Spotlight on: Planning Group

At PAYETTE, we view programming and planning as an integral part of building design. Our range and depth of planning experience over many years in science, medical research and education, healthcare and institutional projects is coalesced in PAYETTE Planning, a knowledge resource center with expert staff within the office that is accessible to any individual project team. Hal Spiers, an Associate and leader in the PAYETTE Planning group, first joined the firm in 1996. During his time at PAYETTE, Hal has designed many of our most complicated laboratory projects, including work for the University of Rhode Island, the Shire HGT and the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology in Russia.

Here, Hal shares a bit about his approach – and himself!

Q: Why do you do what you do?
I came to PAYETTE as a Boston Architectural College student and inevitably found my way into laboratory design as anyone—and everyone—here has. What continues to capture my attention, and what never seems to get old for me, is the interaction with scientists and researchers. Throughout my career, I have always been impressed by the dedication of people who are innovating in the sciences.

Those who are served by the work of PAYETTE cure disease, pioneer new technology, and educate the next generation of great thinkers. Their discoveries will enrich our lives and the lives of our children. They will heal and teach. It is their work that I seek to facilitate through the creation of great spaces.

Q: Where do you look for project inspiration?
When considering the built environment that we propose, I look to the work of my client. I typically start by asking, “How did you come to this place, and this job? Tell me about your journey through the sciences.”  I’m drawn to their stories; often times, the design is sparked by this narrative. 

Q: What recent trend are you most excited about?
Not really a recent trend, but what I find exciting is truthfulness in design: honesty in materiality and form. A building or space should express the nature of the work it houses and the people it serves.

Q: Who is your favorite designer?
This is an interesting question because it brings me back to my thesis.

Glenn Murcutt: The lively forms and distinct materiality in the scalding light of New South Wales are marvelous.

E. Faye Jones.: So much of what he did inextricably links the occupant with the environment; his work is spiritual and serene.

I love the shingle-style houses of McKim, Mead & White. Their work was grounded and, at the same time, grand. Images of the William G. Low House have also stuck with me over the years. How could anybody raze that thing and not expect to be haunted for the rest of their days?

Q: Where is your favorite place in the world?
Kennebunk Beach, Maine. It’s where my father summered as a child, and where I did, as well. It is where I met my wife and where our children have spent long days exploring the tidal marshes and coves of southern Maine.

Q: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?
This is my second career.

Q: The sky is the limit: if you could redesign anything, what would it be?
As a north-of-Boston commuter, I’d like to rework North Station. It lacks the expression of gateway and the movement that a train station should have.

Q: What do you do in your free time?
Read and garden.

Q: What’s on your iPod/what are you streaming these days?
I’ve recently been revisiting Jonathan Elias’ Prayer Cycle, which is more than 15years old now. That album grew out of a sense of concern for the turn-of-the-century world; it’s brilliant. Also, Radiohead, Snow Patrol, Schubert’s Mass No. 2 in G Major, anything and everything by Patty Griffin.

Q: What do you follow?
Paul Krugman, Dezeen, Colossal, This American Life.