Celebrating New Architects: Dan Estes

Dan Estes recently joined the firm’s ranks of registered architects. Today we celebrate his accomplishments.

Dan joined PAYETTE in 2008 as a 3D Visualization Modeler, later moving into the studio as a Designer. During his time with the 3D Visualization Group, he assisted with the development of many renderings for projects of all sizes. He also developed detailed models of buildings to assist in the construction effort of the project. Dan’s first project as a Designer in the studio was the Amherst College New Science Center. He has also worked on the fit-out for the Alexandria Real Estate project, as well as several other small and large-scale academic projects. Dan earned his Masters of Architecture from the Wentworth Institute of Technology in 2010. He tutors grade school students in art and design. In his free time, Dan enjoys music, art and traveling.

What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the realizations of process, when you finally get to wander around in a space you helped to create, or hold a small model of a building in your hand. I find this to be a wonderful feeling.

What is the best part of your job?
I ultimately love creating things that are tangible, but I have found an interest in developing digital models to express our intent first. With new technologies and techniques, renderings have come a long way towards a clearer expression of design. I personally love flying around models and viewing buildings from angles that can never be seen in person.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far?
The extents of the design process can go far beyond your own understanding and—with the input of others—a design can really grow in unexpected ways.

The sky is the limit: if you could design or redesign anything, what would it be?
After this winter, it’s apparent that the MBTA could use a bit of work.