Leah Alissa Bayer

President / Architect / Director of Powerful Practice (she/her)

Leah Alissa Bayer, AIA, NOMA, LEED GA, NCARB, is an award-winning Architect licensed in California, Hawaii, and Washington with an endless curiosity, forward-focus, and passion for improving quality of life. Her big-picture visioning and integrated approach to architecture stems from her multi-discipline background. She graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.), a Minor in Fine Arts, and four years of Structural Engineering (B.S.) from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Leah’s background is in creative business design and management focused on transparency. She founded EVIA Studio, a highly collaborative, women-led, and virtual architecture practice that merged with OJK in 2021 and subsequently became Architects FORA. Prior to EVIA, Leah led resource management at Perkins + Will in San Francisco and grew multiple small businesses to success in various industries.

Passionate about volunteering, Leah is AIA Silicon Valley’s President and Chair of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Experience Committee, and a Director of AIA California’s Board. 

Leah and her husband Tim (engineering physicist) live in Bellingham, WA, both major lovers of the Pacific Northwest. She’s a life-long gamer (FPS’s FTW), owner of the world-famous dog Everest aka Shmoo, and enjoys reading, painting, traveling, gardening, coffee, cats, and adventuring.

"Integrity is the essence of everything successful."

- Buckminster Fuller

  • What makes you excited to come to work?

    My inspiring, supportive, and ridiculously fun team.

  • What's your happy place?

    Snorkeling in Hawaii with all the beautiful and playful tropical fish.

  • If you could go anywhere (real or fictional, at no cost), where would you go?

    The singularity of a black hole.

  • What's the best meal you've ever had?

    The first romantic dinner with my now-husband at Guiseppe's in Pismo Beach: squash blossoms, lobster ravioli, red wine, and lots of smiles.

  • Coffee or tea?

    Both!

  • What's something that made you smile recently?

    I smile all day long - life is great.

  • What are some things your bucket list?

    Next up on the list is starting a family.

“The Hawaii Project - it started it all!”

“Auzerais - the catalyst for the merging of our (EVIA + OJK) teams.”

“Monterey RFP - first effort (+WIN!) with my new partners.”

/ FAVORITE PROJECTS