Ben LaMora, Next Wave
Featured in Cape Cod HOME 2022 Annual Guide
Ben LaMora, founding partner and president of Lineal Architects + Builders, was recently named president of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod.
Representing Lineal as a member of HBRACC for 8 years, Ben plans to use his time as president to lead efforts that will bolster and encourage the much-needed work force on the Cape.
Q: How did you know that architecture and homebuilding is what you wanted to do? When did you discover your passion for it?
A: As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be an architect. I believe I was in eighth grade when I was lucky enough to meet a local architect, and I asked him for a job. He let me intern for him and I never looked back. The value of a mentor can be life changing and I look forward to helping my sons discover what they have a passion for.
Q: How do you approach a Lineal project, and how would you describe that process for your clients?
A: We are here to facilitate, inspire and execute our clients’ dreams. Since we manage our projects from concept to completion, we get to fully explore the creative options while taking the costs and pragmatic side of the construction phase into account early on in the process. Our teams get together to share the clients’ vision and create a decision tree, considering what’s most important and where certain roads may lead. This process allows frequent evaluation and project transparency that is important to us. Together with our clients, we can go confidently from one project phase to the next—minimizing stress for all involved. Though each project is unique, the process remains the same.
Q: What drew you to the Association?
A: My first introduction was through one of my vendors, Ron Winter at Shepley’s, who brought me as a guest. The first few meetings opened my eyes to how the organization is incredibly multifaceted—from industry advocacy and support to philanthropic efforts and volunteer opportunities. It’s about building relationships with clients, with fellow members, and with our community. The value of membership is almost immeasurable.
“The value of membership is almost immeasurable.”
Q: How did the position of President come into your path, and how did you feel taking it on?
A: HBRACC is full of talented and hard working people. When I joined I wouldn't have imagined becoming president but in the years I've been a member we've made so much progress on issues facing the building industry in our area, it's an honor. The path to the executive committee and finally presidency is very methodical, with years of preparation and grooming from predecessors. I've been working towards this for a long time and am ready for it! I have the immediate past presidents to thank for that, Trevor Meyer and Peter Kimball in particular.
Q: Are there any changes you are looking to implement, or new avenues that the Association is planning on going down in the future?
A: There’s always a need for evolution. Historically, we’ve been hosting a career day for 200-300 local high school students, showing all the different avenues of construction. Lately, workforce development has become critically urgent so we’re examining ways to help with that further. Member engagement has also been evolving, of course the pandemic put a pause on many of our typical opportunities, but we’ve adapted and have come away with new ideas for engaging with each other and with the community.
Q: What would you say are the most important aspects of HBRACC for the community and the businesses it works with?
A: HBRACC is a chapter of the state organization HBRAMA as well as the national organization NAHB—so membership provides an enormous support network. The combined efforts of the National Organization have done a lot for advocating for the building industry since the 1940s. But the most important work HBRACC does is local, representing our 300+ members at various legislative and code review levels, providing access to training and education that would be difficult to source individually. Also critical to our organization is the philanthropic work we perform in the community such as assisting with Habitat for Humanity’s Blitz Build, Cape Cod Community College’s Construction Camp, our own Residential Construction Career Day. Our workforce development establishes pre-apprentice, apprenticeship and internship programs for our future employment needs.