Meet Thomas Hayes | Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Thomas Hayes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Thomas, the decisions we make often shape our story in profound ways. What was one of the most difficult decisions you’ve had to make?
Moving to Los Angeles. I wanted to open a vintage shop in LA, and I had just had my first daughter. I had a thriving business in the SF area, and moving seemed like a very big risk with a baby to move all the way to LA. The deciding factor was that I believed that I wanted my daughter to learn to be brave and to take risks. that even if I failed, it was ok to fail. Turns out I didn’t fail and I will always credit my daughter with that.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
There are 3 things that set Thomas Hayes Studio apart from other high-end furniture companies. One is our commitment to our employees. To make quality products while not being concerned about the quality of life employees are able to enjoy does not align with my values. Every job is essential; we need all of our employees to know they are valued.

Second is the quality I spoke of, we make it wrong many times before we make it right, and that matters. All of the mistakes matter because it allows us to craft a product that is strong and lasting while always ending with a killer design. Design must be striking and beautiful while retaining its versatility.

Lastly, we love our clients. Some are harder to work with than others, but the Interior Designers we get the privilege of working with inspire us. We get to collaborate with them and create with them, and we know it’s all a privilege.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The first night would definitely eat on my roof, the best view in town, plus my wife can order a mean takeout, or if they are lucky, she might cook some Puerto Rican Rice!

We are big coffee drinkers, so I imagine our tour would include stops at many of the great coffee shops around LA, Philz, Blue Bottle, Aroma Cafe, Alfred’s, and intelligentsia just to name a few.

The next morning may include a small hike to see all the other views LA offers, followed by brunch at Grandville.

We would go to JF Chen’s to see the most exciting vintage in LA, and have lunch at Trejo’s Tacos.

If my wife weighs in, there will be a day at the beach or paddle boarding somewhere or near any water she can drag us to.

If they are up for the drive we may spend a night or two in Joshua Tree at our home there, it’s one of my favorite places and I always want to share it with the world.

We would check the shows in town if my guests were into the Theater or Music and its one of my favorite things to do when I can, though I just don’t go enough.

Dinners would be all about trying new places, I have some favorites, but the truth is I am way more interested in trying new things and catering to the needs and wants of my guests; I would want to see what their favorite food is and try to find a place that sounds fun that caters to their taste. Actually, anyone reading this, please send recommendations; I need some new fun places to try.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Gillian Segal was really supportive to me at a pivotal time of growth in my career. She would never take credit, but those important moments when you really need support to make the right move, people believing in you counts a lot.

Website: www.thomashayesstudio.com

Instagram: @thomashayesstudio

Facebook: Thomas Hayes Studio

Image Credits
@brookemasonphoto (shots of Thomas and the stools) @thecalilife (House)