Business Details
11 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural & Design Services in Kittery, ME
Winter Holben began as an independent studio led by Principal Elisa Winter Holben, specializing in placemaking across retail, wayfinding, and community environments. In 2015, Elisa and her husband, Principal Architect Brandon Holben, AIA, formalized their partnership, creating a multidisciplinary practice that integrates architecture, interiors, branding, and experience design. Our approach starts with listening, combining diverse perspectives to shape spaces that reflect client goals and community values. Based in Kittery, Maine, we prioritize sustainability, local craftsmanship, and thoughtful design.Our team delivers personalized attention while managing complex projects, ensuring clarity and creativity from concept to completion. We actively support community organizations through design expertise, sponsorships, and collaborations, reinforcing our commitment to positive local and global impact. Our work spans commercial, residential, hospitality, and cultural projects, each grounded in purposeful design and lasting relationships.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Branding
Wayfinding
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 2015
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined experience in architecture and design.
- Our collaborative approach ensures client goals shape every project.
- We prioritize sustainable materials and energy-efficient practices.
- Our team provides personalized attention with multidisciplinary expertise.
- We actively contribute to community development through design initiatives.
Associations and certifications
- AIA
- LEED AP BD+C
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services focus on responsive, functional design tailored to client vision and site demands. We collaborate consultatively on projects of all scales, ensuring distinct results that balance aesthetics, usability, and sustainability. Our expertise spans commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments.
Interior Design
We create human-centric interior environments by integrating design strategy with client needs. Our approach combines spatial planning, material selection, and lighting design to craft authentic, functional spaces for hospitality, retail, and workplace settings.
Experiential Graphic Design
Enhance user experience through integrated wayfinding systems, branded environments, and exhibit design. We combine spatial design with visual storytelling to create meaningful connections between people and places.
Sustainable Design
We prioritize eco-conscious materials, energy-efficient systems, and carbon-negative construction methods. Our sustainable approach includes all-electric heating, high-performance building envelopes, and locally sourced materials to minimize environmental impact.
Branding
Develop cohesive brand identities aligned with architectural and spatial design. We create comprehensive systems encompassing logos, typography, color palettes, and brand expression in physical environments.
People
Elisa Winter Holben
Principal, CEO, Design Director
Elisa founded WINTER HOLBEN as a placemaking studio, expanding into a multidisciplinary practice through strategic partnerships. She leads design initiatives with a focus on community impact and creative collaboration.
Brandon Holben
Principal Architect, LEED AP BD+C
A licensed architect with LEED certification, Brandon co-founded the studio in 2015. He specializes in sustainable design and oversees architectural projects from concept to construction.
Adam Holmes
Project Architect
Adam brings technical expertise to architectural projects, focusing on detailed execution and client collaboration. He ensures designs meet functional requirements while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Emily Strong
Interior Designer
Emily specializes in creating functional, aesthetically pleasing interior environments. She works closely with clients to develop spaces that align with brand identity and user needs.
Jenni Corbett
Senior Experiential Graphic Designer
Jenni leads graphic design initiatives that enhance spatial experiences. Her work integrates wayfinding, branding, and exhibit design to create cohesive environmental narratives.
Questions
What services does WINTER HOLBEN Design offer?
We provide architecture, interior design, experiential graphic design, branding, and sustainable design services for commercial, residential, and cultural projects.
Where is WINTER HOLBEN Design located?
Our studio is based at 3 Walker Street, Kittery, ME 03904, with projects spanning the Seacoast region and beyond.
How does the design process work?
We begin by understanding client goals, then analyze project requirements, develop design concepts, and iterate based on feedback through collaborative consultations.
Do you specialize in sustainable design?
Yes, we prioritize eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and carbon-negative construction methods to minimize environmental impact in all projects.
Can you handle both small and large-scale projects?
Our flexible approach accommodates projects of all sizes, from single-room renovations to large mixed-use developments, with equal attention to detail.
How do you incorporate community input into designs?
We engage stakeholders through collaborative workshops and consultations, ensuring designs reflect community needs while maintaining functional and aesthetic standards.
