THOMAS HICKEY
BOARD DIRECTOR

Thomas Hickey AIA, NCARB is a founding partner of GRADE New York, an architecture and interior design firm based in New York City. After working for the esteemed firm of Robert A.M.Stern Architects and teaching at Columbia University and Parsons School of Design, Tom went on to pursue his own practice and established GRADE in 2004 with Edward Yedid to develop their own integrated approach to residential design. The firm has since grown to a team of 40 and expanded its portfolio of single family residences to include additional design typologies such as multi-family buildings, luxury retail and commercial spaces, and designing interiors for private luxury transportation.  

I initially discovered Wild Tomorrow when GRADE was asked to design the Ukuwela Homestead. The more I learned about the them, the more enamored I became by its mission. I’ve always loved animals and the vastness and beauty of the land they roam. Animals have always been captivating to me and my family, and we have always dreamt about visiting Africa to marvel at all the animals in their natural setting.

These interests were what first attracted me to want to help the Wild Tomorrow cause through creating the Ukuwela Homestead design, but as I became more involved with the project and my awareness of the organization’s program and commitment grew, I felt even more compelled to contribute beyond our role as architect.

My trip to Ukuwela and the site was life changing. Meeting members of the team and roaming with the wildlife in their natural habitat truly inspired me to want to take part in a more influential way, and joining the board allows me to do that—providing a platform through which I can help direct and influence Wild Tomorrow from an architectural standpoint. Thus, for the Ukuwela Homestead project, my team and I are exploring more broadly ways in which this built environment will support, coexist with, and bring harmony to the surrounding ecosystem. And my hope is to guide Wild Tomorrow and its members toward the realization of a beautiful and meaningful piece of architecture while also being able to give back.