history
HDG Architects was founded in 1992 as The Hayes Design Group – Architects by Kevin Hayes. Having had a variety of work experiences early in his career, Kevin 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 putting the client’s needs first. 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, including the Bethlehem Center Elementary project, which launched the Hayes Design Group Architects into the K-12 market. Additionally, work at Holy Trinity Parish in Robinson Township was the firm’s first large project for the Diocese of Pittsburgh to date. As Kevin Hayes began to consider the long-term growth of the firm, he found that he needed to expand with leadership and additional staff to assist with the ever-increasing responsibilities.
2002-2012
During the second decade, numerous milestones helped The Hayes Design Group – Architects develop new relationships and move into new markets. The first major milestone occurred when Mark Duane joined the firm in 2004 as a leader with connections in the Religious and Municipal market. Then, in 2007, the firm was awarded the project to design a new high school for Bethel Park School District, the largest commission for HDG to that point. Over the next several years, Mark became a Principal and the number of employees nearly doubled to accommodate for the increased project workload. This also led to the need for increased project management. That is when Rob Rensi and Andrew Campanaro were brought on board to fill those roles and be mentored as future leaders of the company.
2012-2022
For the third decade, The Hayes Design Group – Architects did not waiver from its commitment to excellence in design, customer service, and providing opportunities for employee growth. Their work in the educational projects expanded to include higher education clients, while continuing to serve K-12, religious communities, and municipal authorities. To accommodate the company’s continued growth, the firm relocated to Ryan Court in Robinson Township in 2016. In the following year, not only did the firm celebrate its 25th year anniversary, they were also contracted to design a new $90 million high school for Peters Township School District, Mark’s alma mater. At the end of this decade, The Hayes Design Group – Architects began a multi-year transition plan for the future of the firm, which included the expansion the firm’s leadership and change of ownership to include Mark Duane, Rob Rensi, and Andrew Campanaro.
2023 and Beyond
As we began the fourth decade, the change of ownership was completed and Kevin continued working for the firm taking the role of founder/emeritus/advisor, so that the transition of leadership would continue to go as smooth as possible. In 2023, Mark Duane was named as the new President with Rob and Andrew both being named officers of the company! As the new leadership settled into their new roles, the firm decided a rebranding was in order. It announced that the firm would be called HDG Architects. This renaming captured the essence of keeping the reputation, integrity and familiarity of the old name, while addressing the issue that we are no longer one owner, but rather multiple owners with the expectation of having more owners in the future.
The future of HDG Architects is full of opportunity as we grow internally as professionals and externally in our community. When planning for the future, Mark Duane states, “2023 was a monumental year for HDG Architects. Everyday, our clients put their trust in our integrity and reputation to help their vision come to life; and that’s what makes me proud to lead the firm into the next phase of HDG Architects!”
