A Visit from Fairweather Associates: Thoughtful Dialogue in Anderson Valley, the Birthplace of Magdalena

Last week we had the pleasure of welcoming Simon Fairweather of Fairweather Associates, and his partner Amanda, to Anderson Valley, the birthplace of Magdalena. Their visit marked another chapter in an ongoing dialogue that has been unfolding over several months, and it continues to be one of the most rewarding relationships we’ve developed as we build Magdalena.

Most of the day’s discussion took place over lunch at Pennyroyal Farm, a place we recommend wholeheartedly to anyone visiting Anderson Valley. It continues to be one of the real gems of the region. That conversation set the tone for a thoughtful, wide-ranging exchange of ideas that touched on nearly every aspect of our work.

What stands out most about the Fairweather Associates team is the caliber of their thinking. They have taken the time to understand our broader model, looking closely at how we are approaching the housing challenge in California and why our approach can create meaningful impact in communities like Anderson Valley. Their feedback has been both generous and insightful. They have highlighted why the Magdalena model is a smart and effective way to bring new housing to the state, and they have offered thoughtful ideas that help make our work stronger.

Our conversations ranged across many dimensions of the project. We talked about lighting inside the homes, and how warm tones create a sense of comfort and welcome. We talked about all the small design details that don’t cost much but make a home feel lived-in and personal. We talked about efficiency in the production process, how to manage fixed overhead, and how to keep improving the business as we scale. Each discussion reinforced how valuable it is to receive feedback from people who think deeply and critically about design and operations.

After lunch, we visited our first Magdalena village in Anderson Valley. There, Simon and Amanda gained a clear understanding of the history behind what we’ve been building, the journey our homes have taken from Colombia to California, and the steps we’ve taken to bring this first community to life.

We feel proud of this connection with Fairweather Associates. It is an honor to have leaders of their caliber paying close attention to Magdalena, and we look forward to staying in close touch as the company grows. Their perspective has already enriched our work, and we are confident that this dialogue will continue to bring value for years to come.

A big thank you to Simon Fairweather and Amanda for spending the day with us in the valley.