That’s the question The New York Times posed in their recent feature, capturing the story of a resilient neighborhood in the wake of unimaginable loss. For many residents of the Pacific Palisades, the devastating fires were more than a natural disaster—they marked a turning point. Homes, memories, and a way of life were upended. But in the face of destruction, something powerful emerged: a renewed sense of community, and a determination to rebuild not just homes, but a future.

At Thomas James Homes, we’re honored to be part of this journey. As featured in the article, we’re working alongside homeowners to reimagine what’s possible on their lots—bringing smart design, efficiency, and care to every step of the rebuilding process. While the fires left behind ashes, they also left behind a question of how to move forward. We’re helping to answer that by offering a path that’s faster, more cost-effective, and rooted in personalization.

Our CEO, Jamie Mead, spoke to The New York Times about how TJH’s scalable approach is making a meaningful difference in the Palisades’ recovery. By streamlining construction and embracing a design-first mindset, we’re able to deliver high-quality, tailored homes that align with both the character of the neighborhood and the needs of each individual homeowner. And because we handle everything from permitting to final build, homeowners can focus on what matters most—returning to the place they love, without the usual delays and complications that come with custom homebuilding.

But beyond the process and the plans, this work is deeply personal. Each home we build in the Palisades carries a story—a family’s resilience, a neighborhood’s identity, a new beginning. Our team approaches every project with the respect and care it deserves, knowing we’re helping bring stability, comfort, and hope back to people’s lives.

We believe rebuilding is about more than replacing what was lost. It’s about creating something lasting—homes that are safer, smarter, and built to thrive in the years to come. It’s about honoring the past while designing for the future.

As we look ahead, our commitment remains clear: we’re not just building homes—we’re helping rebuild lives, one lot at a time.

We invite you to read the full feature in The New York Times for a closer look at how real estate, resilience, and community vision are shaping the next chapter of the Pacific Palisades: How Do You Rebuild a Place Like the Palisades? – The New York Times