Celebrating Bob Schaeffner: A Remarkable 44-Year Career at PAYETTE

PAYETTE proudly announces the retirement of Bob Schaeffner, marking the culmination of an extraordinary 44-year career with the firm. Personified by unrelenting design excellence, and national leadership in academic science, it is Bob’s commitment to warmth and humanity—in both the outcomes and process of what we do, that shines brightest.

Bob’s impact on PAYETTE has been both profound and lasting. Since joining the firm in 1981, Bob has authored 32 completed buildings, received over 80 (national and regional) design awards, and has been a tireless steward of the firm as a Principal and Board Member for more than 30 years. Bob has been a seminal voice, and a nationally recognized thought leader in the transformation of buildings for the research and teaching of science for college and university campuses across the country.

During Bob’s tenure, PAYETTE evolved from a firm known for technical excellence in science and healthcare into a nationally acclaimed design voice. Bob has been a central force in that transformation—strategic, visionary and unwavering in his standards.

In 1997, Bob authored the influential article Recovering from Sputnik, articulating a powerful and prescient idea: that science buildings must evolve from the closed, bunker-like structures of the 1960s and 1970s into open, inviting, humane places—true social and academic jewels that inspire discovery, collaboration and joy. That vision helped define a burgeoning market and fundamentally reshaped expectations for science facilities nationwide.

Bob’s architecture is not defined by a signature style or aesthetic, but by a deeply held ethos—a commitment to rigor, craft and excellence. Each project is distinct, yet all share common threads: warmth, light, invitation and an unmistakable sense that these are places of the highest aspiration—meant to be both lived in and loved. With brightness, generosity and an unmistakable spark, Bob’s buildings reflect the very best of who he is.

To clients, Bob was the ultimate professional—rigorous, creative, strategic and always direct. He spoke truth, advocated fiercely for quality, always with their interests first. To colleagues, he was the quintessential mentor: fastidious in all the best ways, deeply generous and a magnetic leader. Across the office, people wanted to be on Bob’s teams. Those who worked with him stayed—often for many years. Those who did not, wanted to join. The work was always exceptional, and the shared commitment to excellence unmistakable.

Perhaps more than his extraordinary competence and leadership, Bob is known for his warmth of personality—for being that undeniably fun friend you always wanted to be around. He embraced, unapologetically, the idea of having it all: rigor and joy, seriousness of purpose and genuine fun. That spirit will be missed most of all.

Bob leaves PAYETTE with an irreplaceable legacy, and a challenge—to carry forward what he helped build. He was always conscious of PAYETTE’s secret sauce: a genuine, distinctive culture that has remained true throughout his 45 years at the firm. His example leaves us not only with inspiration, but with a mandate and a clear path forward.

Bob’s seminal work includes science buildings at Middlebury College, Oberlin College, Connecticut College, Amherst College, Bates College, Wesleyan University, Johns Hopkins University, Northeastern University and many others. He was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects in 2015, a recognition of his national influence and enduring contributions to the profession.

Thank you, Bob. What you leave behind is precious. We look forward to sharing in your next adventures—and to visits to your painting studio in Marblehead in the years ahead.

With celebration, gratitude, respect and love:
—PAYETTE