Erin Cooper Promoted to Interior Design Principal
Erin Cooper, CID, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C, has been promoted to interior design principal in HDR’s Arlington, Virginia, architecture studio. Cooper has two decades of experience, responsible for all phases of interior design and implementation of large, complex interior projects with special emphasis on programming, schematic design, space planning, interior specifications and contract documents.
As interior design principal, Cooper will set the design and practice vision for the local interiors practice in alignment with firm-wide design goals and vision. She will provide inspiration and design direction for projects, drawing upon the expertise of multiple disciplines as well as leveraging the firm’s research, knowledge, and technical resources to deliver innovative and creative design solutions.
“I look forward to working with my design colleagues to create innovative, sustainable and meaningful environments,” Cooper said. “For example, I’ve spent the majority of my career building big federal buildings. And while people sometimes assume they know what ‘federal architecture’ looks and feels like – I like to push those boundaries.”
Additionally, Cooper is a vocal champion of the power of design and its impact on the health and wellness of building occupants. “Design is everywhere and is everything,” Cooper said. “As designers, we have a great responsibility to the people who inhabit our buildings. To be in design, you need a balance between beauty and functionality. It’s finding that balance that is most intriguing.”
“Erin’s contributions to HDR have significantly elevated and advanced the quality of interior design in the Arlington office,’ commented Kevin Lynch, AAHID, LEED AP, interior design director for HDR. “She exemplifies a high standard of leadership and innovation while providing support and mentorship to those she works with. We look forward to Erin continuing to push boundaries and deliver excellent design.”
Cooper is currently president of the International Interior Design Association Mid-Atlantic chapter, which serves the District of Columbia, Maryland, and the following counties in Virginia: Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William. It is a position, she says, that keeps her on her toes. “It’s a daily reminder of the amazing designers that are in our community,” she noted. “They inspire me every day."
