Kimberly Hyduke has been a member of the MDP Inspired Design Team for over 16 years. The daughter of MDP’s Founder and Principal Emeritus, Sam Merlino, she has been part of the inspired design process since she was 14 years old.
Kimberly grew up in the business, witnessing her father and getting involved at a young age. At 14, she was organizing the materials library and gaining an appreciation for products and textiles. She was meeting with reps and soaking in the basics of a design education. Her love of textiles had her considering a fashion-focused career path, but it didn’t take long for her design roots to point her in the inevitable direction of interior design.
After graduating from Philadelphia College of Textiles & Science (now Thomas Jefferson University) with a Bachelor of Science degree, she found her place at Merlino Design Partnership beginning her career alongside Bruce Hurowitz.
“Ted Watson has known me since I was a kid, and Bruce and I go way back. We had our drafting tables next to each other in an office space with no AC,” laughs Kimberly. “I was helping my dad with design and business functions as the company was growing.”
Due to the economy and business pressures in 1992, Kimberly explored the sales side of the industry as a manufacturer’s rep for Wilsonart. This opportunity gave her the flexibility needed to also nurture her young growing family. She spent ten years calling on the A&D community and honing her sales skills. Her drive and determination helped her achieve top sales goals, even earning recognition as Sales Rep of the Year.
“I’ve always been driven and the kind of person who is going to put in more than 100%,” describes Kimberly. “I reached a point where I was ready to come back to the office and dig back into the inspired design process.”
Kimberly found her place, once again alongside Sam and Bruce, as well as the other talented Merlino Design Partnership team members. She gained valuable design experience and took on leadership roles, advancing from interior designer to senior associate. And as Sam continued looking toward retirement, the succession plan was taking shape. Bruce was ready to lead the firm with Kimberly by his side as an MDP Partner–her 25-year career providing a solid foundation for this key leadership role.
“Having known Kim for over 30 years, I know first-hand of her unique skill set; one that is perfectly suited for our client base. Kim’s dedication and professionalism are unmatched, and I feel fortunate to have her as a member of the leadership team,” says Bruce.
Kim’s portfolio of senior living project work has received numerous industry accolades, such as The Vista which was recognized in the 2019 EFA Design Showcase as a Finalist. She relishes working with clients such as Christian Health, Sage Life, Heath Village and Smith Village who want forward-thinking, creative solutions that push the boundaries of senior living design.
Kimberly is committed to providing seniors with welcoming and home-like environments that promote an active lifestyle and support evolving healthcare needs. She believes in creating upscale and dynamic spaces that encourage residents to live life to the fullest and make meaningful connections, critical factors that contribute to resident health and happiness.
“Being very close to my maternal grandfather, it broke my heart to see his concern about leaving his home when he needed a greater level of care. It solidified my dedication to designing safe and beautiful environments for the elderly—creating spaces where they can continue to grow, learn and cherish a new chapter in their lives,” says Kimberly.
Kimberly is excited about MDP’s continued growth as they expand their inspired design process to the multifamily sector. She is currently working on an urban redevelopment project called Crossings at Brick Church Station in East Orange, New Jersey that will have a modern industrial aesthetic.
“As a business partner, Kim has it all. At MDP, we have a family-first philosophy, and nobody better embodies that spirit than Kim. She manages a tremendous workload, is the liaison with the majority of our clients, and still maintains her “supermom” status at home. She sets an incredibly high bar here at MDP.” –Bruce Hurowitz, Principal | MDP
Enjoy this Q&A with Kimberly:
1. Share a few Kimberly Hyduke fun facts.
I am a soccer mom. All three of my children have played or are currently playing soccer. My husband and I have put many miles on our car, and in the air, traveling to games and tournaments. I wouldn’t have it any other way! It has provided a structured and stable lifestyle for all of our children. Watching them grow on and off the fields is so rewarding, and the friendships that they have created, as well as the connections we have made with other parents, is priceless.
2. What do you do when you are not at work or watching soccer?
In between work and motherhood, it is important for me to live a healthy lifestyle. You will find me either in the gym working out or running while my kids are on the soccer fields practicing. I will squeeze it in whenever I can.
3. What do you find interesting about the future of senior living design?
The dining and wellness experiences in senior living have seen a huge shift in the last ten years and will continue to challenge providers and designers in the years to come. We have been providing multiple dining venues to support variety and increased interactions as well as creating spaces to promote healthy living. Now, Covid-19 has imposed even more considerations and parameters on designing healthy, safe environments. In particular, we are seeing a paradigm shift occurring in the way our clients approach and offer dining services to residents.
4. What building, interior or piece of art has always had meaning to you and why?
The composition and structure of the Eiffel Tower and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and Usonian Houses.
5. If you had a theme song, what would it be? Why?
Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
It reminds me of the summer my husband and I met on the beach.
6. If you were an animal, what would you be? Why?
I would be a dog because they are always loyal and loving. Or maybe it is because I have three of them…soon to be four.
