Michael F. Holly, AIA, NCARB, REFP
Principal Architect, Founder
“Getting there” in architecture is more than half the fun for Michael Holly.
In fact, getting there - or fulfilling the architectural process from a conceptual design to a completed structure - embodies the essence of continual collaboration, reflection and exploration that informs his endeavors, inspires his life and enriches his soul.
He is devoted to the ideal that architecture should have an uplifting impact on its environment, and that the details that go into a building or plan should support its specific purpose as much as its overall design concept.
Michael earned his architecture degree from the University of Southwest Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) and has been a registered architect since 1977. In 1980, he and Jeffrey Smith formed Holly & Smith Architects, which they have built into the largest architecture firm in the Northshore region of Louisiana.
He has contributed his leadership abilities to a broad array of civic, art, education, charitable and professional organizations and has played a key role in the rejuvenation of downtown Hammond. Today, he serves on the deign committee of the Downtown Development District, working to keep the city’s downtown center a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
Michael has received numerous awards in architecture and for leadership achievements, but he is most proud of the more than 45 awards Holly & Smith Architects has earned for design excellence during his years as the firm’s president.
Michael has guided the focus of H/S in the education design realm. He is a member of the AIA Committee on Education and the current La. Chapter President of the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI). He has traveled with these groups while attending seminars that have discussed the cutting edge of design and technology relative to education and learning environments. His forward thinking approach has actually assisted the administrators of school districts to re-energize and re-focus their teaching methodology to align with current teaching philosophies and create the school of the future. Teaching methodologies such as project based learning, technology based blended learning, themed schools and collaborative learning, have all influenced the way we design learning environments. This knowledge and experience over a span of 32 years has given Michael the wisdom to be a leader in the realm of education design. Michael was recently recognized by CEFPI as a Recognized Educational Facility Professional. He is one of three carrying that recognition within the State of Louisiana.
