ABOUT | HOILAND STUDIOS | LIGHTING DESIGN

HOILAND STUDIOS is a full-service lighting design firm based in Chicago, creating highly-customized architectural lighting solutions for discerning clients nationwide.

MEET THE TEAM

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 improve lighting in the built environment.

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.

As Founder and Principal Lighting Designer of HOILAND STUDIOS, Kiersten leads a team of talented individuals who are equally dedicated to the success of every project. They partner with leading architects, interior designers, and contractors across the nation to enhance their clients' projects with exceptional lighting.

Kiersten is a member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), and Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA), and serves on the associate board of Designs 4 Dignity (D4D) and the advisory board of PowerHouse Smart (PHS).

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 office, Kiersten is an active violinist in the Chicago area. She performs with the Lakeview Orchestra and Park Ridge Civic Orchestra and works with students to foster their own lifelong love of music. She is rarely without an international adventure on the horizon or far from her extensive collection of ice cream.

KATE GRIEBLER

PROJECT 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 American (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.

ELLYN HARMON

JUNIOR LIGHTING DESIGNER

Ellyn fell in love with the world of design after spending a summer in Tuscany, Italy—a trip that has inspired her ever since. As a junior lighting designer, she ensures the drawings and fixture specifications are well organized and precisely documented. Ellyn's favorite aspect of design, especially lighting, is that a well-articulated, creative vision can bring new life to an existing space.

Ellyn is a member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD) and the Illuminating Engineering Society of North American (IESNA).

Ellyn earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Miami University in Oxford, OH.

In her free time, Ellyn loves to travel, eat delicious food with family and friends, and explore the magnificent architecture of Chicago. Wherever she is, Ellyn is always looking for design inspiration.