning approaches that support psychological recovery, equity, and long-term school performance.

Speakers:

Debbie Eggers, Sr. Program Manager, Okapi Architecture, Inc.
Jessica Mack, Principal Partner, Okapi Architecture, Inc.

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