Get to Know Benjamin Hayes and the Design Philosophy Behind Dodgen Interiors
Our work is guided by intentional design, the belief that every space should be thoughtfully created with purpose, clarity, and meaning. Rather than chasing trends, we focus on crafting environments that feel grounded and enduring. Each line, material, and placement is considered not only for how it looks, but for how it will be lived in, experienced, and remembered. We design with restraint and intention, allowing spaces to feel calm, cohesive, and deeply personal.
We believe firmly in the philosophy of quality over quantity. In a world driven by excess, we choose to design fewer things, better. This approach allows us to devote time and care to every detail, ensuring that what we create will last physically and aesthetically. Our clients invest in spaces that do not require constant updating, but instead grow richer and more beautiful with age.
Sympathetic and historic design principles anchor our process. Whether we are restoring an older home or referencing classical architecture in a new build, we honor the story a structure already holds. We aim to design in harmony with the past, not in opposition to it, allowing original character, proportions, and materials to inform every decision we make.
Vintage furnishings play a central role in our interiors because they bring authenticity that cannot be manufactured. Each piece carries a history, a patina, and a presence that adds depth and warmth to a space. By blending vintage and carefully selected new elements, we create rooms that feel collected over time rather than assembled all at once.
At the heart of everything we do is a respect for heritage artistry. We work with craftspeople and makers who preserve traditional techniques and uphold the highest standards of workmanship. From hand-finished wood to custom textiles and metalwork, these details connect our spaces to a lineage of skill, patience, and pride ensuring that every project is not only beautiful, but built to endure.
Meet Benjamin Hayes
Founder & Principal Designer, Dodgen Interiors
An Ohio native, Benjamin Hayes has long been captivated by art, architecture, and history. From a young age, family trips to house museums sparked his fascination with interiors and the stories they tell. These early experiences shaped his belief that to truly understand architecture and design, one must see it in context—where scale, craftsmanship, and historic detail come to life.
Benjamin’s passion for design led him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in 2010. Since then, he has cultivated a career marked by thoughtful research, tailored solutions, and a deep respect for historical reference. His architecture and design decisions are informed by historic precedent, guiding how he sources inspiration from archival photographs, vintage films, and the pages of design history books, and allowing him to bring a scholar’s eye and an artist’s hand to every project.
His design philosophy is rooted in the idea that interiors should not only be beautiful, but also deeply personal and livable. Each space is approached with the intention to enhance his clients’ lives—reflecting their stories, supporting their routines, and elevating the way they experience home.
With an affinity for detail, balance, and timeless style, Benjamin continues to create interiors that are as elegant and refined as they are meaningful.