Kevin A. Hayes, AIA
Founding Principal
Bachelor of Architecture, The University of Notre Dame
Areas of Focus
Manage direction, growth, and development of firm and firm personnel
Assure the firm is a good and enjoyable place to work
Oversee projects at a macro level
Cultivate potential, existing, and new client relationships
Why HDG Architects? What keeps you here and motivated?
What I like about our firm is the sense of collegiality and respect everyone has for one another. That is an important quality in my mind, and one I work hard to maintain. My motivation is to help everyone enjoy their work, grow professionally and personally, and have a sense of pride in accomplishing something together that we could not do individually. I also have as a goal to focus our company’s attention and efforts on understanding our clients’ needs and striving to meet them by designing architecture that is very good.
What is your favorite aspect of practicing architecture?
Problem-solving! I enjoy a challenge that requires thoughtfulness and persistence. That, and orchestrating a process involving client, firm staff, consultants, contractors, governmental agencies, and other parties in a way that engages everyone respectfully and motivates them to do their best to make a project successful – which for me means meeting the clients’ needs in a creative way, on budget and on time!
Your favorite building design/example of architecture in the world?
The Pantheon in Rome. This has sentimental value for me as I was fortunate to study architecture in Rome for a year, and passed the Pantheon almost every day. But as an example of sustainable architecture, the Pantheon shows the endurance of a good design built well which has changed and adapted its function over the centuries, from an original Roman temple to a Catholic Church still functioning yet while through time becoming a civic landmark that “anchors” the piazza on which it sits.
Key Projects at the HDG Architects?
It is hard to narrow the number to just a few. I have been fortunate over our firm’s first 25 years to have had a hand in many unique and successful projects, some large and others small.
Serving the Community
Beverly’s Birthdays
- Board of Advisors, 2017 – Present
- Board of Directors, 2013 – 2017
Social Justice Seekers – Co-Founder, 2016 – Present
Jessie Games, Planning Committee, 2012 – 2016
Seton-LaSalle High School, Board of Directors, 2007 – 2011
Chairperson, 2009 – 2011
The Crossroads Foundation, Board of Directors, 1998 – 2007
Notre Dame Club of Pittsburgh
- Advisory Committee, 2004 – Present
- Executive Committee, 1983 – 2004
- Social Concerns Coordinator, 1983 – 2004
St. Anne Parish, Peace & Justice Group Steering Committee Member, 2005 – 2008
Pittsburgh Habitat for Humanity
- Board of Directors, 1986 – 1991
- President, 1986 – 1988
- Co-Founder, 1986
Hobbies/Interests
Golf, Sports, Pittsburgh/Western PA History, Social Justice, Politics
