Kristina Held is the founder and principal of Held Architecture, an architectural practice guided by a strong commitment to people, context, and long term responsibility. Her work is rooted in the idea that architecture should support human life while responding thoughtfully to environmental and social challenges. Through years of close collaboration with clients, Kristina has developed a design approach based on trust, clarity, and intentional decision making.
In this episode of The Power of Design Podcast, Kristina shares her professional journey, her perspective on sustainable architecture, and the principles that shape her studio. You can learn more about her background and connect with her through Kristina Held’s LinkedIn profile.
This conversation explores sustainability as a way of thinking rather than a technical label. Kristina explains that meaningful sustainable architecture begins with listening and understanding how people live and use space. She highlights how early design decisions often define the environmental and functional performance of a project far more than materials chosen at later stages.
Kristina also reflects on the realities of running an architectural practice, including the importance of client education, honest communication, and collaboration across disciplines. She explains why a focused studio built on shared values can often deliver deeper impact than a practice driven purely by scale or volume. Throughout the episode, architecture is presented as a balance between creativity, responsibility, and real world constraints.
Sustainable architecture is not defined by trends or certifications but by thoughtful decisions made throughout the design process, especially at the beginning of a project.
Kristina emphasizes that good architecture responds to real human needs. Comfort, usability, and long term functionality are essential measures of design success.
By choosing projects carefully and maintaining a clear vision, smaller practices can build stronger relationships and deliver more meaningful results.
Effective collaboration between architects, engineers, builders, and clients is essential to creating responsible and efficient architecture.
Kristina shares how staying aligned with personal and professional values leads to better projects, healthier client relationships, and long term fulfillment.
Clear communication and education allow clients to make informed decisions and become active partners in the design process.
Rather than chasing ideal solutions, Kristina advocates for realistic improvements that can be applied consistently and responsibly.
This episode of The Power of Design Podcast offers a grounded perspective on sustainability rooted in people, process, and integrity. Kristina Held demonstrates that responsible architecture is not about following trends but about making informed decisions that create lasting value for both clients and communities.
Her approach highlights how clarity, trust, and long term thinking can shape architecture that is meaningful, resilient, and deeply connected to human experience.