We’re not set up like your typical architecture firm.
Our People
Creativity often goes beyond 9-5. So we threw that model out the window. Instead, we work when we're feeling inspired. Worried that will affect our responsiveness? Not a chance. Holo-bloker's are paid for the value they bring to a project. That makes us even more responsive. We're not limited by office hours, weekends or holidays. We do what it takes to ensure all projects are delivered to our high standard.
Hey, I’m Jonathan.
I enjoy combining technology with novel workflows and holistic thinking to enhance collaboration and efficiency across a wide variety of project types. My mission is to continually maximize project efficiency and quality, and I joined holo-blok to work with an outstanding team whose vision is aligned with my own. I lead Building Solutions projects while also contributing our design and presentation work. What I most enjoy is building optimized solutions that increase efficiency, empowering our team to spend more time on great design.
My drive to continually learn and implement emerging technologies has made me an expert in Revit, Digital Project Delivery (“DPD”), and Building Information Modeling. I take pride in approaching every stage of a project from a holistic perspective, striving to find and implement solutions that provide the best possible value for all project stakeholders. This approach allows me to continually evolve and effectively implement novel DPD practices, making me an ideal team member for progressive procurement models like Integrated Project Delivery.
When I’m not actively engaged with architecture and construction projects, I am often enjoying the great outdoors or working on a creative project on my acreage.
Roddy Handa
Lawyer, Architect, Problem Solver
JD, B.ARCH, AIA, NCARB, ARCHITECT AAA, LEED AP
Hey, I'm Roddy.
I want to make an impact. I see a lot of inefficiency in design and construction - and I want to fix that. I'm not your average architect - I'm a lawyer too - and I continually challenge mainstream conceptions of how we should work. As the founder & CEO of holo-blok, I am intricately involved with all of our design and building solutions projects. I even push the mouse around!
I started holo-blok when I found out we were having our first child. I knew I didn't want to be in the office at 7am and home at 6 pm just to spend an hour with my kids before they went to bed. I knew I could work when I needed to, deliver high quality work, and meet timelines on my own terms. That was the impetus behind holo-blok: reward people for the quality of their work.
When I'm out of the "office", you'll find me in a new place exploring the world with my family. I'm a foodie - so I always want to try a new restaurant whether it's a hole in the wall or it has 3 Michelin stars. If I'm not with my family, you can usually find me with my friends - catching the game, catching up, and of course, enjoying some food and drink along the way.
Hey, I’m Craig.
I am a practical problem solver, a creator, and a design enthusiast. I love to get involved with any project and find ways to enhance it, whether it’s music, art, or architecture. I have a hard time settling on an idea if I know there is a way to make it better. It’s what drives me to find solutions and deliver the greatest results possible. I welcome open and honest communication and I’m always excited to discuss ideas and experiences; anything that provides an opportunity to learn, teach, and apply the “lessons learned” to the next project.
I joined the holo-blok team because I wanted to have a more personal involvement in projects. I can share my experiences (and crack some jokes) in a collaborative environment and help the team create something that ourselves and our clients can be truly proud of.
When I'm not coordinating projects, you’ll find me out and about in Edmonton, either at a concert, comedy show, hockey game, or on a golf course. I also love getting out of the city to camp, paddle, and explore anywhere that I’ve never been.
Hi! I’m Dan.
I spend my days at the intersection of content and technology as Holo-blok's resident media practitioner. I am a seasoned project manager with a strong interest in workflow and documentation. My experience spans various industries and businesses, providing me with diverse perspectives to inspire innovative solutions. I've had the opportunity to deliver services to numerous entities, including all departments of the Federal Government. Additionally, I've worked as an instructor and curriculum developer.
In addition to project management, I am also a professional photographer, cinematographer, editor, and post sound engineer, covering the entire media landscape. I've actively engaged in the social media revolution since 2007.
Furthermore, I take pride in my skills as a wordsmith and specialize in message formulation. My work on crafting stories and narratives has benefitted organizations and small businesses alike.
As an IT professional, I have a successful portfolio of projects, including software implementations, ERP migrations, and server designs and deployments.
Hey, I’m Brendan.
