ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA - Winthrop University has announced that a newly developed 5,000-square-foot interior design center, located at The Thread, will be named Winthrop University’s J. Robert Bazemore Design Center in honor of J. Robert “Bob” Bazemore, a national leader in commercial interior design and a member of the Winthrop Class of 1985. Members of Winthrop’s Board of Trustees approved the space naming at their June 26 meeting.
The project officially began in fall 2024 when the Winthrop University Foundation entered into a 10-year lease of space at The Thread, a historic textile mill and warehouse space located in the heart of Rock Hill’s Knowledge Park district in the 23-acre University Center development adjacent to Winthrop’s campus.
“Creating an educational space within The Thread provides an amazing opportunity for our students to grow professionally in a future-forward learning environment. We are excited for this continued collaboration between Winthrop and the Rock Hill community, and I express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Bob Bazemore for his collaboration with Winthrop over this past year, which has been instrumental in shaping the vision for this space, ensuring that it meets the needs of future designers, all while reflecting his commitment to innovation and education,” said Winthrop President Edward Serna ’02.
Winthrop Foundation Board President Andy Wilson ’96 noted the board’s partnership role in the endeavor. “The Winthrop Foundation was pleased to have a role in helping spearhead this incredible opportunity for Winthrop students by securing and leasing this prime space to make the project a reality,” said Wilson.
Vice President for University Advancement Kevin Hughes praised Bazemore’s involvement and his willingness to tap his vast network of industry resources to bring in significant in-kind donations and contributors to the project. “This is the type of project that advancement professionals dream of collaborating on. Bob has been active in this project since its inception, and his love for Winthrop and in creating the next generation of interior designers is evident in the amount of time, energy and personal resources he has contributed from day one. We can’t wait to see his vision fulfilled when the center opens in August and is formally dedicated.”
About Bazemore
Bazemore, a native of Georgetown, South Carolina, has experienced a successful career spanning 39 years in architectural interiors master planning, furniture design, strategic consulting, environmental graphics and design. He has collaborated with some of the most creative and talented teams in the industry to bring his clients’ dreams to life. As the founding member and principal of j robert bazemore inc., Bazemore has established relationships with clients worldwide and has completed projects in the United States, France and China.
In addition to his role in designing the new interior design center, Bazemore will remain actively involved by guest lecturing in the coming years. His participation will offer students unparalleled access to his industry expertise and practical insights, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice.
“This project is deeply meaningful to me,” said Bazemore. “To contribute to the future of design education at Winthrop and to create a space that reflects my career and passion is an incredible honor. I look forward to working with students and helping them prepare for success in the field of architectural interiors.”
About Winthrop University’s J. Robert Bazemore Design Center
The center features five modern classrooms, fully equipped with advanced technology to foster creativity and collaboration. Bazemore has designed the space to incorporate many of the brands and design concepts he has developed or collaborated on throughout his career. These elements will provide students with a hands-on connection to real-world design practices, offering a truly immersive learning experience.
College of Visual and Performing Arts Dean Karen Oremus is confident that this project will stand as a powerful legacy for the interior design program.
“I am thrilled that we will offer our students professional, forward-thinking teaching and learning facilities in a community-centered space right in the heart of downtown Rock Hill. Collaborating with one of our own alumni to create such an impactful environment makes this milestone especially meaningful and positions our already strong program to reach new heights. Partnering with our distinguished alumnus Bob Bazemore to bring this remarkable design center to life is truly transformative for our college. I am deeply grateful to Bob for his vision and generosity. I also extend my sincere appreciation to Assistant Professor Quintel Gwinn, whose leadership ensured the space was designed in alignment with our program’s vision, while actively engaging our students from the very beginning as the first step in their experiential learning journey. I also thank Jason Tselentis, chair of the Department of Design, for his steady support and partnership throughout this journey.”
The center is intentionally situated above the renowned Baxter Mill Archive, which houses one of the world’s largest and most robust textile collections, providing a unique additional educational resource for students and opportunities for internships in multiple areas of design.
The center is set to open in August, with a dedication ceremony planned in partnership with the York County Regional Chamber for Aug. 20 at 11 a.m. to celebrate this milestone achievement.
For more information, please contact Ashley Blanchard, associate vice president of university advancement, at 803/579-0389.
