Portsmouth Herald Feature
The Portsmouth Herald highlights our 10 year anniversary and multiple prominent projects
Kittery, Maine - When Elisa Winter and Brandon Holben met at Newburyport High School in the 90s they never imagined they would end up partners in both business and life. Now WINTER HOLBEN architecture + design signs are ubiquitous throughout the Seacoast; think high-profile projects like the newly opened Getty Bagel in Portsmouth, the Foreside Inn under construction in Kittery, their new firm headquarters and art gallery soon to open in Kittery Foreside, a large condo project on Badger’s Island, and upcoming Kittery Community Center and Domo Restaurant renovation projects - just to name a few. And that barely scratches the surface. In addition to the commercial development, the team is working on numerous private residential homes. Says CEO and Design Director Elisa Winter Holben, “We’re definitely hitting our stride as we mark our ten year anniversary. What we offer that’s unique is our multidisciplinary approach. Winter Holben provides both experiential branding and interior design services, in addition to architectural services. It’s unusual having a husband and wife be co-owners but it’s been an amazing fit. I will say, however, Brandon and I have to make an effort not to talk shop when we’re at home with our kids!”
Winter Holben currently employs eight professionals. Says Winter Holben, “Being a boutique firm allows us to be personally involved in every project. That absolutely impacts quality control, client satisfaction, and our ability to be nimble and take on a wide variety of small and large scale projects. We have a strong, experienced team that allows for an integrated approach. We’re particularly proud of the diversity of our portfolio and the relationships we’ve forged with our clients.”
Elisa Winter Holben founded her own firm prior to joining forces with Brandon. She has enjoyed a long, successful career in design (Bank of America was a client for 20 years) with a specialty in interiors and what’s referred to as “wayfinding.” Says Winter Holben, “Over the decades I have developed an expertise based on the understanding that memorable places are born from a thoughtful integration of architecture, art, branding, and detail. By designing layered moments—through signage, interior design, and visual storytelling—we can create experiences that connect people to place in lasting, meaningful ways. This holistic approach is at the core of everything we do.”
Brandon Holben has worked in the field of architecture for 25 years at different firms where he excelled at creating memorable and award winning designs like Smuttynose Brewing and 3S Artspace (during his tenure at McHenry Architecture). 3S Artspace was the first project they worked on together with Elisa integrating the wayfinding and signage while Brandon created the architectural design. The couple says the collaboration was so successful that shortly after they decided to join forces and Winter Holben Architecture + Design was created.
Says Brandon Holben, “While people seek us out for our contemporary design styles, we are also committed to the preservation and adaptation of historic architecture. Every project offers a new opportunity to integrate sustainable practices, resilient design strategies, and energy-efficient technologies while also applying lessons from the past.” Holben goes on to say, “Acknowledging the existing architectural fabric while introducing a fresh and progressive design approach can offer unique views and add points of interest. By playing with proportions, patterns, and materials, architects contribute creatively to a neighborhood - whether it’s historic or new. The key is designing a contemporary solution that responds to the density, pattern, and scale of the streetscape while enhancing the existing context.”
As a firm, Winter Holben prioritizes a commitment to community, working with many nonprofit organizations, including 3S Artspace where Elisa was a founding board member and Brandon was the lead architect on the project. Says 3S Artspace Executive Director Beth Falconer, “Elisa and Brandon have been generous and collaborative during my tenure. I think the building elevates our mission as a contemporary art space. The clean design and the nod to the industrial roots are elements that really stand out. They both have been here for our ten year history; not only for a moment, but for the journey. It's easy to be excited to build something new, another thing entirely to champion evolution and growth. I absolutely love their design aesthetic and am excited for their new ventures.”
Developer Taylor McMaster hired Winter Holben for the renovation of an historic inn in Rockport, Massachusetts and to design the Foreside Inn that will open in Kittery at the end of the year. Says McMaster, “One of the reasons we chose to work with Winter Holben is that they specialize in interior design and branding along with architecture. Having everything in-house was appealing and it’s been seamless for our projects. We wanted a bold, contemporary design for both inns. Winter Holben was able to take our initial vision and make it a reality. And for the Foreside Inn, working with a team that’s local and part of the community was important to us.”
Rounding out the team alongside Brandon and Elisa is architect Adam Holmes, architectural designers Glen Lambert and Patrick Gould, interior designer Emily Strong, graphic designer Jenni Corbett, and operations manager Marissa Yeaton. All are looking forward to moving into their new headquarters in the heart of Kittery Foreside next month. 3 Walker is a mixed-use building that includes apartments, an art gallery that will be open to the public, and office space for the Winter Holben team. “Our sweet spot is designing spaces that inspire, elevate and connect communities. Celebrating ten years in business is a major milestone and we’re excited for what’s to come. We especially enjoy a good challenge,” says Brandon Holben. Other well known Winter Holben projects include the renovation of the Press Room, Stoneface Brewing, Festina Lente, Bangor Savings Bank in downtown Portland Maine, Wayfinding for the Rice Public Library, East Coast Cannabis in Eliot, Great Rhythm Brewing, Buoy Shack , Seacoast Science Center, and several other single & multifamily projects in the region.