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]
Holly Hunt | |
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Born | West Texas, U.S. |
Alma mater | Texas Tech University |
Occupation | Designer |
Website | hollyhunt millerknoll |
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]