Taryn Barrett
38 | Principal/Owner, Duncan Wisniewski Architecture
Residence: Colchester
Career highlight(s) you are most proud of:
Becoming an owner at DWA. Alongside my business partner, Sam; six colleagues; and clients, we have accomplished so much this year! We have provided design services to create places to live, work and heal in our community.
Your community involvement:
Includes coaching youth in track and field, donating blood to the American Red Cross, raising funds for the American Heart Association, contributing to the design and construction of Elmwood 
Village for the homeless population in Burlington, working with parents in the Developmental Disabilities Housing Initiative and serving on the board of the Vermont chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Inspiration for living and working in Vermont:
My family roots. At the time of my birth, my mother was an interior designer in Quechee and my father was in radiology at Dartmouth. Despite living in Michigan for 10 years of my childhood and attending college for six years in Ohio, Vermont always was and is home.
Favorite part of your job:
Collaborating with colleagues on design, consultants on coordination, clients to realize their visions and contractors to make it all happen. I love the energy when kicking off a new project and the peace when someone settles into their new space.
Most inspiring mentor:
Bob Duncan and Michael Wisniewski, two men who taught me how to own up to a mistake; how to be a better listener; that it is OK to take time off and put family first; and how a career in architecture can lead to lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging to the community.
Best career advice you have received:
Pursue a path that reflects your interests and values. I am inspired to do more and do better when surrounded by creative, thoughtful and motivated people working toward a common goal.
Something fun about yourself that few people know:
I was born into a family with a long history of high cholesterol and heart disease; exercise and healthful foods are always on my mind. I ran in the 50th TCS New York City Marathon for Team Heart and Stroke in 2021. Running was a sport that defined my youth and is now part of a healthy lifestyle as an adult.
Three words that best describe you:
Driven, dedicated and leader.
Favorite Vermont escape:
Our family camp in Charleston. I love relaxing and navigating the twisting Clyde River as much as the vast and clear waters and hiking trails of Lake Willoughby.
Favorite Vermont season:
Summer. The warmth of the sun, the feel and smell of dirt in my vegetable garden, and the outdoor recreational opportunities rival the beauty of fall foliage and the winter snow at the top of Smuggs.
Favorite downtime activities:
Staying home. I love working on house renovations, gardening and cooking with my two children, Brynn and Madden, and my husband, TJ.
Person you would most like to share a Vermont beverage with:
My husband, TJ. He has never held back his love of Vermont and its people, the wild outdoors and his career serving others as a firefighter in Burlington.
Cause(s) you would support if you had unlimited funds:
Medical research for heart disease and genetic disorders causing developmental disabilities as well as the development of building materials and methods to sequester carbon, reduce waste and create healthier cities.
A song on your playlist you are embarrassed to admit to your best friend:
“The Man” by Taylor Swift. (It’s on my running playlist. We can talk about this in many contexts, from running collegiate track to seeking equity in the profession of architecture, with more time.)
Where you see yourself professionally in the next five to 10 years:
I’d like to be right where I am now, doing more good work with the same good people, even better than we can do it now.
Goal(s) you’d like to accomplish in the next five to 10 years:
Serving more marginalized populations in our community with safe places to live and work, increasing the diversity in our firm and creating a workplace culture of flexibility, dedication and inclusion. (We’re hiring!)
How your community service has changed since the pandemic:
We have more remote meetings and fewer gatherings. I don’t think that will change, but it does seem to lead to less travel time and increased attendance.
How your job has changed since the pandemic:
The option to work from home has provided me with the flexibility to spend more time with my young children. However, I very much value the collaborative environment of our office.
