During her 40-plus-year career, Joyce Polhamus has elevated a once undervalued health care interiors market to a critical component of design in support of contemporary patient care. Additionally, a passion for senior well-being has helped expand design opportunities in the often overlooked senior living market. But her contributions as a leader—fostering the next generation of design professionals—may ultimately be her lasting accomplishment. A 27-year employee of SmithGroup, where she is currently office director for the San Francisco, Sacramento and Portland, Ore., offices, she has supported and guided the careers of hundreds of staff members. In light of her contributions to the design community in business pursuits and professional development, ENR California named Joyce Polhamus its 2023 Legacy Award recipient.

Joyce Polhamus, second from right, promotes breaking down silos and advocates for cross-studio collaboration.
Photo courtesy of SmithGroup