People-First Builders Podcast
People-First Builders Podcast
Fletcher Wimbush
Paige Byrd — 20 Years to Break Ground: Building a Team Built to Last
22 minutes Posted May 19, 2025 at 7:22 pm.
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Show notes

In this episode of People First Builders, host Fletcher Wimbush sits down with Paige Byrd, Co-President of Thiel & Team, a seasoned leader in amenities-focused interior design and architecture. With over 30 years of experience, Paige shares the remarkable story behind the revival of the historic Baker Hotel and Spa in Mineral Wells, Texas — a project nearly two decades in the making.

From her early site visits in 2008 to the official project kickoff in 2024, Paige offers a rare inside look at what it takes to sustain momentum and passion over the long haul. She unpacks how her firm built a "dream team" of design professionals, weathered industry-wide challenges like the 2008 recession and COVID-19, and maintained transparency and unity through economic uncertainty.

You'll hear insights on:

  • Retaining top talent through flexible work models and transparent leadership.

  • Scaling and evolving a firm without compromising on culture or quality.

  • Attracting high-impact hires in a competitive market through values-driven strategies.

  • Revitalizing historic properties with design innovation and community alignment.

Plus, Paige discusses how Thiel & Team embraced remote and hybrid work long before it was common in the architecture world, enabling a more diverse, connected, and resilient workforce.

Whether you're leading a creative team, building a legacy property, or navigating economic headwinds, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.

Connect with Paige:
🔗 THI and Team Website
🔗 Paige Byrd on LinkedIn
🔗 THI and Team on LinkedIn