Heather H. Taylor, AIA, LEED AP Joins PAYETTE as an Associate Principal

This month, PAYETTE welcomes Heather H. Taylor as our newest Associate Principal!

At PAYETTE, our people are our primary asset. Heather joins PAYETTE with 20+ years of experience as a professional focused in higher education with experience in the federal government, K-12 education, preservation and private residential markets. In addition to her experience, Heather brings years of engagement with professional and service organizations including her current roles as Commissioner of Communication and Public Relations of the Boston Society of Architects (BSA), Volunteer Leader for the North Atlantic SCUP Council and Co-President of the Charlestown Preservation Society.

Here, Heather shares her approach—and a bit about herself!

Q: Why do you do what you do?
A visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello as a child clinched my desire to pursue a career in architecture. I love to creatively solve problems and want to make a positive, lasting contribution to the greater community. 

Q: What are you most excited about in regards to your new role at PAYETTE?
I am excited about the level of quality at PAYETTE – the people, the work and the culture of the firm. I love that PAYETTE has a rich history, is invested in the City of Boston and works on fascinating, challenging projects both locally and around the globe. I’m excited to balance both project work and firm initiatives bringing my industry relationships and professional expertise to the firm.

Q: Where is your favorite place in the world?
Locally, Nantucket is a favorite, where I spent summers throughout my childhood and designed and built my parent’s retirement home. More broadly speaking, my favorite places in the world are ironically, majestic un-built environments like the Grand Canyon, various National Parks and almost anywhere on south island of New Zealand.

Q: Whom do you admire?
In light of recent events in Boston, undoubtedly those who put themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety of the public. I also admire those who positively influence and inspire all of us to do and be our best. And of course as a founder of our country, and one who inspired my professional pursuit, Thomas Jefferson. 

Q: What’s on your iPod?
My music is in need of a major overhaul … certainly I was influenced by the music of the 80s and 90s.

Q: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
I’m a big sports fan – I love our Boston teams, but even more love college sports, especially my alma matter Michigan. I am not known for my musical talent and I don’t like reality TV, but somehow I really enjoy the show The Voice. It is because the judges spend time coaching, encouraging and mentoring young people and they have fun amongst themselves.

Q: The sky is the limit: if you could redesign anything, what would it be?
I’d redesign the election process in the United States – and reallocate the majority of campaign funding towards programs and people where it could have a more positive and lasting impact.

Q: What do you do in your free time?
I love to entertain and gathering friends around the dinner table. I also love active to be active outside – my favorite activities are biking, hiking, sailing and kayaking. I also spend time as “super-auntie” Heather and volunteer quite a bit, too.

Q: What do you follow?
I just signed up for Twitter, as a response to the events in Boston – clearly it is where the news happens fastest and I still need to learn how to really use it! I still read the paper copy of the Globe, listen to BZ and WBUR, and I just finished Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In. 

Q: What inspires you?
I am inspired by simple acts of kindness – I look for the good in humankind. I have a thirst for knowledge and am curious. I am inspired by the innocent joy and inquisitive minds of the next generation. I love to see students, faculty and whole communities thrive in the environments we design and build for them.