Landmark Leaders: CRE Woman of the Year, Haley Balzano
Source, Phoenix Business Journal
Haley Balzano is the founding owner of Bar Napkin Productions, an architecture and hospitality design agency in Phoenix. She has been a strong force in the hospitality industry during the past 20 years, and she has created one-of-a-kind designs throughout the Valley. Her nominator says Balzano is a prime example of inspiration for her entire team.
Balzano leads her downtown Phoenix agency to not just think outside the box, but to create “mindful art” centered on a philosophy where attention to detail is honored.
She continues to be a driving force and expert in restaurant, hotel, retail store and entertainment venue design. In 2017, Balzano added interior football stadium design to her list. She collaborated with the Arizona Cardinals to create the first major interior upgrades to the University of Phoenix Stadium since its inception. The focal point of the design features an upscale interactive game-day concept for the stadium’s Club Level concourse and VIP lounge spaces. The ongoing project will include additional stadium improvements, and is set to be complete in time for the 2018 NFL season.
She also led her team in this year’s revamping of the historic Royal Palms Resort & Spa in Phoenix. Balzano has been honored as a “Boutique Design BD 18 Forward Thinker,” including being featured in Interior Design magazine, Hospitality Design and most recently in the book “Best of Hospitality Design — Architecture and Interiors."
Balzano is a registered architect in a dozen states and is a member of the American Institute of Architects and Networking Hospitality. She actively participates in a variety of panels, juries, round tables and industry events nationwide.
Recently, she launched H-A-L-E.com, an online platform dedicated to empowering women in the creative industry. With a growing following, H-A-L-E.com gives its readers an in-depth look at Balzano’s personal journey, lessons learned and highlights stories of women who go above and beyond.
Balzano graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Carnegie Mellon with a minor in architectural history.
Her creative passion and precise execution are evident in numerous notable and award-winning projects such as N9NE Steakhouse, Planet Hollywood, the Palms Casino & Resort and Hotel Valley Ho.