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.

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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.

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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.