Q&A: Canyon Construction Alliance

The Palisadian-Post spoke with Bob Alderman of Canyon Construction Alliance—a “full-service, in-house construction firm” that approaches each project with “empathy and purpose.”

Tell us a bit about your background—what led you to where you are today?

I’ve been a general contractor for over 35 years, with most of that time spent working in high-end residential construction. Since 1992, my team and I have served some of the most respected communities in Southern California, earning the trust of high-profile clients through referrals and reputation alone. I started negotiating insurance claims in 1994, and over time that became a key part of what we offer, especially after wildfires and other disasters.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working on unique, one-of-a-kind projects that challenged us creatively and technically. That’s where my passion for design and creating meaningful spaces really took hold. It has always been about the project, doing the job right, treating people fairly and taking pride in the finished product.

Every person on our team shares that mindset. We care about the work, the experience and the people we serve. Especially when it comes to fire rebuilds, we approach each project with empathy and purpose. Our role is not just to rebuild structures, but to help restore peace of mind, navigate complex claims and deliver honest solutions during a difficult time.

What service do you provide?

We are a full-service, in-house construction firm offering everything needed to take a project from concept to completion. Our services include architectural design, civil and structural engineering, professional permit expediting, remediation, licensed insurance adjusting, demolition and cleanup, and all phases of construction across every trade.

We have a deep understanding of fire rebuilds and what it takes to navigate that process successfully. With decades of experience working with local government agencies, we know how to move projects forward efficiently and get permits expedited without cutting corners.

What sets your business apart from others in your industry?

What truly sets us apart is that we are a full-service, in-house operation. By keeping everything under one roof, from design and engineering to insurance adjustment, permitting, and construction, we are able to move efficiently and keep projects on schedule. This structure also allows us to control costs and eliminate the layers of markup that often come with hiring multiple subcontractors under separate contracts.

At Canyon Construction Alliance, everything falls under one transparent agreement. There are no hidden fees or added percentages on materials. We supply materials at our cost and provide every client with a clear, detailed scope of work and pricing from the start.

We also proactively manage delays by ordering finishes and long-lead items well in advance. We offer secure storage for those materials so they are ready when we need them, minimizing downtime and keeping the build on track.

It is a streamlined, honest approach that saves time, reduces costs and gives our clients peace of mind throughout the entire process.

What is the most rewarding part of the work you do?

The most rewarding part of this work is helping people through the toughest moments of their lives. Whether it is rebuilding after a fire or facing something unexpected, it is not the reason that matters most, it is the result. If we can step in, take control of the chaos and make a real difference in someone’s journey, that is the payoff.

As someone who has spent years advocating for late-stage cancer patients, I have learned to lead from a place of calm, purpose and grit. That experience shaped how I show up for my clients, my team and my company. We solve problems, rebuild what matters and do it with precision, pride and zero excuses.

We exist to bring lives back together, restore peace of mind, and do it with grace, humility and strength.

What has been your most memorable or meaningful project and why?

There are two that come to mind for very different reasons.

One day I got a call from an elderly woman who was having trouble with her insurance claim after a pipe burst caused significant water damage. I could hear the stress in her voice. When she told me what the insurance company was offering, it didn’t sit right. She gave me her address, and when I arrived, it turned out to be a trailer park. It was a nice one, but not the kind of place I usually work.

Still, I looked at the damage and saw a small bathroom that had clearly been hit harder than anyone was acknowledging. She was in her 80s, a widow and just trying to get by. So I fixed it myself. I took care of everything while I fought to get her claim properly settled. She ended up getting fully reimbursed, and even had a little extra left over. Her family sent my family Christmas cards for years after she passed. That one stuck with me.

On the other end of the spectrum, I spent eight years converting the Broad Art Museum in Venice into a private residence for a longtime client. It’s a five-story building from 1929, originally purchased by Eli Broad, and it became a constantly evolving project that pushed every boundary of design, planning and construction. It was a $30 million building, rich with history and complexity, and one of the most creatively rewarding jobs I’ve ever taken on.

And then there’s everything in between. Because at the end of the day, the size of the project doesn’t matter. What matters is how much it means to the people we’re doing it for.

What advice would you give to someone who has just experienced a loss and is starting to rebuild?

First, get your insurance claim professionally adjusted. Too many people leave money on the table by accepting the initial offer. Also, if you plan to rebuild what you had on the same footprint, look into a streamlined building permit process. It can save you serious time and frustration.

If possible, leave the foundation in place until it can be fully evaluated. Especially on hillside properties, keeping even part of the foundation intact can save thousands in demolition and future construction costs. It can also dramatically shorten your rebuild timeline. With so many homeowners underinsured right now, every dollar matters.

If your team doesn’t include an expediter, hire one. You need someone who knows the permit process inside and out, and can be your advocate every step of the way.

And finally, hire local. You’re going to see contractors from all over the map showing up, but many won’t understand the land, the permitting climate or the lifestyle this community was built around. Malibu and the Palisades may be spread out, but they are tight-knit in spirit. You want people who understand that and are part of the community.

How can people contact you or learn more about your services?

I can be reached directly at 818-635-9319 or builtbybob21@gmail.com. Jenny Hall Aspell can be reached at 310-487-5397. I’m always happy to answer questions, offer guidance or help you take the next step in your rebuild or renovation.