The 25 – Lee Reid

As the CEO of Payne/Bouchier, Lee Reid has played a key role in the development of Boston’s most storied historic neighborhoods.

The woman-led firm, which specializes in construction management and custom millwork for high-end projects, has completed many historically authentic renovations of Colonial, Beaux Art and Greek Revival buildings on Beacon Hill and in the Back Bay and South End.

Lee, who has a degree in biology from Hampshire College, worked for a company that made documentaries for public television. She took time out to raise her children, then worked in a variety of fields, including education and publishing.

After her husband died in 2003, she wanted to try something new. In 2005, with what she says was “much hesitation and trepidation,” she began working for childhood friend Stephen Payne, a founder of Payne/Bouchier. After several years as the project executive, Reid took over the helm as CEO in 2019.

Noting that there always will continue to be a demand for historic renovations and classically designed new-builds, Reid, who is on the board of the New England Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, says that Payne/Bouchier will remain committed to sustainability and best practices.

“Period authenticity and green building are not mutually exclusive,” she says, noting that one of the firm’s renovation projects in the Woods Hole Historic District received Gold LEED certification. “While I have no aversion to doing thoughtfully designed modern work, I very much enjoy our collaborations with classically trained architects and cherish our relationships with them.”