California Homes Rebuilt with Reverence for Classic Design

Marvin Windows and Doors helps preserve the state's diverse architectural heritage in the wake of wildfires.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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As Southern California rebuilds from recent wildfires, a community design initiative called New California Classics (NCC) is working to ensure new homes are designed with the region's unique architectural character in mind. Marvin, a leader in custom-crafted windows and doors, is helping homeowners maintain authentic styles while meeting modern quality standards. The article highlights three homes that exemplify different California architectural styles - Spanish Revival, California Craftsman, and California Tudor - and how Marvin's products were used to honor the original designs.

Why it matters

California has a rich and diverse architectural history that is worth preserving, even as the state rebuilds from natural disasters. This community-driven effort to thoughtfully reconstruct homes in classic styles helps maintain the unique character of different regions and neighborhoods.

The details

NCC created an online pattern book to guide residents on rebuilding with intention, featuring blueprints, designs, textures, and colors that represent the region's aesthetic identity. Marvin's flexible Ultimate collection has been instrumental in transforming these guidelines into examples of the new California dream. The article showcases three homes that exemplify different California architectural styles - Spanish Revival, California Craftsman, and California Tudor - and how Marvin's products were used to honor the original designs while introducing improved performance and modern quality standards.

  • In recent years, the landscape of Southern California has been profoundly reshaped by fire, leaving a void where historic neighborhoods once stood.

The players

New California Classics (NCC)

A community design initiative created by a collective of architects, designers and building-trade professionals, focused on ensuring new homes rising from the ashes of wildfires are designed with California's unique character at the forefront.

Marvin

A leader in custom-crafted windows and doors, esteemed for its precision engineering and the bespoke customization required to honor historic proportions.

Sue Shockley

A Brand Ambassador at the Marvin Brand Experience Center in Boston.

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What they’re saying

“Marvin is committed to helping iconic design endure. California has a rich and unique architectural history that's worth protecting and preserving, and Marvin's materials and engineering allow homeowners to maintain authentic architectural styles while meeting modern quality standards.”

— Sue Shockley, Brand Ambassador, Marvin Brand Experience Center

“California has long been a leader in forward-thinking architecture. These styles emphasize natural light and a fluid relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.”

— Sue Shockley, Brand Ambassador, Marvin Brand Experience Center

“Marvin ensures our products are long-lasting, high quality, and resilient through many different types of climates. This combination of design fidelity and durable performance allows architects, builders, and homeowners to realize their vision without compromising quality.”

— Sue Shockley, Brand Ambassador, Marvin Brand Experience Center

What’s next

The Marvin Brand Experience Center also offers innovative virtual appointments to help project teams across California explore products remotely in a hands-on, interactive way, ensuring everyone is aligned to confidently move their projects forward.

The takeaway

By thoughtfully rebuilding homes that honor California's diverse architectural heritage, this community-driven effort is helping preserve the unique character of the state's neighborhoods, even in the wake of natural disasters.