Celebrating New Architects: Alex Zink

Alex Zink recently joined the ranks of the firm’s registered architects. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University with a minor in Urban Planning.

Alex Zink

What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is working with hardworking enthusiastic people who are dedicated to making buildings more sustainable. We are also fortunate to work with forward thinking university and healthcare clients who are committed to constructing long lasting buildings that are healthy for humans and the planet.

What projects have you worked on and are currently working on?
Since I joined PAYETTE in 2017, I have worked on several different projects at all stages of design and construction, including Lafayette College–Rockwell Integrated Sciences Center, Bates College–Bonney Science Center, Thomas Jefferson University–Caroline Kimmel Biomedical Research Building, and Tulane University–Paul Hall for Science and Engineering. I have also worked on several interviews for Princeton University, Thomas Jefferson University, Cornell University, and Penn State University.

What is the most important thing you have learned so far?
I’ve learned two important things at PAYETTE. The first is that you never stop learning in the architecture profession. Every six months or so I start to feel like I’m getting comfortable doing my work but then I am put on a new task and realize there is so much more to learn. The architecture industry is also always changing and evolving. A principal told me recently that he’s been learning new things for the last 25 years.

The second important thing I learned is to pay attention to your surroundings and listen. PAYETTE has an open office layout where everyone from principals to interns can sit next to each. While this sometimes makes it a little difficult to focus it makes it very easy to learn from others and observe interactions between principals and clients or project architects and construction managers.

If you could take a month-long trip anywhere, where would you go and why?
My first choice would probably be to backpack throughout Central and South America to see all of the jungles and mountains but also to travel through the cities to see their modern structures and ancient ruins. I would also like to improve my Spanish along the way.