Hayes Design Group Architects (HDG) was founded in 1992. Having had a variety of work experiences early in his career, Kevin Hayes never intended to start his own firm. However, in seeking out a company that shared his ideals, he was unable to find one that encouraged a respectful sharing of creative solutions to clients’ problems while also minimizing hierarchy. Kevin was inspired to create the Hayes Design Group Architects to provide exceptional client service and excellent design within a collaborative, familial, synergistic work environment. He has always felt that “we can do more together than as individuals.”

1992 – 2002

There were several breakthrough moments in the firm’s first 10 years. The Bethlehem Center Elementary Center project launched the Hayes Design Group Architects into the K-12 market. Another significant award was the Charleroi High School/Middle School renovation, HDG’s first secondary school project. Work at Holy Trinity Parish in Robinson Township was the firm’s first large project for the Diocese of Pittsburgh, establishing important relationships with Diocesan staff that aided in bringing work to HDG in later years. On the internal side, the hiring of Kevin Dietrich in 1997 was an important step for Kevin Hayes, as he began to consider the long-term growth of the firm and found that he needed others in leadership positions to share the ever-increasing responsibilities.

2002 – 2012

In the firm’s second decade, there were additional important milestones. Mark Duane, who would go on to become a Principal, joined HDG in 2004. Bursting at its seams, the company relocated from Bethel Park to Collier Township in 2007. In that same year, and in its first collaborative effort with Weber Murphy Fox, the firm was awarded the project to design a new high school for the Bethel Park School District, the largest commission for HDG to that point. An affirmation of the company’s philosophy of practice was the need to nearly double its staff between 2008 & 2012, when most firms downsized due to the recession. The management of the company was expanded to include Project Managers, with Rob Rensi and Andrew Campanaro brought on board to fill those leadership positions. Through its long-term relationship with Bankson Engineering, HDG grew its municipal design services to include water treatment plants as the firm closed in on the 20-year mark.

2012 – 2019

In recent years, the Hayes Design Group Architects has not wavered from its commitment to excellence in design, customer service, and providing opportunities for employee growth. Work in the educational space expanded to include higher education clients, including the University of Pittsburgh, Slippery Rock University, Point Park University, Community College of Allegheny County, the Community College of Beaver County. HDG continued to serve faith communities from all across the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Project awards from the West View Water Authority and North Fayette County Municipal Authority established the firm as an expert in water treatment plant design. In 2016, to accommodate the company’s continued growth, HDG relocated to Ryan Court in Robinson Township. Early in 2017, HDG was contracted to design a new $90 million high school for Peters Township.

The firm celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2017, and Kevin Hayes is proud of the work accomplished so far. “Our projects have brought great benefit not only to our direct clients, but also to the tens of thousands of people who have learned, worked, and worshiped in them. I believe that our ability to listen to the client has brought us success in creating places that increase the opportunity for human connections and contribute to a healthier and more beautiful world.  The best is yet to come!”

2020 and Beyond

As we begin a new decade, HDG has announced a transition plan for the future.  The firm’s leadership will not only include, Kevin Hayes, founder and president, who has led the firm since 1992, but three additional shareholders of the company, expanding the firm’s senior leadership team to four members.

The move is part of HDG’s leadership transition plan, that calls for Kevin Hayes to continue as Principal of the firm during a multi-year transition period. The new shareholders of the firm include Mark Duane, HDG Principal, and Rob Rensi and Andrew Campanaro, HDG Project Managers, who have also been named Associates of the firm. “Our reputation as a firm that excels in design while providing superior client service has us poised to continue to grow now that future leadership is in place,” said Kevin Hayes. “We’re excited to see what the future holds!”