Norman P. Goulet, AIA, LEED Joins PAYETTE as Senior Lab Architect

This month, PAYETTE welcomes Norman P. Goulet as our newest Senior Project manager/ Lab Architect!

At PAYETTE, our people are our primary asset. Norman re-joins PAYETTE after 14 years. During the formative years of his career, 1986-1999, Norman worked at PAYETTE on projects like the New Science Center at Oberlin College, the School of Engineering at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Medical Center at New York University. The latter was Goulet’s first big project with the firm and a formative experience that shaped his career. Since his first years at PAYETTE, Norman worked with RTKL, Tsoi Kobus & Associates and most recently with Miller Dyer Spears. Having always been drawn to architecture and its impact on how people use spaces, Norman has emerged as an expert Project Manager, Laboratory Architect and CA Administrator in the research and development sector.

Here, Norman shares his approach—and a bit about himself!

Q: Why do you do what you do?

As I was growing up I was always interested in architecture, buildings and exploring. Growing up in a small town I was eager go to Portland, Maine (the closest largest town) to walk around and look at the buildings. When at home I used anything at hand to build (no legos at that time) pebbles in the driveway or the leaves scattered in the yard to created plans of houses, neighborhoods and towns. I would then use my trucks to move around my newly created enviroment. I never struggled to find my path, it was always seemed clear to me. I love contributing to our visual world and ensuring that what is built to reflect the design intent.

Q: What are you most excited about in regards to your new role at PAYETTE?

I am excited about how PAYETTE has changed since I left in 1999. Now that everyone is on one floor, I can feel the spirit of collaboration and team integration. Even though I know many of you it has been great to meet the newer staff who has been very welcoming. I am also excited and energized by the projects PAYETTE is working on right now. These projects are diverse, interesting and challenging. I think it is fundamental to never stop exploring and trying new things and I know these projects will bring me new work related relationships, and learning experiences.

Q: Where is your favorite place in the world?

Barcelona, Spain. It is such a dynamic and diverse city with fascinating architecture, culture, food, and people. Berlin is a close second. When, I am not traveling it would be the seashore.

Q: Whom do you admire?

I deeply admire people who are able to go outside their comfort zone and do the unexpected. Since, I tend to be on the shy side initially (this maybe a surprise to those who know me) I would hesitate just long enough to have the moment pass by. I admire them so, because I tend to be more comfortable being a behind the scenes contributor.

Q: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

During the summer months I ride a Vespa around the city with my spouse. I do follow sports, especially football, which may come as a surprise to some.

Q: The sky is the limit: if you could redesign anything, what would it be?

I would like to be involved with the design and construction of an inner city residential complex to integrate the existing structures with new to provide a new sense of place for those who need assistance.

Q: What do you do in your free time?

I really love to be outdoors working in my yard creating new landscaped areas, riding my bike through the city exploring neighborhood, and most the restful of all are my long walks on the beach in the summertime. During the winter months I have several theatre group subscriptions, and go the symphony and the MFA.

Q: What do you follow?

I listen to NPR a lot and especially love “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me!” I must confess, I do follow some reality TV following (Survivor and The Amazing Race). I do some reading of mystery novels, architecture and landscape magazines.