John Holz

“To be an architect you cannot have an ego or wear a cape. You need to listen to your clients and allow their ideas to flow through you to carry their vision to fruition”

Architecture was always a path John followed, even unknowingly at times. At six years old, he sold 100 illustrations of farms, buildings, and airports to his grandfather for $1. As he grew up, he played with his older sister selling floor plans as an architect and real estate duo. His experiences ultimately led him to pursue a degree in architecture, where he was determined to become a designer. Today, John has amassed over three decades of diverse experiences working across the US.

After five exciting years designing sports architecture in Kansas City, John started at PRA’s Milwaukee Office in 2001 working in the Civic and Religious Studios.  He is now the Partner in Charge of PRA’s Sarasota Office.  His responsibilities encompass business development, designing, project and team oversight, and assuring PRA has sustained growth. John understands that future success is a team effort, so he focuses on creating a dynamic environment and offering opportunities that encourage personal and professional growth in his team members, so they are prepared to continue making PRA an industry leader. 

John’s approach to design starts with cultivating a strong relationship with the client. He enjoys making that first correct impression that convinces them to believe in PRA as the right architect for their vision. The client’s trust in his team’s abilities motivates him throughout the project process. John looks at a project from the inside out, starting with the clients to discover and harness their core principles and where they want to go within the design. By doing this, the design successfully captures the essence and vision of the client as it becomes an extension of who they are. John feels rewarded, at the end of the process, when they turn to him and say, “I am really glad we did this together, and we sincerely value our relationship with PRA.”  He believes that a project is only a success when the client is happy and helps attain further success.

Whether John is in Florida or Wisconsin, you can always find him on the coastline. At every opportunity he travels back to his roots in Milwaukee and Door County, Wisconsin to develop his home away from home. He hopes that one day to have the perfect balance of Wisconsin craft beer and cheese curds with Florida beaches and sun. John can also be found as an active member among his many professional and charitable organizations including the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance, and the Knights of Columbus.

Associations:
American Institute of Architects (AIA) (AIA FL, Gulf Coast)
Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance (LWRBA)
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce (Visit)
The Manatee Chamber of Commerce (Visit)
U.S. Green Building Council, Wisconsin (USGBC) (USGBC FL, Gulf Coast)

Certifications:
LEED Accredited Professional Building Design & Construction (LEED AP BD+C)

Education:
Bachelors of Science in Architectural Studies – University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
Masters of Architecture – University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee