Episode
230: Claiming the Room: How FORA Built a Business Architects Kept Walking Past
- Published
- Apr 9, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 3366
- Processing state
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- https://practiceofarchitecture.com/podcast/
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Summary
How much of what architects claim they value actually shows up in how they practice, especially when it comes to community engagement? In this episode of Practice Disrupted, host Evelyn Lee is joined by the leadership team from Architects Fora: Leah Alissa Bayer (President), Kate Conley and Sarah Vaccaro (Principals), and Nicole Little (Community Engagement Lead). Together, they pull back the curtain on how their firm successfully transitioned community engagement from a nebulous, often pro-bono "extra" into a structured, billable service called Engage Fora. Nicole, whose dual background in architecture and urban planning drives this initiative, shares how she leveraged the firm’s unique 20% research-and-passion-time policy to build a full-service practice area that bridges the gap between design and the people it serves. The conversation explores the internal mechanics of a firm that prioritizes "slow-burn" hiring and deep value alignment. Leah, Kate, and Sarah discuss the intentionality behind their remote-first structure and how they empower staff to pursue professional convictions that move the needle for the entire industry. Nicole reflects on her personal history, growing up in housing that actively harmed her family’s health, and how that experience became the professional catalyst for ensuring that community voices are not just heard, but are fundamentally integrated into the architectural process through a sustainable business model. "I think our role as young professionals is to bring in that fresh new perspective. To be disruptive and change the field for the better." - Nicole Little This episode is a masterclass in aligning firm operations with personal and professional convictions. The team breaks down the logistical challenge of building a community engag…