Hayes Studio
Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Cathy Hayes, principal of Hayes Studio became inspired by her neighborhood. Surrounded by architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and other exceptional minds, she cultivated a childhood interest into her passion. Hayes, who has worked as an architect since the 1980’s, opened her own firm in Phoenix, Ariz. in 1992 and an interiors studio a year later.

Hayes’s goals ultimately revolve around creating “durable, beautiful design solutions that are completely unique for each client.” She makes a point to design sensitive to site and conditions, implementing green materials and building components to fit the client’s needs. “Our aesthetic [style] is rooted in creating spaces that have pleasing proportions,” Hayes says. “We use regional materials, draw from the textures and colors of the surrounding environment and stay very current with using sustainable materials and building systems.”

Hayes, who has projects throughout the West and Midwest, pulls inspiration from the people and places around her and finds that “working hard and playing often” and “resting to renew and recharge” promotes creativity. She also makes a point to travel as much as possible, exposing her senses to new and old global design, and absorbing information to tailor to her clients’ unique desires. 602.840.2553, www.hayesstudio.com. —S.R.

Home Base: Phoenix, Ariz.

What’s Next: A small community project in Phoenix,
which follows models for sustainable community development.
It will have a restaurant, farmers’ market, neighborhood
grocery, several small homes and office space. “It’s sort
of a mini-core for the neighborhood,” Hayes says.

The Philosophy: “Believe in the gifts I have been given, believe
in the gifts other people have been given and work together to create
the most beautiful, functional and enriching environments we can.”