Exploring the Innovative Works of C Jacob Payne

Futuristic Vision Meets Historical Preservation

C Jacob Payne is a designer at the forefront of architectural innovation, seamlessly blending technology with rich historical contexts. His relationship with design is multifaceted, encompassing futuristic concepts like zero-gravity footwear for astronauts and advanced, electronic-embedded ceramics. Yet, he doesn’t just look forward—he also dives into the depths of history, particularly focusing on the complex narratives surrounding Black architectural heritage. This duality allows him to create work that not only pushes boundaries but also pays homage to the past.

Academic Background and Path to MIT

Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and environmental studies from Yale University, Payne initially honed his skills at architecture firms in both New York and Los Angeles. However, a desire for deeper exploration led him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he embarked on the Master of Architecture (MArch) program in 2023, aiming to graduate in January 2027. “I have especially valued the academic freedom to make my own path,” he states, appreciating how he can tailor the program to reflect his unique interests.

Diverse Design Experiences

Payne’s journey through the MArch program has exposed him to design projects at varied scales. His education incorporates both industrial and product design and larger, urban-scale projects, thanks to the resources offered within the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning. This cross-disciplinary exposure enriches his understanding and practice of architecture. He is also a collaborator at the MIT Design Intelligence Lab, engaging in hands-on fabrication and assisting fellow students in merging digital design techniques with practical applications.

Further enriching his experience, Payne seized the opportunity to work at a furniture and product design company in Barcelona through the MIT International Science and Technology Initiatives (MISTI) program, as well as a summer stint at the experience design firm 2×4 in New York City. These experiences provide him with invaluable insights into diverse design practices.

Rediscovering Architectural Heritage

Through his graduate classes, Payne has developed a deep interest in vernacular architecture, especially in the American South. A pivotal moment was his enrollment in the class “Brick x Brick: Drawing a Particular Survey,” led by Assistant Professor Carrie Norman. This course involved field research at Tuskegee University, focusing on the contributions of Robert R. Taylor, the first Black graduate of MIT and the first licensed Black architect in the United States.

Continuing beyond the classroom, Payne dedicated himself to reconstructing significant Tuskegee architecture. His projects include creating models of Taylor’s original 1896 Tuskegee University Chapel, lost to fire in 1957, as well as a speculative reconstruction based on limited archival materials. “A lot of the work was figuring out how we can better understand and reconstruct historic spaces with very limited information,” he explains.

Investigating Cultural Spaces

Payne’s commitment to architectural heritage is further exemplified by his recent recognition as the recipient of the 2025-26 L. Dennis Shapiro Graduate Fellowship in the History of African American Experience of Technology. His research now explores the architectural typology of “juke joints,” venues created during the Jim Crow era. These spaces served as crucial social hubs for Black communities, fostering music, dance, and connection at a time of widespread segregation. With limited documentation available, Payne faces the challenge of identifying contemporary architectural techniques to visualize and better understand these once-vibrant spaces.

As his advisor, Carrie Norman observes, “Jacob develops a body of work that treats architectural representation as both record and repair, recovering lost and overlooked Black-built traditions as vital expressions of Black spatial agency.”

Blending History with Technological Innovation

While deeply invested in historical research, Payne is equally captivated by the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to drive future design innovations. This interest blossomed during his participation in the class “Space Architecture,” where he tackled unique design challenges posed by extraterrestrial environments. Collaborating with a team, he conceptualized a footwear system for astronauts that features a mechanical sole and inflatable ankle support.

Moreover, in a course focused on integrating AI into product design, he and his team created the “Kitchen Cosmo,” a countertop device that uses a camera to scan ingredients and generate recipes based on user input. This project exemplifies how Payne is exploring new frontiers where AI interconnects with everyday experiences.

Additionally, he collaborated on a project for the Venice Biennale that incorporated geopolymers, a sustainable alternative to concrete. The innovative material allows for electronic embedding, demonstrating Payne’s commitment to finding ecological solutions in design while integrating modern technology.

Embracing a Holistic Design Philosophy

Payne embodies MIT’s ethos of “mens et manus” or “mind and hand.” He approaches product and interaction design with a blend of intellectual rigor and practical craftsmanship. His ability to navigate theoretical discussions on the cultural implications of AI while excelling in the technical details needed for his projects sets him apart as a designer. As noted by his professor, Marcelo Coelho, “Jacob is an exceptional designer” who is adept at bridging conceptual and practical facets of contemporary design challenges.