Meet Our Summer 2023 Interns: Part 1

Architecture thrives when the people who create it are at their best. Payette values our people and continues looking for new ways to include diversity in our team, as unique minds lead to spontaneous ideas and intangible growth. We are proud to hold an active year-round internship program cultivating the newest talent and dedicated professionals. This summer, we are pleased to host a lively team of interns from as close as our home state, as well as all around the world. Meet them below! Part 1 of 3.

Audrey Watkins

I am entering my thesis semester at Harvard Graduate School of Design in the Master of Architecture I program. I first became interested in architecture in high school, when I saw a Google image of Le Corbusier’s Notre-Dame du Haut chapel in Ronchamp, France. Before grad school in architecture, I studied music and art history in undergrad. Architecturally speaking I am especially interested in reimagining existing structures, and in my free time I enjoy reading (I recently finished Mervyn Peake’s Titus Groan) and making pear-themed desserts.

Jada Cannon

I grew up in Denver, Colorado, and graduated from the University of Colorado Denver with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2021. I am now pursuing my Master’s in Architecture at Cornell University, focusing on the value of biodynamic processes, multi-generational timescales, diverse perspectives and multifaceted approaches to accessibility in architecture. I have previously worked for Dynia Architects and the Sweet Water Foundation, and I serve on the Diversity and Inclusion Council at Cornell AAP as well as being an LGBTQ+ Resource Center Engagement Coordinator. In my free time, I love weaving, embroidery and learning new software!

Ahan Patil

I am a rising undergraduate thesis student at the Pratt School of Architecture. I enjoy exploring emerging design technologies to discover new forms, applications and challenging material science. A recent study abroad semester in Rome provided me the opportunity to learn by investigation of Roman antiquities: diverse spatial qualities, ancient building craft and experience how architecture adapted to various climates and cultures. In my leisure time I enjoy cycling and designing new daily objects.

Jianqing Shou

I am entering my third year in the Master of Architecture program at the University of Pennsylvania, Weitzman School of Design. And I am pursuing a Time-Based and Interactive Media Certificate at UPenn at the same time. Before coming to the US, I gained a B.A. in Architecture degree from Wenzhou-Kean University in China.

During my undergraduate years, my interest in architecture has been focused on solving practical problems and transforming old houses. After entering the University of Pennsylvania, my interests expanded to material research, learning new software to do interdisciplinary design and exploring new architectural forms.

Outside of architecture, I enjoy playing basketball and drawing. I am a fan of the NBA and like to watch games at night.

Yihan Yang

I am currently a Master of Architecture in Urban Design student at Harvard GSD originally from Nanjing, China. I graduated from Syracuse University in 2022, holding a B.Arch degree and minors in Landscape Architecture & Psychology. My specific urban interest is reimagining public spaces in suburbs and rural areas to resist negative impacts of urbanization and urban sprawl. For architecture, I am interested in architecture for humanity. When I have time, I play computer games and go to Kpop concerts. Boston is a great city for me to wander. I recommend the North End and Public Garden for relaxing.