Holly Hunt
Holly Hunt | |
|---|---|
 Holly Hunt, 2015 | |
| Born | West Texas, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Texas Tech University |
| Occupation | Designer |
| Website | hollyhunt millerknoll |
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[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
- ^ a b 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
- ^ 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
- ^ a b Stoodley, Sheila Gibson (July 27, 2015), "Showroom Business", Robb Report, retrieved September 17, 2016
- ^ "About - Holly Bio".
- ^ Mason, Everdeen (3 February 2014). "Knoll Acquires Holly Hunt for $95 Million". Wall Street Journal.
- ^ "Holly Hunt sells design firm for $95 million". 2 February 2014.
- ^ "Royal Oak Foundation Timeless Design Award Honorees".
- ^ "International Honors and Awards 2010". www.iida.org.
- ^ Slyker, Karin. "Human Sciences Hosts 30th Annual Distinguished Alumni Luncheon - October - 2012 - Texas Tech Today - TTU".