Pamela Jo Anderson was born on June 29th, 1955 in Pomona, California and passed away peacefully on July 19th, 2023 in Santa Fe, New Mexico after succumbing to a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
As a pioneer and leader in the field of hospitality design, Pam founded her namesake company, Anderson/Miller, Ltd., in Chicago in 1982 by writing the very first standard renovation specification for Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Pam was a licensed architect, receiving her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona in 1978. She went on to receive NCARB certification through the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. Pam’s company was an early certificate holder of WBE (Women’s Business Enterprise) Certification through the Women’s Business Development Bureau and she was an early member of NEWH.
Born to Roger and Pauline (nee Hartzler) Anderson, Pam wed the love of her life, Jackie (Jack) Verdi in 1988 after meeting him as the general contractor of one of her many Hyatt renovation projects. He proceeded her in death in 2004 and she is survived by her son, Michael Verdi, two brothers, a sister, and many adored nieces and nephews.
Pam was a talented design architect and over the years, launched scores of careers in the hospitality industry. Together with her partner, Laurie Miller, she worked throughout the world to create high-quality, award-winning custom luxury interiors—primarily in hospitality field—for several major hotel brands and independents. She also excelled in delivering beautiful and well-conceived high-end residential interiors, and notable corporate work, such as Harpo Studios.
Pam possessed a unique knack for being able to “see” architectural solutions—particularly millwork detailing—and was able to hand-sketch those solutions with precision. Pam and Laurie were honored to be inducted into Hospitality Design’s prestigious Platinum Circle hall of fame in 2013. The firm she founded lives on, recently celebrating its 40th anniversary.
