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Leah Alissa Bayer

Leah Alissa Bayer

Mountain View, CA, US

 
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About 

"I find peace in a black sky and the unknown, I find inspiration in the belief that anything is possible, & I find comfort knowing everything is connected."

Early on in professional practice, Leah identified a systemic discord between dated architectural practice and construction methods and the quickly evolving demands of modern living. This observation paired with her curiosity, forward-focus, and passion for improving quality of life inspires her to to push the limits of the AEC industry, challenge conventions, and, ultimately, transform the environments that enable us to live, work, play, and connect with one another in the 21st century. 

Leah's big-picture visioning and integrated, R&D-style approach to architecture stems from her multi-discipline background. In 2014 she graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture and Minor in Fine Arts from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and, prior to architecture, Leah studied structural engineering for four years. Her architectural thesis, MECHA:spore, afforded her the opportunity to investigate truly interdisciplinary practice, weaving speculative design with aerospace engineering, materials science, anthropology, and more.

Managing business in diverse industries for over a decade, Leah's strengths lie in identifying large-scale needs, generating limitless ideas, defining solutions, and building and supporting the right team to successfully deliver great design. By blending boundaries between disciplines, working fluidly to create collaborative solutions, Leah facilitates the entire process, from contract through design and construction documents to construction administration and project close out. Her ability to absorb, process, and clearly communicate critical information ensures beautiful, sustainable, functional results. 

Employment 

Architects FORA, Virtual, President

Leah founded a 100% virtual firm, EVIA Studio in 2018, which she grew to a team of 5, designing highly sustainable housing along the pacific coast. In 2021, she partnered with Kate Conley and Sarah Vaccaro to acquire the firm OJK, which she merged with her practice. In 2022 they rebranded as Architects FORA.

May 2018 - current
 

Perkins&Will, San Francisco, CA, US, Architect III

CA Licensed Architect for a confidential client in the Corporate + Commercial portfolio. Additional responsibilities include managing staffing and invoicing for a dedicated studio team

Oct 2017 - Jan 2018
 

William Maston Architect & Associates, Mountain View, CA, US, Project Manager & Designer

Management: Type IV & V construction including new custom residences and new mixed-use/multifamily (10-50 units), leading teams of 30+ and tackling difficult projects with tight constraints. Successfully acquired entitlements on lean budgets/schedules and fast-tracked permits, taking over multiple projects when others had failed.

Design: Provided hand-drawn concept sketches, design research, Revit & SketchUp modeling and renderings for remodel, new residence, multi-family, mixed-use, and master planning projects. Skilled in programming, sustainable systems thinking, and maximizing user experience and contextual sensitivity.

Scheduling: Successfully developed a system that yields +30% profit on contract estimates by integrating Microsoft Project schedules with Quickbooks for global review of firm's ability to accurately predict budgets and verify staff efficiency.

Aug 2014 - Aug 2017
 

PTS, Inc., Practice Manager

Promoted from Receptionist to Practice Manager three months from hire. Successfully transitioned established PT practice to a fully-digital, efficient, and extremely productive office - doubled staff size and profits 6 months from hire. Strong ability to analyze weaknesses and utilize creative problem solving solutions. Highly capable multitasker and forward, out-of-the-box thinker.

Experience includes:
• Logo and branding, advertising, website design/management, office design and relocation
• Business efficiency analysis and protocol implementation
• Front Office, AP/AR, contracts, customer service and patient relations
• Employee hiring, training

Oct 2009 - Jun 2014
 

Education 

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA, US, BArch, Architecture, Engineering, & Art

Thesis • MECHA:spore: A Living Starship

Notable coursework:
•Interdisciplinary Design Studio
•Advanced Mechanics of Structural Members
•Environmental Control Systems
•Energy And the Environment In the New Millennium

Fine Art Minor
Four years of Structural Engineering

(In 2014 Cal Poly was ranked the #1 Architecture program in the U.S. by Design Intelligence)

Sep 2004 - Jun 2014
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills