Founding Partner
Sam Halley founded Omni Architects in 1975 with a vision of adding his brand of contemporary architecture to the central Kentucky landscape. Sam has built on this vision for over 40 years, solidifying Omni's reputation as a design leader in the education, healthcare, research, workplace, worship, and civic markets.
Over the course of his career, Sam has worked as a champion of the design industry, serving as the President of the Kentucky Society of Architects, the East Kentucky Chapter of the AIA, and the UK College of Architecture Alumni Association. He is a former member of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council, a past President of the Gardenside Neighborhood Association, and past Chairman of the Board of Directors for Emerson Center in Lexington. Sam has given multiple lectures and presentations and has received many awards for design excellence and service to his profession.
In 2012, Sam was bestowed the designation of Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). Fellowship is an honor bestowed by the AIA on architects who have made outstanding contributions to the profession through design excellence, contributions in the field of architectural education, or to the advancement of the profession.
During his lengthy career, Sam has actively served the public on a number of non-profit boards and as a member of the Lexington-Fayette Urban City Council. He has mentored hundreds of architectural students from the University of Kentucky, has served on design review boards, and led community discussion on design/development.
Under Sam's leadership, the American Institute of Architects has repeatedly recognized Omni Architects with awards, including Firm of the Year from AIA Kentucky twice. In 1992, he was the recipient of the highest honor bestowed by AIA Kentucky, the C. Julian Oberwarth Award, for his “... long-standing commitment to the betterment of the profession.” He also won the AIA Kentucky Distinguished Service Award in 1986. Throughout his years of innovative practice and leadership, Sam Halley, FAIA has focused on helping Kentucky architects create a more proactive environment in which the profession can succeed.
"Design has always been important to me. In high school, I was so enthralled with drafting and design, I would continue drawing rather than stop for lunch. As a design professional, I admire architecture that is carefully and skillfully blended into the landscape."
