Hollis + Miller Architects, one of the region’s top specialists in learning environment design, proudly announces the promotion of Kristine Dorn to partner. In her new role, Dorn will lead the firm’s higher education market as it continues its momentum in impacting learners of all ages, while also maintaining her impact as the Educational Design Director within the PK-12 environments. This strategic move comes as Hollis + Miller celebrates its 75th anniversary and reinforces its mission to design holistic PK-16 learning environments across all stages of education. Dorn’s leadership spans the firm’s Kansas City and Castle Rock offices.

Since joining Hollis + Miller in 2021, Dorn has been a driving force behind the creation of student-centered, research-driven learning environments for PK-16, including several colleges and universities across the region. With more than 20 years of experience in educational design, she has been instrumental in expanding Hollis + Miller’s presence in the higher education market, solidifying the firm’s reputation as a leader in educational design and planning. 

Dorn’s expertise focuses on holistic campuses including comprehensive master planning, renovations and new construction projects aligning with each institution’s evolving needs. She has led the HMA team with recent projects for institutions such as the University of Colorado Boulder, University of Central Missouri, Chadron State College, Black Hills State University, Kansas State University and numerous community colleges.  

Her leadership approach blurs the lines between secondary and post-secondary education, creating environments reflecting the rise of career and technical education and preparing students for life beyond high school. Dorn places a strong emphasis on gathering feedback from students and staff while leveraging real-time data to ensure designs reflect the unique values, missions and aspirations of each institution. This collaborative, empathy-led approach results in spaces fostering innovation, collaboration, and well-being among students and staff. Dorn’s leadership has also been instrumental in strengthening partnerships like the firm’s collaboration with the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). Named the “Official Architects of the MIAA” in 2019, Hollis + Miller extended the partnership and is working with the conference’s Mental Health Advocacy Group. This group of students and staff from the conference’s 14 institutions along with MIAA leadership work to support and improve student-athlete growth and development, both on the field and off, by focusing on improving the mental health of student athletes at each institution. 

“We are thrilled to announce Kristine’s promotion to partner, recognizing her exceptional leadership and dedication to purposeful design,” said Michelle Chavey, president of Hollis + Miller. “Her ability to blend research-driven insights with innovative design solutions is key to our firm’s success in higher education. Her leadership impacts our internal teams while also stretching beyond to our clients and partners.”

Dorn holds a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from the University of Missouri, a Bachelor of Science in Design from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and a Bachelor of Marketing and Corporate Communication from Buena Vista University. Her background allows her to design spaces that are not only visually appealing but also intentionally structured to enhance learning outcomes, foster student engagement and support mental well-being. Her drive to collaborate effectively with educators, administrators and stakeholders ensures their voices are heard and reflected in every design decision. 

“Kristine has a proven track record of delivering visionary solutions for higher education institutions,” added Chavey. “Her leadership and passion for research will continue to drive transformational design for our clients and strengthen our impact on each community we serve.”