Education | Hays Layerd Architecture

HIGHER EDUCATION DESIGN

HLA’s education projects are designed to foster learning, collaboration, and innovation —creating environments that support academic excellence while enhancing campus identity, student experience, and institutional mission.

FSU Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship

A complete renovation, down to the interior stuctural columns and joists, for a 3-story brick bank building transformation into a downtown Tallahassee outpost for Florida State University. This one-of-a-kind, College of Entrepreneurship hub, connects local entrepreneurs, business gurus, and students under one roof to facilitate growth.
*Previous Experience

FSU Shores Innovation Hub

A renovation of the Florida State University Goldstein Library into a 20,000 sf Innovation Hub for students. The hub includes classrooms, meeting spaces, design studio, 3d printing lab, lounge, and offices. In addition to the Interior Architecture, Hays also led the environmental graphics package.
* Previous Experience

FSU Jim Moran Interiors and Graphics

In addition to the Building Architecture, Hays also led the Interior development and environmental graphics package for the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. He worked closely with the Jim Moran Foundation and the University to envision an environment that told the story of Jim Moran and inspires students to achieve their entrepreneurial passion.
*Previous Experience

FSU Call Street Corridor and Legacy Walk

A project begun over 20 years ago, Hays led design efforts on significant sections of this mile long central pedestrian corridor through Florida State University's campus. What was once a conflicting mess of cars, bikes, pedestrians, and utilities is now organized into a wide, safe promenade that tells key stories of FSU's legacy.
*Previous Experience

FSU Testing Center

A multi-floor renovation of space within the University Center at Doak Campbell Stadium to create secure, University-wide testing space, student queuing, video studio, and administrative office space.
*Previous Experience

LEARN MORE

With a portfolio spanning over 50 higher education projects, Hays has designed spaces that range from student centers and classrooms to research facilities, innovation hubs, and outdoor campus-wide enhancements.

From early programming and space planning to user experience, sustainability, and technological integration, Hays approaches education design with a focus on adaptability, engagement, and long-term impact. His ability to craft dynamic, student-centered environments ensures that each project enhances both academic and social life on campus.

By blending pedagogical insights, collaborative planning, and forward-thinking design, Hays creates educational spaces that empower learning, fuel creativity, and strengthen institutional identity—preparing students and educators for the future.