Holst Announces Four Promotions
We are thrilled to announce the promotions of four individuals who have been essential to Holst’s success. Sarah Vaz, Nici Stauffer, Jessie Nutz, and Jake Watkins each bring a unique skill set to their work and contribute something special to Holst’s culture. We’re so thankful to have them here and to celebrate their talent and dedication.
Sarah Vaz | Senior Associate
Sarah joined Holst in 2015, during which time she has worked on a wide range of project types and scales, from houseless shelters and affordable housing to Oregon State University’s multi-disciplinary studio art building. Most recently, Sarah was the project architect on Fora Health‘s new treatment facility. She excels at honing complex programs and collaborating with user groups to find optimal spatial solutions. Sarah is also an advocate for equity in the profession, spearheading office outreach partnerships with youth-focused nonprofits such as Emerging Leaders, the Portland Workforce Alliance, and the ACE Mentorship program.
Sarah is a compassionate and thoughtful leader who makes great contributions to Holst and continues to grow with each year that she is here.— Holst Colleague
Nici Stauffer | Senior Associate
Nici joined Holst in 2017, bringing experience working on diverse project types including multi-family housing, office, civic, and nonprofit projects. Her holistic approach to design strives to create healthy and productive environments that positively impact the community. Nici has recently been working on Street Roots, one of Holst’s Holst’s pro bono efforts, renovating a historic building in Portland’s Old Town into a welcoming new office space for the nonprofit social justice newspaper dedicated to helping people experiencing houselessness.
Nici has fierce determination presented with consistent kindness, she is committed to excellence, and always focused on how to make Holst better.— Holst Colleague
Jessie Nutz | Associate
Jessie has worked on several Holst projects, working on them through every phase from schematic design through construction. As Holst’s Volunteer Coordinator, Jessie schedules monthly volunteering opportunities for the office. She is is committed to environmental sustainability and social equity, and is an Oregon Metro-certified Master Recycler and regularly volunteering with the ACE Mentorship Program and Every Child PDX.
Jessie is a tenacious and kind team player that is inspiring, proactive, and talented. Holst would not be the same without her.— Holst Colleague
Jake Watkins | Associate
After attending the University of Vermont, where he received a B.S. in Environmental Studies and a certificate in Permaculture Design, Jake received his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon, with a specialization in Place, Urban Design, and Sustainable Urbanism. Jake joined Holst in 2016 and has worked on has worked on a range of housing typologies, from single-family residences to large-scale market-rate and affordable multi-family developments. He believes the foundation of positive and successful design considers place, people, and longevity. Originally from New England, Jake enjoys spending his time exploring his new surroundings in the Pacific Northwest.
Jake is not only deeply serious and passionate about his work but is also extremely dedicated to all things Holst.— Holst Colleague
