H. Collins Haynes

Designer Enjoys Balancing Aesthetics and Economics

Collins Haynes fell in love with northwest Arkansas while speaking at an American Institute of Architects gathering in Eureka Springs two decades ago.

He became so enamored of the area and its potential business opportunities that he left his job at a Memphis architectural firm to strike out on his own in Rogers.

Seventeen years and a string of innovative projects and awards later, he has made something of a name for himself and Haynes Ltd.

Business is so good the firm has stopped doing private client work and focuses exclusively on its in-house projects with an ever-shifting cast of investors.

The company added properties totaling $16 million to its portfolio in 1999 and is on track for $33 million in 2000.

The firm owns 790,000 SF of commercial space and another 46,000 SF of residential property.

The company, home to four architects and five accounting staffers, owns or has an equity position in all its projects, which range from historic preservation to new construction like the 300-room, $24 million Sheraton Inn in Rogers.

During the last five years the venture has hit its stride with an average annual growth rate of 200 percent.

Collins reports that he no longer has to beat the bushes for equity partners. Investors come looking for him.

“We are the client,” the 49-year-old executive says. “Therefore, we can do things that are more forward looking in balancing aesthetics and economics. We enjoy what we do for a living.”

Collins has even branched out into cyberspace with his own Internet service provider, Telxcom. This venture will be the first ISP in the area to offer wireless data transfer.

His secret for success? “Work on everything you do as if it is critical to your survival.”