Sami Hayek (b. 1973) lives and works in Los Angeles. He grew up in Veracruz, Mexico, to a Lebanese father, and an Oaxacan mother. His introduction to a diverse array of cultures and community-focused upbringing played a huge role in his creative development, and who he is as a designer today. In Veracruz, everything is approached from an experiential point of view rather than materialistic or stylistic. This ethos became a part of Hayek’s approach as a designer, and his niche ability to convey an experience through spaces and objects.
Early on, Hayek had very little exposure to art and design but instead placed a lot of emphasis on savoring nature, nurture, friends, and family. The idea of being present in a situation and simply enjoying the people around him was instilled in him as a kid. Hayek’s whimsical environment gave him the freedom and curiosity to explore and engage. The lack of confinement opened his experience, allowing him to move beyond traditional frames of imagination. He has experienced both wealth and lack of wealth and assimilated with many walks of life. Exposure to all of these scenarios transpires in his work - exploring different materials and ways to use them to create the best experience within the parameters of the project or story. Sami Hayek has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design, Architecture, and Industrial Design from Art Center College of Design.