HOILAND STUDIOS is a full-service lighting design firm based in Chicago, creating highly-customized architectural lighting solutions for discerning clients nationwide.
Our team of experienced lighting designers, led by Kiersten Hoiland, collaborates with leading architects, interior designers, and contractors to seamlessly weave the architectural lighting into the overall design based on the architectural aesthetic, the function of the space, and the client's preferences.
Our award-winning projects have been featured in Veranda, Traditional Home, The Wall Street Journal, Luxe Interiors, Modern Luxury Chicago, and many other publications.
Our mission is to enhance the everyday with exceptional lighting.
KIERSTEN HOILAND
FOUNDER + PRINCIPAL LIGHTING DESIGNER
Kiersten's love of interiors began at an early age, sketching floor plans of diverse homes inspired by her family's travels. It wasn't until her job at a boutique lighting shop during graduate school when she fully realized the dramatic impact lighting has to transform a space. Ever since then, she's been on a mission to elevate the built environment through thoughtful, purposeful lighting design.
Kiersten is passionate about rendering spaces in their best light to create an elevated, impalpable experience for her clients. Her signature lighting design aesthetic uses an additive approach, starting with the decorative fixtures, and then layering in architectural lighting based on the architectural aesthetic, the function of the space, and the client's preferences.
A member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA), Kiersten also serves on the Associate Board of Designs 4 Dignity (D4D) and the Illumination Awards Committee of the IES Chicago Section.
Kiersten earned a Master of Interior Architecture degree from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Interior Architecture + Design and Music from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN.
Outside the studio, Kiersten continues to nurture her 25+ year violin career by performing with the Lakeview Orchestra and working with students to foster their own lifelong love of music. Together with her husband, Jeff, and their young daughter, she enjoys traveling, strolling through their Lincoln Park neighborhood, and seeking out the best chocolate desserts the city has to offer.
KATE GRIEBLER
PROJECT LIGHTING DESIGNER
SARAH CHAPLICK
JUNIOR LIGHTING DESIGNER
BRENNA BLANEY
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Kate believes that successful projects benefit from collaboration between all members of the design team. As a project manager, she takes pride in problem solving, coordinating the minute details, and staying on schedule and within the client’s budget. She is particularly passionate about fine tuning each lighting scene at the end of a project and seeing the finishes come to life with the proper light levels. Kate is a member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). Kate earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from Lawrence University in Appleton, WI. In her free time, Kate enjoys kayaking on Lake Michigan, going to the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, and traveling to national parks for hiking trips.
Brenna believes that lighting has the power to greatly impact any project. As a lighting designer, she enjoys figuring out how to balance the fixture aesthetic with the functionality of the space and is responsible for fixture research and technical documentation throughout the design process. She loves when architectural details and concealed lighting work together to create magical moments. Brenna is a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). Brenna received a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design with a minor in Lighting Design from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN. Outside of work, Brenna enjoys painting with acrylics, attending sporting events, crocheting, and baking desserts for friends.
Sarah is passionate about creating functional interiors that connect the client to their design intent. As a junior lighting designer, she focuses on fixture research and technical documentation throughout the design process. She loves seeing how the various architectural details complement each other at the end of a project, especially when enhanced with the right lighting. Sarah is a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA). Sarah received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Architecture with CIDA accreditation from Columbia College in Chicago, IL. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys exploring the outdoors with her dog, Ollie, and taking road trips to visit new cities.
ARCHITECTS
En Masse Architecture and Design
Fraerman Associates Architecture
Kipnis Architecture + Planning
Liederbach & Graham Architects
Shumaker Design + Build Associates
Stuart Cohen + Julie Hacker Architects
AV CONTRACTORS
Area 51 Audio Engineering and Consulting
Barrett's Technology Solutions
Digital Systems and Integration
Wicked Smart Homes
CONTRACTORS
Benchmark General Contracting
Castlebar Construction