Prime Highlights
- Tom Polucci received IIDA NY’s 2026 Leadership Award of Excellence for his contribution to design leadership.
- The recognition also highlighted his role in industry development and philanthropic initiatives.
Key Facts
- HOK is an international design firm involved in architecture, engineering, and interior projects.
- Polucci has more than 25 years of experience leading workplace and interior design initiatives.
Background
IIDA NY, the local New York branch of the International Interior Design Association, has chosen Tom Polucci of HOK as the 2026 Leadership Award of Excellence recipient. This is based on his contributions in interior design, workplace innovation, and leadership in the field of design.
Polucci received the award during IIDA NY’s Leaders Breakfast held in the second week of May at Pier Sixty in Manhattan. More than 800 people attended the event, where industry members and colleagues gathered to recognize his professional achievements and long-term influence on design practices.
With more than two decades of experience, Polucci currently leads HOK’s global interior teams and guides projects focused on improving how people interact with workplaces and built environments. Trained as an architect, he has worked on projects for major organisations and brands, including workplace and innovation-focused developments.
His focus throughout his career has been on building work environments where employees thrive, and organizational culture thrives. His collaborative management style and effective networking skills were also brought up by industry experts at the conference.
Beyond project work, Polucci has remained active in wider industry initiatives and community efforts. He is a Fellow of the International Interior Design Association, a recognition considered among the profession’s highest honors. He also serves as chair of the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA), where he supports initiatives that connect the design community with philanthropic efforts.
During the event, Polucci stated that the recognition reflected the value of mentorship, professional relationships, and a shared commitment to supporting the future of the design industry.
