Sherry Reed oversees constructing and renovating Air Force Inns around the world
Sherry Reed was born at Reese Air Force Base, then located just 14 miles west of Lubbock, in 1969. As an Air Force Brat, her family traveled and lived across the world throughout her childhood, but she always knew that one day, she wanted to return to the place that she called home.
Flash forward to 1988, when Reed toured Texas Tech University as a potential option for college.
“I was taken back by the friendliness of the town and how Lubbock seemed to open their arms to college kids,” she said.
This impression left her without a doubt about where she wanted to spend her college years.
When it came time to choose a major, Reed initially thought marketing might be a good fit. As she began to dig into her coursework, it became evident that she did not have a passion for the field. After taking a few electives in interior design and feeling a desire to learn more, Reed changed her major, a decision she has never looked back on.
Today, Reed is the Interior Designer for the United States Air Force Lodging. She oversees the new construction and renovations of Air Force Inns, the Air Force’s very own line of hotels for airmen and retirees worldwide.
Reed is responsible for designing and reviewing new construction projects, including the quality of the interior design.
“I participate and collaborate in developing design plans, conduct multi-stage architectural design quality reviews, analyze and implement standards, provide guidance through the construction of the facility, and conduct post-occupancy evaluations for the Air Force, ensuring guest needs stateside and overseas.”
She also oversees renovation projects of existing facilities, including reviewing technical feasibility, performing extensive market research to ensure renovations align with hospitality industry standards, and proposing recommendations for improvements to strategic sourcing.
Reflecting on her educational training, Reed says that her drafting and plan reading courses with Zane Curry have been most useful in her current role. She also notes her color theory and rendering course with Nancy Allworth and textiles course with Samina Kahn have been very helpful in helping her determine fabric selections and the importance of the coordination of color.
From intense travel demands, needing to meet ever-changing military guidelines, and being a good steward of military funding, Reed always faces challenges. However, she says that despite the challenges, there is one response that makes it all worth it.
“A great reward is to hear our airmen say that they slept well or the space was usable," Reed said. "I did my job!”
Looking back on her experiences, Reed says some of her most significant advice for students is to become comfortable with taking risks and the failure that may accompany them, be accountable for responsibilities and decisions and be curious about the “why” behind things.
“Always push the line, think outside the box, and go beyond the minimum... be the best at what you do," Reed said. "Find your passion!"
Serving in a military capacity is a proud, full-circle moment for Reed. Her long–term goal is to create an interior design branch that provides interior design consultation for the Air Force Services. Her mission remains focused on serving United States military members through creating comfortable spaces that promote rest and productivity at all levels of design.