Business Details
11 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architects in Kittery, ME
Founded in 2015, WINTER HOLBEN is a multidisciplinary design studio blending architecture, interiors, branding, and experience design into a seamless practice. Our collaborative approach begins with listening to clients, whether launching a restaurant, developing property, or leading cultural institutions, to create spaces that reflect their vision. With Principals Elisa WINTER HOLBEN and Brandon Holben leading every project, we combine over 20 years of collective experience to deliver context-driven, sustainable designs. Our small studio offers personalized attention while maintaining the depth to manage complex, multidisciplinary projects. We prioritize understanding project objectives, analyzing technical requirements, and iterating designs based on client feedback.Our commitment extends beyond individual projects to strengthening communities through board service, sponsorships, and partnerships with organizations like 3S Artspace and the Seacoast Science Center. Based in Kittery, Maine, we integrate local craftsmanship with global design insights. Our work spans commercial, residential, hospitality, and cultural spaces, emphasizing functionality, creativity, and lasting relationships. We believe design should connect people to place, enhance neighborhoods, and contribute to inclusive, vibrant environments.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Experiential Graphic Design
Branding Strategy
Sustainable Design
Wayfinding Systems
Placemaking
Residential Renovation
Commercial Development
Community Planning
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We combine architecture, interiors, and branding under one team for cohesive design solutions.
- Our principals lead every project from concept to completion with personalized attention.
- We prioritize sustainable materials and energy-efficient practices in all developments.
- Our community partnerships reflect a commitment to local and global social impact.
- Award-winning designs recognized for innovation in mixed-use and cultural spaces.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Services
Architecture
Our architectural practice focuses on responsive, context-driven designs for commercial, residential, and cultural projects. We collaborate closely with clients to balance functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Our team delivers innovative solutions from concept to construction, ensuring spaces reflect client vision while meeting technical and budgetary requirements.
Interior Design
We create human-centric interior environments that connect people to place. Our approach integrates branding, functionality, and materiality to craft spaces for hospitality, retail, and workplace settings. Each design emphasizes user experience, natural light, and sustainable materials to foster comfort and engagement.
Experiential Graphic Design
Our experiential graphic design enhances built environments through wayfinding, branded spaces, and interactive exhibits. We merge visual storytelling with spatial design to create intuitive navigation systems and immersive brand experiences that engage visitors and reinforce identity.
Branding Strategy
We develop cohesive brand strategies that align with architectural and spatial design. Services include identity systems, placemaking, and brand expression in physical environments. Our approach ensures consistent messaging across logos, typography, and experiential elements to strengthen brand recognition.
Sustainable Design
Sustainability guides our material selection, energy systems, and construction practices. We prioritize carbon-negative insulation, locally sourced materials, and fossil-fuel-free buildings. Our designs aim to minimize environmental impact while creating healthy, energy-efficient spaces for occupants.
People
Elisa Winter Holben
Principal, CEO, Design Director
Elisa founded WINTER HOLBEN in 2015, focusing on placemaking and brand-driven design. She leads creative direction, leveraging expertise in architecture and graphic design to shape multidisciplinary projects. Her work emphasizes community impact and sustainable practices.
Brandon Holben
Principal Architect, LEED AP BD+C
Brandon co-founded the studio in 2015, bringing architectural expertise to integrated projects. As a licensed architect and LEED-certified professional, he oversees technical execution and sustainable design strategies for complex developments.
Adam Holmes
Project Architect
Adam manages architectural projects from concept to completion. With AIA membership and technical proficiency, he ensures designs meet functional, aesthetic, and regulatory standards while aligning with client goals and sustainability principles.
Emily Strong
Interior Designer
Emily specializes in creating human-centric interior environments. Her work focuses on hospitality, residential, and commercial spaces, integrating natural materials and thoughtful layouts to enhance user experience and brand identity.
Jenni Corbett
Senior Experiential Graphic Designer
Jenni leads environmental graphic design initiatives, crafting wayfinding systems and branded spaces. Her expertise bridges visual storytelling and spatial design to create engaging, intuitive experiences in cultural and commercial settings.
Questions
What services does WINTER HOLBEN offer?
We provide architecture, interior design, branding, experiential graphic design, and sustainable design solutions for commercial, residential, and cultural projects.
How does your collaborative design process work?
We begin by understanding client goals, then analyze technical requirements and iterate designs based on feedback. Our multidisciplinary team ensures cohesive, context-driven outcomes.
Do you work on sustainable projects?
Yes. We prioritize carbon-negative materials, energy-efficient systems, and locally sourced resources to minimize environmental impact across all project types.
What regions do you serve?
While based in Kittery, ME, we work throughout the Northeast, including Portsmouth, NH, and Southern Maine, with national project experience.
