Holly Hunt
Holly Hunt, 2015
Born
Alma materTexas Tech University
OccupationDesigner
Websitehollyhunt.com
millerknoll.com

Holly Hunt is an American designer. She is the founder and CEO of Holly Hunt Design (now a subsidiary MillerKnoll, Inc.), a company that designs, produces and showcases custom made product including indoor and outdoor furniture, lighting, rugs, textiles and leathers.[1]

Early life and education

Born and raised in West Texas, Hunt's childhood aspirations were to be involved in fashion design.[2] After graduating from Texas Tech, she completed an executive training program at Foley's in Houston, a now defunct department store once owned by Federated Department Stores (now known as Macy's).[3] With her interests still in designing, she moved to New York City in the early 1970s to become a design assistant for the president of a costume jewelry firm.[4]

Career

In 1983, Hunt bought a small showroom in Chicago's Merchandise Mart and changed the name almost a year later, becoming the first HOLLY HUNT showroom.[3] Over the last 30 years, the HOLLY HUNT brand has opened 10 more showrooms across the United States, as well as the recent opening of a London showroom.[1]

In 2014, Hunt sold the company, Holly Hunt Design to Knoll, Inc. for a reported $95 million.[5] She remains with the company, acting as its CEO.[6]

Hunt was given the "Timeless Design Award" by The Royal Oak Foundation[7] in London, and has been recognized by industry groups such as the International Interior Design Association[8] and Cottages & Gardens magazine. She has also been honored by her alma mater with their annual "Distinguished Leadership Award" in 2012.[9]

References

  1. 1 2 Thompson, Henrietta (October 25, 2014), "American transfer: Holly Hunt opens Mayfair showroom", The Telegraph, archived from the original on October 25, 2014, retrieved September 17, 2016
  2. Klages, Karen; Spinelli, Rose (November 28, 2004), "Sitting Pretty: A Talent for Trendspotting and a Willingness to Take Big Risks Sent Designer Holly Hunt to the Top of Her World", Chicago Tribune, archived from the original on September 17, 2016, retrieved September 17, 2016
  3. 1 2 Stoodley, Sheila Gibson (July 27, 2015), "Showroom Business", Robb Report, retrieved September 17, 2016
  4. "About - Holly Bio".
  5. Mason, Everdeen (3 February 2014). "Knoll Acquires Holly Hunt for $95 Million". Wall Street Journal.
  6. "Holly Hunt sells design firm for $95 million". 2 February 2014.
  7. "Royal Oak Foundation Timeless Design Award Honorees".
  8. "International Honors and Awards 2010". www.iida.org.
  9. Slyker, Karin. "Human Sciences Hosts 30th Annual Distinguished Alumni Luncheon - October - 2012 - Texas Tech Today - TTU".
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