President / Architect / Operations & Culture Lead (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.