Biography
My father was a general contractor and, together with my mother, designed many wonderful projects. I grew up on construction sites and spent summers and holidays building. This provided an apprenticeship in two trades along with my architectural studies.
I put myself through school working construction. These experiences produced understanding that serves me well in creating beautiful designs that are practical to build, functional and enduring.
I earned my Master of Architecture degree from Arizona State University in Tempe. I taught design as a graduate assistant and was awarded the Senior Prize for the design of my final Master’s project and was on the Dean’s list for scholastic achievement through those years.
I moved to Maui as a very young married man. Over the 23 years of our marriage, we raised four children (two of whom live here), and I’ve learned a lot about how life and business on Maui work. My former partner, Leona Bayless Morgan, is a very successful designer here on Maui; and we frequently collaborate on projects together. I am now married to Hutt Bush, a business advisor and writer.
For many years, I was privileged to be business partners with Tim Farrington at our firm, Farrington-Bayless Architects. We still informally collaborate on projects. Tim is also one of Maui’s leading real estate developers; and we maintain deep admiration and respect for each other.
I am now the Principal of Bayless Architects where I have chosen to focus on fewer projects – which allows the luxury of time for highly personal, hands-on attention.