Meet the Newest Principals :: Blackney Hayes Architects

Meet the newest principals

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Michele Barnett – Principal, Director of Design

Michele Barnett joined Blackney Hayes Architects in 2002 and was promoted to Director of Interior Design in 2013.  Under her leadership, the interiors team seeks to create environments that reflect our client’s culture and brand, and energizes its participants.  Ms. Barnett is known for developing long-lasting client relationships based on her ability to develop inspired design solutions and effectively executing environments that respond to our client’s needs and aspirations.

Ms. Barnett is an NCIDQ Certified Professional and AAHID Certified Healthcare Interior Designer.  She also serves on the Steering Committee for the Philadelphia Chapter of Women in Healthcare. Ms. Barnett enjoys vacationing in Rhode Island and Maine during the summer.

 

Megan Hayes - Principal, Interior Designer

Megan Hayes joined Blackney Hayes Architects in 2009. She is a third-generation design professional and has an innate ability to interpret her clients’ vision into remarkable spaces. As Principal, her primary focus will be expanding our corporate and hospitality client base designing environments that are infused with creative solutions and respond to the latest market trends. 

Ms. Hayes graduated from Syracuse University and is a recipient of the Ralph Laidlaw Award for Excellence in Design.  Her creativity extends from oil painting to demolishing the walls of her latest construction project at home.

 

Christopher Stigler – Principal

Christopher Stigler joined Blackney Hayes Architects in 2006 and became the firm’s “code guru” providing in-depth knowledge and technical expertise, which led to his promotion to Associate in 2007.  He began the Code Committee group with a focus on increasing the staff’s knowledge and understanding of the building codes and updating the firm’s code library.  He later grew into the role of Quality Control Manager, establishing a system of Quality Control Reviews and Presentations to improve the firm’s technical knowledge and improve the quality of work that is produced.  Recently, he became Chair of the Philadelphia Chapter of AIA Licenses & Inspections Committee.

Outside of being the firm’s “code guru”, Christopher enjoys being a soccer dad, and skiing and snowboarding at break-neck speed at Bear Creek.  In addition, Christopher will take part in anything having to do with cars – driving them, tearing them apart, or putting them together.

 

Merixsa Garcia-Johnson – Principal, Director of Marketing

Merixsa Garcia-Johnson joined Blackney Hayes Architects in 1997, and since her appointment to Associate in 2006, has been an integral member of the management team. Her commitment to the continued growth and the success of the firm has played a key role in her promotion to Principal. Her primary responsibilities include strategic planning and implementation of the business and marketing plans for the firm, along with cultivating and maintaining client relationships. Ms. Garcia-Johnson also assists in managing the financial operations of the firm.

Ms. Garcia-Johnson is a member of CREW Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Association of CDCs. She spends her free time reading a good mystery or traveling with her family exploring exotic places like Machu Picchu and Mount Masada in Israel. She also enjoys motorcycle adventures with her husband.