Holst is a comprehensive design firm with studios in Portland, OR and Minneapolis, MN. As a queer-led and certified women-owned B Corp practice, we’re committed to both design excellence and positive social impact.
Our team of over 50 professionals, led by owners Kim Wilson, Renée Strand, Dave Otte, and Kevin Valk, is driven by a single mission: creating meaningful architecture that people love.
Our Culture
We believe the best ideas emerge when people feel secure enough to challenge assumptions, dive deeply into work they care about, and experiment with new perspectives and play. We remain continuous learners and listeners, serving our communities with purpose while supporting one another to create thoughtful design that makes a difference.
Certifications & Achievements
Our growing portfolio of third-party certifications is a testament to our commitment to sustainable, equitable, and regenerative practices.
Each certification represents our dedication to transparency and continuous improvement—holding us accountable while enhancing our impact on social justice, environmental stewardship, and industry transformation. Still, we know that these frameworks are merely the beginning of our work.
Learn More About Our Certifications
Women-Owned
In 2017, Holst became the largest women-owned architecture firm in the State of Oregon. To qualify for the certification, 51% or more of the company’s ownership must be women. It is a testament to our leadership’s commitment to diversity and equity in the architecture profession.
Just
Living Future’s Just Certification measures how organizations support their people and strengthen communities. Holst first earned this certification in 2018, applying its metrics to track and improve workplace equity, from employee benefits to operational transparency. We recertify every two years, using Just’s framework to build a better workplace and become a stronger community partner.
B Corp
Since 2023, Holst has been among the 1% of U.S. architecture firms to achieve B Corp Certification—a recognition of our commitment to balancing profit with purpose. This certification evaluates how we serve our workers, clients, community, and environment. The rigorous B Corp framework guides us in using business as a force for positive change, with renewal every three years, keeping us accountable.
NOMA Call to Action
In 2024, we joined the National Organization for Minority Architects (NOMA) Call to Action Pledge. This two-year pledge drives concrete steps toward anti-racism and unity in architecture, engineering, construction, and design. As part of the pledge, our team submits twice-yearly reports tracking our progress, while also maintaining active participation in local and national NOMA chapters.
Careers
Holst strives to create a welcoming environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply.
