Building a Legacy Firm: Creating a Practice Designed to Endure
Contributing Authors: Bruce Bockus and David Payne
After more than three decades of leadership, Bruce Bockus and David Payne are stepping into a new chapter—one filled with reflection, gratitude, and confidence in the firm’s future.
What began as a small practice Bruce established in the late 1980s grew into a lasting partnership when Bockus Payne Architecture was formally shaped in the early 1990s. Together, they guided the firm through decades of growth, change, and evolving leadership. With the transition of leadership to Mathew Siebert and Chris Cleburn, David and Bruce remain deeply appreciative of the people, clients, and shared values that have shaped the firm from its earliest days. Their insights offer a thoughtful look at what it means to build a practice that can thrive beyond its founders.
At the heart of their story is a belief in service, collaboration, mentorship, and the idea that great architecture is strengthened by great people.
Looking Ahead: What It Means to Build Something That Lasts
From the firm’s earliest years—growth was never about standing still. It was about anticipating what came next while remaining deeply connected to clients and the people who make the work possible. David frames longevity as a balance of foresight, adaptability, and client focus. “Do we have the foresight to transition into another type of work? How do we position ourselves? Continuing to prioritize and work alongside current clients, assuring they always feel special, is everything.”
Bruce expands on that idea, grounding it in people and participation. “It’s gratifying to pass something on and see the evolution. The responsibility is giving a group a voice, letting them participate in decisions, and giving them chances to grow and learn.”
Together, their perspectives emphasize that lasting firms are built by anticipating change while investing deeply in people.
Defining the Firm’s Legacy
Bruce speaks first to the culture he hopes endures. “I hope people look back and think, ‘That was a fun experience’ on both the client and staff side. Design excellence, good service, having fun, faith, working hard, serving well—that’s what I hope continues.”
David follows with a focus on consistency and accountability. “Our repeat clients know our quality of design and documentation. To have a legacy, you must stand for something. Listening and follow-through are critical.”
The combination reinforces a legacy defined by both human connection and professional rigor.
Balancing History and Innovation
David describes the balance between honoring the firm’s roots and embracing its future with clarity. “We don’t overthink the balance. We know our history, we respect it, and we keep moving forward.”
Bruce reflects on that balance as something shaped by time—from his early work in the late 1980s to the partnership that defined the firm in the early 1990s. Growth, for him, has always meant honoring what came before while trusting others to carry it forward.
Learning From Past Leaders
Bruce credits mentors who shaped his leadership style through example and kindness, including his brother Henry and architect Bob Welty, whose influence extended beyond design to how people are treated and supported.
David reflects on lessons learned through contrast. “My best teachers were my worst bosses. When something went sideways, it often taught me how I did not want to lead.”
Together, their experiences underscore how leadership—positive or challenging—can leave a lasting imprint.
Stepping Forward—and Knowing When to Step Back
Bruce speaks to the humility required to intentionally plan for succession. “It takes humility to have a plan and move forward with the next generation. We do our best with the information we have.”
David follows with encouragement for emerging leaders. “No one has a crystal ball. Encourage young leaders to step forward and have a voice.”
Their shared message is clear: leadership transitions succeed when trust, patience, and opportunity go hand in hand.
Passing the Baton
David emphasizes the balance required in letting go while still offering support. “Be available, but step back and allow the next generation to step up. Encourage them. On projects, be faithful to others and to God—He’s taken care of us this far.”
Bruce shares a personal story about mentoring Collin Fleck, now Director of Design, reflecting the firm’s long-standing commitment to growth. “Years ago, I told him he would take my place. It took time, humility, and shared understanding before he was ready to stake his place here.”
Looking back on the broader transition, he adds, “The older you get, the more beautiful it becomes to look back at the amazing projects we’ve done.”
What It Means to Build Beyond a Single Generation
David measures success through the lives shaped within the firm. “If we built a platform for great people to find a career and a family here, that’s the most important thing to me.”
Bruce follows by returning to the purpose of the work itself. “It only means something if the work continues to serve people through excellent design. Great architecture is meant to outlive us.”
Together, David and Bruce define legacy as people, purpose, and impact—extending well beyond any single generation.
A Firm Built to Evolve
As Bockus Payne transitions under the leadership of Mathew Siebert and Chris Cleburn, the firm enters a new era grounded in service, integrity, adaptability, and faith. This next chapter honors the foundation laid in the late 1980s and early 1990s while embracing the creativity, talent, and vision of its current and future leaders.
It is a firm built not just to endure, but to evolve—and to keep serving others with excellence and purpose for decades to come.
Great architecture lasts. Great leadership ensures it continues.