jBorn and raised in Pontiac, Michigan, Judy received a B.S. degree
in 1967 in Fine Arts at Western Michigan University, specializing
in the graphic arts. After graduation she worked as a graphic
designer at V-Design in Yellow Springs, Ohio, and W.B. Pfaff Associates
in Birmingham, Michigan. In 1974 she applied her graphic design
background to the field of film animation, joining Portafilms,
Inc., a nationally known producer of industrial and educational
films. She designed storyboards and animation for film projects
for clients such as Upjohn Corporation, Consumers Power Company,
St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Sealed Power.
Later, Her interests and background allowed her to work closely
with her husband, Dennis Reckley, on architectural and interior
projects in conjunction with his Denver-based firm. After moving
to Holland in 1980 and a three-year sabbatical following the birth
of her second daughter, she became professionally active in West
Michigan, consulting for Herman Miller. As a photographic stylist,
she advised their corporate communications people in selecting
colors and materials for Herman Miller products featured in company
brochures. At the same time, an interest in historic preservation
involved her in Holland Main Street, a program of the National
Trust designed to revitalize small city business districts. Over
10 years she was active in providing design consultation on many
downtown Holland renovation projects involving signage, color
selection, exterior storefront facades, interior design, murals
and display. In addition, she worked with a Holland architect
to produce a study of the downtown business district, which involved
the research and design of over 100 historic building facades.
Her interest and concern for the health of Holland’s downtown
business district and neighborhoods led her to serve as a Historic
District commissioner, a board member of the Holland Area Arts
Council and a trustee of the Holland Historical Trust.
In 1989 she accepted the part-time position of Assistant Professor
of Art and Design at Hope College, a chair endowed by Howard R.
and Margaret E. Sluyter. Here she shares her professional experience
with students in her Basic Design and Basic Design Applied classes.
The part-time nature of this position allows her to continue her
professional activities and expose her students to the projects
in which she is involved.
In the last 14 years her professional activities have included
a number of commercial projects, many of which have been in restaurant
and retail design. She has also been very active in the design
of residential projects, expanding beyond her interior design
involvement to the design of additions and complete houses. During
this time her graphic design background has been put to use in
the designing of books, catalogs and promotional material for
Hope’s De Pree Gallery. These graphic design projects along
with the more involved nature of her architectural projects stimulated
her interest in the latest technology supporting these professions.
She sought training and developed her CAD capabilities in both
those areas.
She has continued to be involved in community service. After moving
to Saugatuck in 2000 she became active in her new place of residence,
serving on the Historic District Commission and designing museum
exhibits for the Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society. Her last
2 exhibit designs have been recognized by the Michigan Museum
Association, both receiving first place awards of excellence.
Her interior and residential design expertise has been challenged
and developed by working with clients with some specialized needs.
Working with Resthaven Patrons for the last 8 years, and designing
environments for the elderly. has made her aware of the challenges
presented by dementia and the spatial considerations of accessibility.
The resort nature of the Saugatuck area has provided another specialized
opportunity in the design of vacation homes and small-scaled houses
for empty nesters.
The diverse nature of Judy’s professional experience allows
her to connect with Hope students interested in many different
design disciplines and the responsive nature of her career is
a model for students of a constantly evolving professional life.
