2023 Designer Dozen: Katie Hood

Katie Hood
Age: 30 | Interior Designer, Bergmeyer
Favorite Time of the Day: Right Before Sunset
Favorite Sport: Tennis

WHY KATIE?

As the lead interior designer for retail, experiential, hospitality, restaurant and workplace projects, Katie is known as a tremendous communicator and trust builder. Her co-workers say, “Collaboration is a foundational element of our practice at Bergmeyer and Katie expresses this through her work vigorously.” As a designer on the Wilson Sporting Goods rollout, which VMSD covered in its November/December 2022 issue, Katie is known to have an innate ability in bringing experiences to life through her work.

Katie is also a NCIDQ Preparation Course Moderator; an Internship Ambassador for Endicott College; and also works regularly as a volunteer for KidsBuild!, a hands-on, interactive learning experience intended for children. She’s also worked with the Boston Society of Architects’ program which educates high school students from low-income neighborhoods about careers in the design industry.

Some other fun facts? Katie, a native of Maine, has reportedly never been to Disney World, and believes her attention to detail would also lend to an alternative career as a private investigator, her co-workers say.

📷: Luke Hayes Photography, London

Who or what has been the greatest influence on you in your work?

My parents and step-parents. Not only have they always been incredibly supportive of my career goals, they have also set amazing examples of dedicated and thoughtful professionals.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I think the most rewarding part of any job is the final product. The best part about this type of work is being able to see and experience your hard work as it comes to life.

What’s the biggest challenge you face professionally?

It’s always a challenge when the project scope or budget changes along the way. It can be disappointing to pivot, but I try to look at it as a new opportunity to be creative.

If budget were no object, I’d…

…focus on greater sustainability in retail design and spaces. Ideally, design should be promoting health and well-being for people and the planet.

What experience or specific interest has shaped you as a designer?

Growing up, I always was interested in design and environments. I was fascinated by movie and TV show sets – spaces that transform to support a storyline and build emotion. I love how interior design creates a functional space by understanding behaviors. It is a perfect blend of art and science.

Tell us about a project you’re proud of completing.

During the pandemic, my team and I worked on the James B. Beam Distilling Company campus improvement. The project took a multi-generational working distillery and reimagined it as an immersive visitor experience, including retail, food and beverage, and experiential exhibits of the distillery process. I am very proud of the final product of the campus, but I am most proud of our teamwork during such a challenging time. We adapted in many ways to stay connected, produce excellent work and keep our spirits high.

The best part of my day is…

…connecting with people.

I find (design) inspiration in…

…social media. It has the ability to connect you all around the world.