EA638: Harper Halprin and Aaron Leshtz - Designing Resilient Homes for a New Climate Reality (Case Study House 2.0)

Designing Resilient Homes for a New Climate Reality (Case Study House 2.0)

In this episode of the EntreArchitect Podcast, we explore designing resilient homes for a new climate reality with architects Harper Halprin and Aaron Leshtz of AAHA Studio. They share the story behind their Case Study 2.0 project, a modern reimagining of the iconic Case Study House Program built for an era marked by wildfire risk and climate urgency. As they explain, this initiative grew from both professional experience and personal encounters with fire-damaged communities in Southern California.

Harper and Aaron walk through the origins of AAHA Studio, their early careers in New York, and the creative influences that shaped their approach to architecture. They describe how Crest Real Estate enlisted them to develop a catalog of fire-resilient prototype homes with predictable fees and targeted construction budgets. Their courtyard-based design responds to real burn-site conditions, strengthens defensible space, and supports indoor–outdoor living while keeping residents safer. Through each step, they emphasize that design is about more than aesthetics; it is about how a building performs, protects, and supports the people who live in it.

The conversation also highlights the vital leadership role architects play after disasters. Harper and Aaron share how the architectural community mobilized through roundtables, AIA coordination, and shared resources to help neighborhoods rebuild. They close with practical encouragement for small firm architects: stay curious, keep learning, be open to opportunity, and always lead with service. This episode offers a timely reminder that resilient design isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility.

This week at EntreArchitect Podcast, Designing Resilient Homes for a New Climate Reality (Case Study House 2.0) with Harper Halprin and Aaron Leshtz.

Learn more about Harper and Aaron at AAHA Studio, check out Case Study 2.0, follow them on Instagram, and connect with Harper and Aaron on LinkedIn.

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