We're excited to welcome our 2024-2025 FORA Fellow, Gabriella Vaz de Freitas, to the team! As she onboards with us, we've invited Gabi to share a bit about her background, current work, plans post-graduation, and some advice for other students.

Through a previous partnership with Eden Housing, where we were invited to provide integrated architectural and community engagement services, Engage FORA was born. Now, by way of FORA's proven winning combination of design and engagement services, we're honored to have the opportunity to do it again and help contribute to the success of this important new development for educators in Cupertino, CA

Our unique feminist practice model pushes us to challenge traditional power structures, amplify marginalized voices, and create places where everyone feels valued and respected. We believe that transparency is the first step, and the Just label is a great place to start.

Since taking the helm and rebranding as Architects FORA, many of you have commented on our new, uniquely feminist identity. As a 100% women owned and over 90% women staffed firm, we think there’s something to that observation worth celebrating.

Read on to learn about the special qualities we’ve embraced as women in leadership and the power of The Feminist Practice model.

Creating an SAP is different for every firm, but the process can help you discover what your team members are passionate about, what is already working, and how you can build better buildings for people and the planet.