Mark Holmquist embraces the spheres of both architecture and interior design. He also finds inspiration from the worlds of painting and sculpture. He is just as at home discussing non-structural curtain wall systems as he is curtains.
His interdisciplinary approach can be attributed to his formative years of design education at the University of Pennsylvania, where he major was Design of the Environment. The Design of the Environment is not to be confused with Environmental Design; it refers to the design of the built environment. It encompasses the decisions people make to influence their spaces and reflect their humanity. As part of their coursework, students engage in the creation of two and three-dimensional sculptures, original furniture pieces built by hand, and designs for both interior spaces and building structures. After graduating, Holmquist studied Design in Paris with the faculty of the University as well as those from the Ecole de Beaux Arts.
After returning, he pursued a Master’s in Architecture also at Penn. During his Master’s program, he was awarded the prestigious Dale’s fellowship, allowing him to study Architecture in Rome.
Mark is experienced within both the public and private sectors. While as an intern architect, he was part of a team, led by the modern architect icon Romaldo Guirgola, that designed the Foreign Services Training Institute and later he was chosen by acclaimed designer Jamie Drake to spearhead design projects sponsored by the Bloomberg Mayoral administration. These included the renovation of Gracie Mansion, New York City Hall and the NYC Marriage Bureau, part of the Office of the City Clerk. His residential portfolio features work in many of New York City’s most sought-after Co-op apartment buildings, including 720 Park Avenue, 770 Park Avenue, and The Dakota Apartments on Central Park West.
Mark Holmquist is a Licensed Architect and a LEED ( Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional.