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In this episode of the fall season, , professor of architecture and dean of the , was the featured guest. As an architect researcher and spatial designer, he discussed his research on understanding how humans use natural and made spaces, which drives the design thinking and planning processes of tomorrow. 

In a 1979 documentary,  urbanist and people-watcher William H. Whyte highlighted the methods and reasoning behind a designer studying user’s actions in public spaces in New York City. That observational research led to better understanding and improvements in design of public-use spaces, leading Payne to focus his work on universal design, particularly when considering the accessibility of buildings for people with a range of abilities. His academic research centers around visually impaired pedestrians’ ability to navigate their environments. He also specializes in campus planning and design, human use of space and accessibility. 

Payne joined ʯÁñÖ±²¥ in January 2020 as the dean of the College of Architecture and Construction Management, previously serving as chair and professor at Indiana State University’s Department of Built Environment for seven years. At Indiana State, Payne worked extensively with the Department of Built Environment’s assessment and accreditation process, earning recognition for his university service and community engagement in the classroom with the 2019 College of Technology Faculty Service Award.

With more than 12 years of professional experience in architectural design firms across the Southeast, Payne has been an invited speaker at numerous conferences and has contributed to several written bodies of work. He holds a Ph.D. in Design from North North Carolina State University’s College of Design.