Business Details
27 Years
experience
Architectural Design for Public Spaces
Holly Street Studio is an architecture practice dedicated to creating meaningful public spaces through collaborative design. Founded in 1999, our work is rooted in the belief that architecture is a human-centered act shaped by dialogue and community engagement. We specialize in projects that address social and environmental contexts, fostering shared ownership of the built environment. Our team of experienced architects and designers brings technical proficiency and holistic solutions to municipalities, educational institutions, nonprofits, and private clients. With over 25 years of practice in Arizona, we have established a reputation for designing resilient spaces that prioritize human scale, sensory experiences, and long-term sustainability. Our process emphasizes civic discourse, stakeholder collaboration, and adaptive design strategies that evolve with community needs.We maintain close relationships with contractors and clients throughout project implementation to ensure design integrity and functional excellence. Our portfolio spans cultural institutions, educational facilities, civic spaces, and urban master plans that reflect the unique identities of their communities. Recognized with multiple design awards, we continue to challenge conventional practices while maintaining measured humility in our approach to public architecture. Our commitment extends beyond individual projects to advocating for responsible stewardship of public resources and fostering connections through thoughtful design.
Services
Architectural Design
Community Engagement
Urban Planning
Sustainable Design
Construction Administration
Master Planning
Public Space Design
Civic Projects
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- 25 years of specialized experience in public architecture across Arizona
- Award-winning designs recognized by AIA and Engineering News Record
- Proven collaborative process with municipalities and community stakeholders
- Holistic approach integrating sustainability and human-centered design
- Dedicated team of licensed architects with technical and creative expertise
What people say
Award-winning designs
Strong community engagement
Technical expertise
25-year legacy
Sustainable approach
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services create functional, aesthetically compelling spaces tailored to community needs. We specialize in public buildings that balance practical requirements with artistic vision, ensuring durability and accessibility. Our process integrates stakeholder input to develop solutions that reflect local identity while meeting technical standards.
Community Engagement
We facilitate inclusive design processes that incorporate diverse community perspectives. Through workshops, surveys, and collaborative sessions, we ensure projects reflect the needs of end users. This approach builds shared ownership and creates spaces that truly serve their communities through informed decision-making.
Urban Planning
Our urban planning services focus on creating connected, sustainable public spaces. We develop master plans that integrate transportation, green spaces, and civic amenities while considering environmental impact. Our expertise includes revitalizing municipal areas and designing mixed-use developments that enhance urban livability.
Sustainable Design
We incorporate environmentally responsible practices throughout the design process. Our sustainable approach considers energy efficiency, material selection, and long-term maintenance to minimize ecological impact. Projects prioritize natural light, ventilation, and locally sourced materials to create resilient, low-impact buildings.
Construction Administration
Our team provides comprehensive construction administration to ensure design intent is maintained throughout building phases. We coordinate with contractors, conduct site visits, and address technical challenges to deliver projects that meet specifications while maintaining budget and schedule parameters.
People
Diane Jacobs
Founding Principal
FAIA and NOMA architect with 25+ years of experience in public architecture. Leads design vision and community engagement strategies. Elevated to AIA College of Fellows in 2021 for contributions to architectural practice.
Michael Jacobs
Managing Principal
Licensed architect with extensive project management experience. Oversees studio operations and client relations. Specializes in navigating complex public procurement processes while maintaining design excellence across municipal projects.
Sergio Carrasco
Associate Architect
AIA-certified architect recognized in Phoenix Business Journal's 40 Under 40. Focuses on innovative design solutions for educational and civic spaces. Recipient of AIA Arizona's Goodwin Collaboration Award for community-driven projects.
Questions
What types of projects does Holly Street Studio specialize in?
We focus on public architecture including civic buildings, educational facilities, cultural institutions, and urban master plans that prioritize community engagement and sustainability.
How does the studio involve communities in the design process?
We use workshops, public meetings, and collaborative design sessions to incorporate diverse perspectives, ensuring projects reflect community needs and foster shared ownership.
What makes Holly Street Studio's approach unique?
Our practice combines technical expertise with radical empathy, emphasizing human-centered design that addresses social contexts and creates enduring public spaces through collaborative processes.
How long has the firm been in operation?
Holly Street Studio has been practicing architecture in Arizona for 25 years, with our founding principal establishing the firm in 1999.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Phoenix, we work throughout Arizona with extensive experience in municipalities across the Phoenix Metropolitan Area and statewide projects.
