Holst Announces Six Promotions
Holst is thrilled to announce six promotions for individuals who have been instrumental to Holst’s success. Nominated by their colleagues, Hannah Hirzel, Joshua Fox, Rachel Gott, Sam Brissett, Cecily Ryan, and Kristina Hauri each make significant contributions to our work and office culture. We’re so thankful to have them at Holst and look forward to celebrating their talent and dedication to our work.
Hannah Hirzel | Associate
Since joining Holst in 2019, Hannah has worked on a variety of projects ranging from performing arts centers like the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts (PRAx) to healthcare facilities like the Washington County Center for Addiction Triage & Treatment Beaverton Recovery Center (CATT BRC).
In her nominations, Hannah’s colleagues praised her ownership of the CATT BRC project as she has deftly worked through unforeseen issues on the complex project. With a strong work ethic, Hannah is willing to take on new tasks and collaborates closely with her team. She has also been a key member of Holst’s Pathway to the Profession task force, leading efforts to support the next generation of architecture professionals by organizing events and interviewing intern candidates.
Hannah is the definition of consistency. She takes on any task asked of her and approaches her work professionally and with an understanding of how her effort and performance reflects not only her personally, but on the firm and the rest of her colleagues.— Holst Colleague
Joshua Fox | Associate
With a background in construction and metal fabrication, Joshua has become an incredibly talented construction administration (CA) specialist at Holst. A skilled communicator, he fosters a strong team dynamic between the designers, contractors, and consultants to ensure designs are executed to the highest standard. Through Joshua’s work on projects like Grace Peck Terrace and the Hazel Ying Lee Apartments, he creates comfortable spaces for people to not just live, but to thrive.
Joshua’s colleagues praise how he embraces new opportunities to learn and grow. He puts his all into his projects, which comes through in the results. Joshua stays positive under pressure, asks the right questions, and is an independent problem solver while also knowing when to seek support.
Joshua's commitment to his projects has produced great results in difficult situations and I wish Holst had a few more of him. He's great example for new staff members to follow.— Holst Colleague
Rachel Gott | Associate
Rachel joined Holst with an interest in working on affordable housing and civic projects. She has a passion for human-centered architecture and works through the design process while always keeping the end-user in mind. Rachel is an advocate for inclusive design and works hard to incorporate inclusive design strategies on her projects. Her commitment to inclusive design is demonstrated in her work on the Hillsboro Year-Round Shelter and 73Foster, which have a focus on accessibility and trauma-informed design.
Rachel’s colleagues praised her kindness and mentorship in the office. She is a strong advocate for volunteering and supports planning of volunteer events in addition to her participation. Rachel is a member of Holst’s Culture Club, leading events that highlight one another’s cultures. She also serves as Board Parliamentarian for the National National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Portland Chapter.
Rachel's contributions to project work have been invaluable. Her work ethic and productivity are outstanding. Her commitment to Holst Values is unquestionable.— Holst Colleague
Sam Brissett | Associate
A member of Holst’s Minneapolis office, Sam is a talented designer who cultivates strong team dynamics even when working across states. He has been a key team member to the hollywoodHUB and Mariposa Village project teams. An active member of Holst’s technology task force, Sam shares his knowledge of software with the office, making our processes more efficient.
Sam’s colleagues praised his willingness to support projects and his enthusiasm for his work. He consistently brings new ideas to the table and possesses an attention to detail and follow-through that are incredible assets to Holst’s team.
Sam is above all - curious. He generates design work deftly and is an asset to our firm's goals around innovation.— Holst Colleague
Cecily Ryan | Senior Associate
Cecily joined Holst with over 20 years of experience working in the industry and quickly made a tremendous impact on Holst’s culture in the areas of design quality, consistency, and leadership. As an Interior Designer at Holst, Cecily is an invaluable resource to the office and has continued to boost the quality of our interior work. Her work on East County Library has helped shape a comfortable and inclusive library that will provide exciting new spaces and resources for the community to enjoy.
Cecily’s colleagues praised her incredible talent for honing in on specific details while keeping the bigger picture of projects in mind. She is a leader on her teams, directing interior design strategy and cultivating strong client relationships through her clear communication, artful presentations, and skillful decision making. Cecily has been a wonderful addition to the Holst team.
Cecily’s combination of strong design intuition, deep work ethic, and understanding of the big picture results in a consistent quality that sets a high bar for work at Holst.— Holst Colleague
Kristina Hauri | Senior Associate
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Kristina has been a strong leader and mentor for Holst. She is a skilled Architect and Designer, successfully collaborating with project teams and fostering a supportive and educational culture in the office. Kristina’s attention to detail has been instrumental to her success in creating beautiful designs. Her work on projects such as Francis + Clare Place and Glisan Landing | Aldea show her incredible talent for designing supportive spaces without compromising beauty.
Kristina’s colleagues praised her enthusiasm, organization, and the rigor she brings to her project teams. She embodies Holst’s values and mentors younger staff in the office to do the same. Kristina brings joy to the office and is incredibly supportive, with colleagues noting her openness to answer questions and gives thoughtful, professional, and knowledgeable advice. She is a key asset to the future of the firm.
Kristina exemplifies Holst's Core Values in the way she works, but also in the way she carries herself among her peers. I look up to her and think she is a key asset to the future of the firm.— Holst Colleague
