"Garry is the perfect person to help craft a greater vision for Downtown San Diego," says Doug Austin, a former member of the CCDC board of directors and currently a principal with Austin Veum Robbins Parshalle Architects. Prior to accepting his new CCDC position, Papers was employed by Austin Veum Robbins Parshalle Architects, having served as project manager, project architect and urban designer at the firm since 2001. While there, Papers worked on several downtown projects, including the Smart Corner mixed-use development and the ANKA 6th and Market condo tower.

Papers' career experience stretches beyond San Diego, as the architect spent 10 years as a leader in the downtown development of Portland, OR. He holds a master's degree in architecture from the University of Oregon, as well as a bachelor of arts degree from Colgate University. A licensed architect in both California and Oregon, Papers belongs to the American Institute of Architects, San Diego Council of Design Professionals and Downtown San Diego Partnership's Urban Design Committee. He is also a fellow with the Institute for Urban Design.