Who Am I?
My name is Ray Hanley, and I started this venture with the sole purpose of delivering intuitive and creative design at accessible prices. I received my Master’s in Architecture at Penn State and my Bachelor’s degree from The State University of New York. I have a diverse background in Historical Preservation and Ecological Design, both of which I’m deeply passionate about and have worked hard in my career to focus on.
Born and raised in Central Pennsylvania, I have always been captivated by the profound impact of our surrounding environments and how we are shaped by those experiences. Whether it be the warmth of a childhood home or the beautiful forests and natural scenery of our area, our relationship with space and context is what makes us who we are. Where we live and the spaces we intimately occupy have a profound influence in shaping who we are and how we live our lives. This passion for design and control over this narrative led me to a career in architectural design, where I focus on creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional, but are contextually aware and grounded around those who occupy it.
At Arcadia Design and Construction, my mission is to make a lasting, positive impact on my clients. My professional career began working in architecture firms behind a computer, but it was through renovating my own home and experiencing the frustrating, and often arduous, process of hiring contractors I realized I had the passion and experience necessary to excel in the field on my own. I, unfortunately, found some contractors to be unreliable, overpriced, and unkind toward female clients—all while providing sub-quality levels of work. Instead of relying on others, I gradually used my knowledge of technical drawing to teach myself how to execute those details in real life applications. Whether it's small maintenance tasks, restoring historical character, or reimagining spaces to better suit your needs, I am dedicated to delivering exceptional design and master craftsmanship.
