Dave Otte is a principal with Holst Architecture with over 20 years of experience in the design and construction industry. Skilled in conceptual visioning, he pursues elegant solutions to his clients’ complex programmatic needs, remaining dedicated to architecture that is modern, appropriate, and sustainable.  

Dave’s focus at Holst is social impact by design, helping to create affordable housing and services for Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens. In 2013, he was honored with a BetterBricks Award in the Building Design category, which recognizes outstanding career achievements of building professionals who implement high-performance design and sustainable solutions. In 2012, the Daily Journal of Commerce profiled Dave and his work on Bud Clark Commons, a LEED Platinum resource center for the homeless with permanent supportive housing. He is also an active member of the architecture community. After helping design the LEED Platinum Portland Center for Architecture and serving as an AIA Portland board member and volunteer, he was elected AIA Portland President in 2015 and currently serves as the 2016 Vice President of the Center for Architecture. 

Dave will discuss how great design and architecture has been proven to enhance the quality of life, dignity, health, and safety for our most vulnerable populations. As a firm, Holst has seen the benefits that better design can have on the lives of others. Through doggedness and determination, Holst has become deft at creating high-quality designs for public and nonprofit projects, refusing to compromise quality while always meeting the schedule and budget. Dave will show how great design can truly impact vulnerable populations in meaningful ways, from at-risk youth to families in recovery to citizens experiencing homelessness. Quality design doesn’t need to be sacrificed in order to make public and nonprofit projects pencil. Holst’s focus on sustainability (saving energy costs for the lifetime of the building), durability (saving clients and users money for the long haul), high-quality local materials, and design for the safety and health of residents makes for compelling design solutions.