Celebrating New Architects: Melissa Allen

Melissa Allen recently joined the ranks of the firm’s licensed architects. Melissa received her Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Today we celebrate her accomplishments.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is all the resources we have here at Payette. We have so much available to us such as Fabrication, Building Science, Space Strategies, Design Visualization, our library, etc. I am thankful to work alongside such talented and intelligent people. Everyone is always willing to share their knowledge, and there are so many opportunities for mentorship. By having the entire office together on one large floor, serendipitous interactions happen often. It is very easy to find inspiration in this environment.  

Caroline Kimmel Biomedical Research Building, Thomas Jefferson University

What projects have you worked on and are currently working on?

I have had the privilege of working on a wide range of projects. This being my first job out of architecture school, I was eager to be exposed to as many different experiences as possible. I have been fortunate to work on projects such as the interior spaces at Northeastern University’s EXP, various Harvard Medical School renovations from programming through construction, exterior design and detailing at Thomas Jefferson University’s Caroline Kimmel Broadway Research Building, and most recently a large fit out project for a confidential client in Cambridge, MA.  

In addition to project work, I am also a Co-Chair for our Young Designers Core (YDC),a grassroots organization at Payette that promotes the growth of emerging professionals with development opportunities supplemental to their project work. Some of the events I help organize focus on promoting knowledge sharing, culture and mentorship within the firm.

EXP, Northeastern University

What is the most important thing you have learned so far?

Always ask “why?” to better understand the root of a problem. For example, by understanding why our clients do things in a certain way, we are able to look at an issue from a different perspective and offer solutions that could benefit the occupants of our buildings. By asking “why?”, we can understand the big idea, helping us to innovate and propose forward-thinking solutions in our practice.

If you could take a month-long trip anywhere, where would you go and why?

I was able to study abroad in Europe while I was in school, so I would take the opportunity to explore more of my own backyard in the United States. I would love to take a month-long road trip and visit as many national parks as possible. I have experienced lots of places along the east and west coast, but less of the states in between! In fact, I am hoping to take a trip next year to hike and explore the Southwest. I have always wanted to visit places such as the Grand Canyon, Zion, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, – the list goes on and on.