Holly Hodge’s thoughtful approach to campus design and collaborative leadership has earned recognition from peers across higher education.
Even if you have not met Holly Hodge, you likely know her work.
As 鶹Ƶ’s director of interior design in the Department of Planning, Design & Construction Management, Hodge helps to create spaces where campus life unfolds, from classrooms and offices to gathering spaces and student-centered environments. She oversees the interior design process on facility additions or renovations, from furniture and budgeting to construction coordination, installation and project completion.
In celebration of both professional excellence and meaningful leadership within the interior design community, Hodge was honored this fall by the Association of University Interior Designers with its inaugural PlaceMaker Award.
Through shared resources, collaboration and professional development opportunities, the AUID helps its 183 members advance the practice of interior design on college and university campuses while inspiring innovation and strengthening the profession.
“Throughout her career, our PlaceMaker has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating thoughtful, innovative and inspiring environments that support learning, foster community and enhance the student experience,” said Melissa Marriott, past president for AUID, in presenting the award in Atlanta at the conference held at Georgia Institute of Technology. “From transformative student-centered projects to award-winning learning and academic spaces, Holly has consistently created environments that balance functionality, innovation, institutional identity and a strong sense of place.”
Hodge said that interior design has a lasting influence on how people learn, work, connect and experience a place. “AUID is special because it gives higher education designers a community where we can learn from one another, celebrate successes, navigate challenges and continue advancing the profession together,” she said.
Brad Moore, 鶹Ƶ’s associate vice president for facilities and chief facilities officer, described Hodge as one who collaborates with community partners to promote the university’s mission to create exciting and sustainable spaces.
“What distinguishes Holly’s leadership is her ability to connect the day-to-day work of facilities with the larger mission of the university,” he said. “She understands that our work is about much more than delivering projects; it is about creating spaces that allow our community to learn, live, and thrive.”
Hodge said that AUID is a powerful community she feels fortunate to contribute to, learn from and call so many of its members her friends. “This award is truly meaningful to me because it reflects not only my work,” she added, “but also the relationships and community that make this profession so rewarding.”