Celebrating Accomplishments: Elen Zurabyan

Elen Zurabyan recently passed her ARE exams, and can now begin the process of becoming a licensed architect. Today we celebrate her accomplishments.

Elen joined PAYETTE in 2013 and has been working in our academic science practice. Her project work includes Williams College, North and South Buildings and Amherst College New Science Center. Her previous experience included commercial and public projects at Touloukian Touloukian Inc. after earning her Master of Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Elen is a co-chair of the Women in Design committee of the BSA. 

What inspires you?
Nature and the outdoors. From the grandeur of a national park landscapes to the detail of how a hummingbird builds it’s nest, there is always something to be inspired by in the natural world and that can translate to the way we deign the built environment.

What is the best part of your job?
Being challenged to solve problems through various mediums every day. Whether it’s figuring out a building layout, defining a work plan, or coordinating consultants, there is always a range of issues that require creative and analytical thinking. 

What is the most important thing you’ve learned so far?
People are everything. We work with people and we design for people. Considering the human scale and the human factor as decisions are being made is key. I have come to really appreciate the value of architects as communicators.   

The sky is the limit: if you could design or redesign anything, what would it be?
My neighborhood.