230: Claiming the Room: How FORA Built a Business Architects Kept Walking Past

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 LittleThis episode is a masterclass in aligning firm operations with personal and professional convictions. The team breaks down the logistical challenge of building a community engagement practice from the ground up, including how to define its value to clients who may be used to traditional, top-down delivery methods. Whether you are a firm leader looking to restructure your internal research time or a young architect wondering how to bring your social justice passions into a corporate environment, this discussion provides a tangible framework for creating a practice that is both disruptive and highly effective.Guests:Leah Alissa Bayer is the President of Architects Fora, a fully remote, women-led firm. She is a dedicated advocate for business innovation and equity within the profession, focusing on how firm structures can better support diverse talent and restorative design.Kate Conley and Sarah Vaccaro are Principals at Architects Fora, where they lead complex housing and community-focused projects. They are instrumental in fostering a firm culture that balances rigorous project delivery with a commitment to internal research and professional growth.Nicole Little is the Community Engagement Lead at Architects Fora. With dual master's degrees in Architecture and Urban Planning, she spearheads "Engage Fora," a practice area dedicated to deep, systematic community involvement in the design process.This episode is especially for you if:✅ You want to move beyond "check-the-box" community engagement and learn how to build it into a billable service.✅ You are interested in firm models that dedicate a percentage of staff time to research, pro-bono work, and professional passions.✅ You are a young professional with a dual-degree background looking for ways to integrate multiple disciplines into a single career path.✅ You want to understand how to align your personal values with the project work and operations of your firm.✅ You are curious about how a remote-first office can foster a deep sense of community and collaborative leadership.What have you done to take action lately? Share your reflections with us on social and join the conversation.📍 Show Links:Learn more about Architects FORAExplore Engage FORAConnect with Leah Alissa Bayer on LinkedInConnect with Kate Conley on LinkedInConnect with Sarah Vaccaro on LinkedInConnect with Nicole Little on LinkedInListen to the previous episode featuring Architects FORAListen to the previous episode featuring Leah Alissa Bayer📍 Follow Practice Disrupted on Social:Instagram | LinkedIn | YoutubeCheck out our past episodes Be a part of our community — join the conversation