I love all things design, and I willfully welcome any design challenge. No matter the scale, scope or budget, I believe a project should be thoughtfully looked at from every angle. As the design & creative director, I encourage our clients and project teams to think outside the box and am always looking to learn from our industry partners.
I believe in longevity in our projects. I am involved from parti sketch to site instruction, ensuring the original vision is realized, and lessons learned are implemented in future work.
I joined the holo-blok team because I believe that flexibility fosters creativity. The best ideas don’t always show up between 9-5, and I would rather put more time to the design process than timesheets. I am currently working towards becoming a registered architect through the RAIC Syllabus program.
When I’m out of “the office,” you can probably find me exploring a mountain nearby, either camping, climbing, biking, or snowboarding. I enjoy all of the wonderful local food & drink Edmonton has to offer, and take advantage of our river valley as much as possible.
Hey, I’m Erin!
I’m a design enthusiast and maker at heart. I started my design career at a smaller scale with industrial design and furniture making. I decided to take on architecture which allowed me to expand my design knowledge and take on different types of creative challenges at a greater scale.
As an architect I try to take a meticulous approach to design, beginning with a gathering of information from various sources including the client, community and site context. Analyzing this information serves to inform and shape the goals and vision of the project, ensuring the design and vision are substantiated within the context. Then the fun begins - Collaboration and engagement with people to understand their needs and goals to create a design that meets and exceeds their expectations. I also love working with local builders, craftsmen and makers to create the extraordinary.
I left the corporate 9 to 5 world to start my own company. After 2 years I realized that architecture is very much a team sport and I love (and thrive) working with other people. My creativity feeds off collaboration and brainstorming sessions and Holo-blok is a team of like-minded creatives who truly strive to produce proficient and beautiful work
When I’m not “in the office” I’m out enjoying the river valley, skiing, golfing, printmaking or hanging out with two very short and bossy human beings. I also have a passion for the history of Edmonton’s people, places and of course, architecture.
Rhea Ross
Technologist, Designer, Problem Solver
B.ARCH, Dip. ARCH (Postgrad), Higher Cert. (Shipbuilding)
Hey, I’m Rhea!
Although coming from an industrial background in steel shipbuilding in my native Scotland, I have developed in a broad architectural oeuvre without any fixed specialization - moving freely between design and production, or industrial and residential work.
With more than twenty years of experience, I have a wealth of knowledge from dealing with different scales & types of building projects, including heritage and overseas projects in the U.K., Spain & Qatar. I started off my Canadian journey living & working in remote Northern British Columbia for a structural engineering company (partially returning to my Industrial roots) with many of my projects scattered further in the remote wilderness - often involving many kms driving or even sometimes in a boat or helicopter.
I am a team player who knows how to build and maintain strong relationships with both my Holo-Blok colleagues or external stakeholders. I have a proven record of adaptability, being highly responsive to change and can prioritise, then organise tasks, to meet critical deadlines. I also believe everyone, throughout the complicated building process should be able to come out ‘winners’. I feel that everyone has something to contribute to that process, especially clients, to produce essential & purposeful architecture.
I still feel relatively new to Edmonton, so in my free time I often enjoy exploring the city or the great outdoors of its extensive River Valley system of parks, riding one of my electric unicycles.
Hey, I’m Vincent.
I love that architecture is an expression of art that ties in practicality, leaving a mark in our communities for many to experience. As a technologist, I’m able to play a part in a broad range of projects that impact people from all walks of life. Whether it be collaborating on a conceptual design, drafting construction documents, or building fabrication models, I approach every project with a balance of attention to detail and a creative mind.
I’ve jumped from a traditional architectural firm, to a construction company, and have landed at holo-blok where I’ve joined like minded individuals who want to push the long-stagnated AEC industries forward. What I love is that not only does holo-blok strive for high quality, innovative work, but also that creative design is not compromised and boundaries are pushed. We’re a team of many skills and talents that play to each other’s strengths in consistently delivering results.
When I’m out of “the office”, I’m often spending time with friends playing video games, or exploring the latest local attraction or event. I also enjoy planning my next trip outside of Canada to experience different cultures, lifestyles, and good eats.