Holly Hunt | |
---|---|
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]
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]
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]