RHONDA S. HAMMOND
Hammond Design Group, LLC
AIA, ID
SAY IT LOUD - FLORIDA Exhibitor
Florida Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Professionally, I’m inspired by the commitment to the profession and the boundless creativity of the architects and emerging professionals I’ve come to know through my association with AIA Florida.
RHONDA S. HAMMOND
Bio:
The Great Designer Rhonda Hammond is a principal at Hammond Design Group Architects, LLC, in Tallahassee, Florida. She received her BArch from FAMU’s School of Architecture and Masters of Sustainable Design from the University of Florida. Rhonda is 2023 1st Vice President/President-Elect of AIA Florida. She has also served as Vice President Chair of the Advocacy Committee in 2021, and the Professional Development Committee and Chaired FAPAC in 2022. She’s served on Tallahassee-Leon County’s Architectural Review Board.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
My journey to architect was a natural progression. I was intrigued by space. I grew up with an uncle who was a general contractor and was constantly “correcting” his plans when the floor plan wasn’t arranged “right”!
What do you do?
I’m a principle in a firm so the majority of my time is spent with the “business” side of architecture. But I am involved with all aspects of the design and construction process from contract negotiation through construction administration.
What excites you in the work you do?
I enjoy working through the conceptual phase of a project with clients when I see that the space, I’ve created for them meets their needs and exceeds their expectations. Then I create the drawings & plans to build the space—it’s beyond description!
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Professionally, I’m inspired by the commitment to the profession and the boundless creativity of the architects and emerging professionals I’ve come to know through my association with AIA Florida.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I’ve many reasons and projects to be grateful for. The achievement I appreciate most is the recognition of the Smokey Hollow Barbershop Restoration project by AIA Florida with a restoration award. It is a humble project with a mighty story.
Featured Project Name:
Smokey Hollow Barbershop Restoration
Featured Project Location:
Tallahassee, Florida
Featured Project Completion Date:
2018
Role in Featured Project:
Architect-of-Record
Featured Project Description:
Smokey Hollow was a thriving African American community home to churches, restaurants, stores, & hundreds of residents. Urban renewal efforts of the 1960’s eliminated the neighborhood. The barbershop was moved to the regional airport where it remained until 2012. Blueprint 2000 became involved and spearheaded the restoration. It now serves as Anchor to the Smokey Hollow Park District allowing visitors to reflect on this iconic building type as it related to the African American Community.
