Kayafas Architects
Design Philosophy
Historically, the production of quality architecture required the ability to recognize and define a design problem, the willingness to investigate various solutions to the problem, and the confidence to advance the state of the art.
These fundamental concepts have established the basis of Kayafas Architect's philosophy of practice. We are a group of design conscious individuals with a desire to ensure that certain aspects of the built environment respond not only to a functional requirement, but further, to a compassion for the integration of art, architecture, philosophy, technology, and sociology.
Who We Are
Kayafas Architects is a full service firm willing to study client's needs, assess goals, investigate facts, and produce creative solutions leading to nothing less than successful projects and satisfied clientele. Established in 1993 in Wheeling, West Virginia Kayafas Architects has been serving clients in Ohio and West Virginia with professional architectural and planning services.
Kayafas Architects incorporates a Team Project Approach and utilizes outside consultants for mechanical and electrical engineering to address each building component as required. Each team member is selected based upon their background and experience in the design of similar facilities, as well as their ability to use in-house CADD computer systems. Importantly, the existing workload of each team member is also assessed.
The team shares a mutual commitment to provide quality services, realistic scheduling, and budgetary constraints, which are the foundations of any successful project. To successfully complete many of these historic projects, the firm has utilized the services of various consultants who specialize in Mechanical, Electrical engineering as well as Landscape Architecture.
Gus Kayafas —
Principal & Owner
Constantine “Gus” Kayafas established the firm Kayafas Architect in 1992 in Wheeling, West Virginia. Since that time, the firm has been committed to providing professional architectural and planning services to its clients with unmatched attention to their goals and needs. Mr. Kayafas has worked professionally since 1986 and has gained much experience in many project types. He has provided professional architectural services throughout the Ohio Valley area, with an emphasis on residential developments, religious facilities and in particular; historic preservation projects.
Mr. Kayafas has personally resurrected numerous historic structures that would have otherwise been razed. He did so in an economical and appropriate manner utilizing tax credits and government grants. His familiarity with preservation standards and how they apply to actual projects is a key attribute of his practice.
Prior to establishing his own firm, Mr. Kayafas served as Project Architect for an architectural and engineering firm in Wheeling. His background in construction can be attributed to starting as an apprentice of a long-standing, family owned business. This construction, engineering and architectural experience has given him the tools necessary to deal with project costs and practicality.
Angelena Kayafas Smith —
Director of Interior Design
We are proud to announce that Angelena K. Smith has recently joined the Kayafas Architects team. Clients will now be able to get assistance in the selection of all interior finishes, fixtures, furnishings and accessories... a process which can be daunting and very time consuming for most.
After graduating from West Virginia University with a BS in Interior Design, Angelena started her career in Wilmington, North Carolina. Here she gained experience in residential design for luxury beachfront custom homes. She enjoys being involved in projects from the beginning to capture all the design details and elements. From interior elevation drawings to tile and cabinetry, she is passionate about having the opportunity to be creative and technical.
Steve Sweeney —
Senior Architect
Steve attained his masters degree from Tulane University and brings decades of experience to the firm.He was licensed in 13 states and has worked as an architect for over 40 years. He has a vast resume of projects that range from custom residential up to $30 M warehouse and office buildings. Steve is very detail oriented and coordinates our projects to ensure quality standards consistent with the latest construction techniques. His responsibilities include designing, code review, preparation of drawings and specs, project management and coordination. We are fortunate to have him as part of the staff.
Sarah Jagessar —
Intern Architect
With a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Pratt Institute in New York that gave her a rich background in architectural design, Sarah is poised to contribute to our innovative projects. Sarah's experience also includes a deep understanding of architectural history and cultural influences, thanks to her semester abroad in Rome. She is enthusiastic about applying her skills to our unique projects, including historic rehabilitation and liturgical design, and is thrilled to be part of the team in the historic district of Wheeling.