PAYETTE, a leading architectural design firm in Boston recognized for creativity and vision in the design of transformational environments for science and healthcare, announced that Kevin B. Sullivan, FAIA has been named President, effective January 1, 2014.
After 15 years as the President of PAYETTE, James H. Collins, Jr., FAIA is preparing to step down and focus exclusively on his craft as an architect. Collins will remain a Principal who is fully committed to his clients and design projects. During his tenure as President, Collins not only raised the design profile of the firm, but instituted innovative sustainability and research initiatives, furthering the firm’s ability to solve complex problems creatively.
PAYETTE, a firm that prides itself on its collaborative, innovative process, is structured to allow partners to play a major role in governing the firm. As a collective think tank, the transition to a new President is a natural progression in the evolution of the firm. PAYETTE, founded in 1932, has been through several leadership transitions. Collins is a third generation leader of the firm, having succeeded Thomas M. PAYETTE, FAIA, RIBA in 1998, who succeed Paul Nocka and Frederick Markus, founders of Markus & Nocka in 1932 (later renamed PAYETTE Associates in 1974).
“I’m thrilled to provide Kevin with the same opportunity that Tom gave to me,” said Collins. “The opportunity to assume a major leadership role in the firm at the midpoint of my career allowed me to be part of an entire younger generation of leadership that was incorporated into the firm at all levels. I’m excited that we will now have such a qualified and inspired leader as Kevin, to not only lead his generation of the firm, but to lead all of us as well.”
“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to follow such inspirational and thoughtful leaders as Tom and Jim,” said Sullivan. “Each of them elevated the firm to a new level during their time leading the firm. Tom took the firm from a regional healthcare practice to a national leader in high technology buildings. Jim brought increased focus to the firm’s design and sustainable initiatives. Looking forward, I plan to build on their momentum to further elevate the thrust and vision of our design practice.”
With 26 years of experience at the firm, Sullivan will continue to advance PAYETTE’s exemplary model of practice, which balances technical pragmatism with creative design vision. Sullivan will assume the role of President January 1, 2014.
James H. Collins Jr., FAIA (left); Kevin B. Sullivan, FAIA (right)
