For his continuing industry-related volunteerism over the past two decades, Holtan, a principal at San Diego’s domusstudio architecture, recently received an award from the California Architects Board, one of only three awarded in the state.

Holtan received the 2010 Octavius Morgan Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes individuals who have significantly contributed to the Board’s mission through their volunteerism over a period of time. Announced in the Spring 2011 newsletter, the award is named after the first president of the California Architects Board.

According to CAB, Holtan has contributed more than 1,000 hours towards the California Supplement Examination (CSE), and served as a CSE commissioner for more than 20 years and as a master commissioner since 1991. He served on multiple CSE-related workshops including the CSE commissioner reviews, job analysis, test plan and standard setting. He has recruited many fellow architects to participate in the CSE administrations, new licensees for the pilot test, and new licensees to assist with developing the computer-based CSE.

“Paying back the profession is only one of the benefits of volunteering,” Holtan explained in the CAB newsletter. “I’ve learned so many lessons from so many people and experience over the years, and to be given the opportunity to assist someone in getting licensed – reaching that professional milestone – is rewarding.”

Holtan has been with domusstudio architecture, founded in 1986 as Dominy + Associates Architects, since 1993. Current and recent projects include: the Parish Center at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Carlsbad and Ascension Parish Center in Tierra Santa; several fire stations in the City of Encinitas and one in La Quinta; and several San Diego Unified School District modernization projects funded in part by Proposition S.

Holtan graduated with degrees in both Architecture and Environmental Design from the University of Minnesota.