2026 PAYETTE Promotions

We are pleased to share the following promotions within the firm. This is a broad and diverse group of 14 individuals influencing multiple critical facets of our practice. The common theme is the rigor and precision which they all apply to the finely tuned craft of our work. It is also a recognition of the range of skills and talents required for a practice like ours to thrive.

In this group, we have also added a new Principal, Thomas Simister. Tom’s passion for space planning and deep expertise with PAYETTE’s typologies have shaped his leadership of the newly formed Space Strategies Group since his arrival. Through this work, Tom brings a broad perspective on best practices, emerging trends and performance metrics—enabling visionary projects that integrate innovations in curricula, pedagogy and thematic research with new approaches to the design and use of space.

PROMOTED TO PRINCIPAL

Thomas Simister, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

PROMOTED TO ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

Nicholas LaVita, AIA, LEED AP, Associate Principal
Nikolas Pappastratis, AIA, Associate Principal
Sarah Radding, AIA, LEED Green Assoc., Associate Principal

PROMOTED TO SENIOR ASSOCIATE

Calvin Boyd-Morlani, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, Senior Associate
Xuancheng Zhu, Senior Associate

PROMOTED TO ASSOCIATE / MANAGER

Joshua Ajayi, AIA, Associate
Danny Griffin, AIA, Associate
Meredith Hutto Hughes, Associate
Inez Ow, AIA, Associate
Jonah Prada, Associate
Ellie Thomas, AIA, Associate
Yin Xia, Associate
Oscar Zamora, Associate