Meet Our YDC Co-Chairs

The Young Designers Core (YDC) was founded in 2000 by young designers who saw potential to enhance the professional development of emerging professionals in the firm. As a grassroots initiative, the YDC has maintained a great level of autonomy and innovation, even as the architectural and economic climate has changed around it. The most successful facet of the YDC model has been its adaptability; over the past 17 years the program has been able to transform and change to cater to the current needs of the firm. The underlying mission of the group has remained consistent; to elevate young designers, but the methods have not. From year to year, the YDC’s focus may shift from education, mentorship, career advancement, or even to community and culture building. The events and opportunities offered by the YDC evolves to align with this focus every year.

The YDC is led by two people, co-chairs, with alternating two-year term periods to ensure an easy transition between leadership that we feel helps keep our group thriving. Today, meet our current co-chairs – Megan Brown and Ngaire Stuart Gongora.

What drew you to become an YDC co-chair?
PAYETTE’s Young Designers Core was a big draw when I relocated to Boston and was interviewing at architecture firms. The emphasis on growth and development for young professionals is essential to a healthy practice and I’m so excited to keep this tradition moving forward!

What is one of your favorite YDC events?
My favorite event is the YDC vs. ODC (“Old” Designers Core) softball tournament in the summer. It’s a great mix of friendly competition, fresh air and exercise, and good food and drink. I’m looking forward to the next one!

If you could eat lunch with one architect, living or deceased, who would it be?
There are several that come to mind, but picking just one, it would have been fun to meet Zaha Hadid.

The sky is the limit: what would you redesign?
I would love to redesign wireless, Bluetooth headphones for running. I want something more customizable, minimal and that actually stay in place without the need for material wrapping up over the ear. Possibly worn to look like small earrings. I think technology will get there eventually.

What do you do in your free time?
I like to spend the majority of my free time outside biking, running, hiking or playing sports.

What drew you to become an YDC co-chair?
The Young Designers Core was a major draw when I was visiting the office almost three years ago. It embodies the firm’s belief in their young designers and provides an outlet for the group to bond and grow in their cultural and professional development. I found that the construction tours were an invaluable way to expand my knowledge of construction and to see the nuances in the range of building typologies that we design.

What is one of your favorite YDC events?
I would have to say that it is the Thanksgiving Potluck. Confirmed by multiple conversation with people who have been at PAYETTE for a while, the culture of the firm is unique, special and hard to come by. We experience it day-to-day, but the thought of everyone making a dish at home, lugging crock pots and pans on their commute and sitting together at the same table exemplifies the best of our office culture. Plus, who doesn’t love the culinary spread and the massive dessert table!

If you could eat lunch with one architect, living or deceased, who would it be?
It would have to be Sverre Fehn. I’ve always admired his rich material palette and material combinations, his ability to frame light and it certainly helps that most of his works are sited in amazing landscapes.

The sky is the limit: what would you redesign?
The New England Aquarium. It has some amazing nooks and crannies, but in my opinion, it could benefit from upgrading some spaces and bringing in more light. The central tank is iconic, and when it opened was the largest tank in the world. The first order of business would be reclaiming that title and changing out the faux painted coral for real reefs.

What do you do in your free time?
When the occasional free time comes along, I enjoy movies, bike riding, hiking, spontaneous nature walks with unplanned end destinations, visiting antique stores and spending time with friends.