After more than four decades of dedication, leadership, and passion, Tom Blythe is retiring from Hafer, leaving behind a legacy that is deeply woven into both our firm and the Evansville community.
Tom’s Hafer story began when he joined the firm fresh out of high school as a summer intern in 1978. In those early days, his responsibilities included printing drawings and specs, drafting (by hand), making models of projects, and running errands. What began with humble, hands-on work grew into a decades-long career that helped shape Hafer’s culture, its portfolio, and the Southern Indiana community.
A graduate of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture and Art program in 1984, Tom studied just one year ahead of Hafer president Jeff Justice, who is also a graduate of UC. The two often shared the trip to and from Cincinnati experiencing what felt like a record number of vehicle breakdowns, over-heated engines and flat tires along the way. These college road trips were a preview of the problem solving, friendship and teamwork that would define Tom’s career.
When Tom became a principal in 2004, he stepped fully into the additional roles required of a firm owner, along with the already established roles of a project manager. Tom preferred to work behind the scenes, taking care of specs, details and project coordination while also trying to keep things running smoothly in the office with grace and humility. While Tom’s colleagues admire him for his work ethic, they also know him as a source of lighthearted office humor. He was never afraid to stir up a little mischief, creating office inside jokes and traditions that still live on today. Just as importantly, Tom was a driving force behind the Hafer “family” culture—championing co-ed softball teams, Office Olympics, golf scrambles, Friday lunches, and holiday celebrations that strengthened bonds beyond the workday and helped define who we are as a firm.
Tom’s professional legacy is equally enduring. His leadership and vision can be seen throughout Evansville and beyond, including landmark projects such as the former Vectren Corporate Headquarters (now CenterPoint Energy) on Riverside Drive, the NP Wagner Operations Center on North Main Street, and both Evansville Ronald McDonald House locations at Ascension St. Vincent and Deaconess Gateway. Tom’s design influence can also be noticed through several projects at St. Meinrad Archabbey and numerous Beck’s Hybrids facilities across the Midwest. Whether experiencing wonder at the Children’s Museum of Evansville, enjoying a night out at Bally’s Casino, volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club of Evansville, or learning more about regional history and art at the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center, visitors and residents can appreciate his passion for place and people in these facilities. More recently, Tom assisted with the design of a new state park lodge, conference center and aquatic center at Potato Creek State Park in North Liberty, Indiana. It is currently under construction, and when complete it will be a fun destination for families and organizations.
Though he may be retiring, Tom will never truly leave Hafer. As he begins this new chapter, he offers some simple but meaningful advice for those just starting their careers: Architecture is a wonderful mix of creativity, teamwork, hard work and mud on your boots, with a sense of accomplishment at all levels – experience it all!
In retirement, Tom looks forward to spending time with his wife, Donna, their three children and their spouses, and their grandchildren—continuing a life defined by family, lasting friendships and faith in God.