Holst’s New Website
In 2019, we set out on a mission to codify our values. The result was one of the clearest expressions of what makes Holst unique.
In the same way that great spaces rely on balance, our values embrace essential dualities. They pair passion with perspective, intuition with precision, and equity with action. It’s this commitment to balancing creativity with functionality that shapes everything we do, from the buildings we design to the company we’re building.
We soon realized, though, that while our values speak to who we are and where we are going, our online presence no longer captured the full story of our firm—our work, our people, and our vision for the future.
Since launching our previous website nine years ago, we have added a new office in Minneapolis, expanded our work in sustainable design, planning, and interiors, deepened our commitment to community engagement and accessibility, and emerged as one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading architecture firms for design excellence and positive social impact.
To more fully capture these advances, we partnered with Civilization, a design firm we’ve long admired, to reimagine how we told our online story.
As always, we started by listening. We conducted extensive research, gathering over 85 survey responses from clients, collaborators, and team members, plus a detailed analysis of how people actually used our previous site.
Visitors reported understanding our commitment to good design but wanting to see more of how we work, who we are, and what drives our community-centered approach to architecture.
The process and community connection doesn't shine through on your projects, and that's what separates you most from your competitors.— Survey Respondent
Our new site addresses this feedback and more with a site architecture that prioritizes accessibility, intuitive navigation, and authentic storytelling. It all begins with a dynamic homepage that immediately communicates our core mission: we’re devoted to creating meaningful architecture that people love.
The homepage now showcases not only our projects, but also highlights more of the work that goes on behind the scenes through our Approach, R+D, and News posts. From beautiful project photos and early design sketches to in-depth research and exciting news posts, visitors will be immersed in all the aspects that make us Holst.
Sharing Our Process
Our collaborative design process is now visible throughout the site. Project pages showcase not just finished buildings but the community engagement sessions, focus groups, and co-creation processes that inform our work. From mass timber innovations to inclusive design strategies, visitors can see how technical expertise and community input come together to deliver design excellence.
Improved Search
One piece of repeated feedback we received was that critical information felt “buried” in navigation. Now, navigation adapts to how people browse, with a simpler layout, the ability to filter by topics, and a powerful search bar to help users quickly find what they need.
Showing Our Values In Action
Instead of simply stating our beliefs, we demonstrate them in practice through concrete examples: tracking 10,000+ comments in spreadsheets to address community feedback, touring construction sites with local Library Champions who helped shape projects from concept to completion, or partnering with Indigenous Outreach Specialists to authentically engage diverse communities.
Celebrating Our People
The heart of Holst has always been our people. We’re incredibly proud of all our talented team members whose diverse perspectives and expertise shape every project. Our website now showcases them with behind-the-scenes project documentation, team spotlights, and stories of professional growth.
We intentionally recognize the full spectrum of contributors who shape our practice, from emerging designers leading sustainability research to seasoned architects mentoring the next generation.
Designing Down to the Detail
Our buildings demonstrate meticulous attention to detail and so does every element of our new website. We’ve developed a comprehensive color palette and typography system that feels clear yet welcoming, with carefully selected colors and fonts that remain crisp and accessible across all devices and screen sizes.
Our photography also reflects our human-centered approach, featuring authentic moments of community engagement alongside stunning building imagery.
Ask an Architect
As a firm, we believe in making architecture accessible to everyone—not just as users of spaces, but as potential practitioners. That belief inspired us to add a new feature to our website called “Ask an Architect,” where curious minds can connect with our team, tour our office, or invite speakers to their classroom to learn about our field.
Building for Everyone
To reflect our commitment to accessibility, our new website surpasses current accessibility standards, featuring carefully considered color contrasts, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility. We’ve also prioritized performance and sustainability, ensuring fast loading times while minimizing our digital environmental impact.
Our hope is that the site, like all great public spaces, makes every visitor feel inspired and at home.