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Navigating 2025: A Conversation with Kurt Steinmann, Vice President – Residential Business Unit

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By Kurt Steinmann – VP, Residential Business Unit | Holland Construction Services

The construction industry is navigating 2025 with what could best be described as cautious momentum. According to Holland Construction Services’ Vice President of Residential, Kurt Steinmann, the current environment is more disciplined than it was just a year ago. While high interest rates and tighter lending standards have cooled some new development, demand in resilient sectors like student and affordable housing remains strong.

“Timing of project starts continues to be challenging,” Steinmann explains. “We’re seeing more developers pause to see what interest rates do or proceed forward in phases to hedge risk and focus on long-term viability.”

Holland’s Strategic Approach in 2025

Last year was a strong performance year across several of Holland’s verticals. In 2025, revenues are being driven by growth in institutional, municipal, and healthcare markets, while residential continues to feel the weight of today’s lending environment.

“What’s most important to us right now isn’t just top-line growth,” says Steinmann. “It’s margin stability, client retention, and operational efficiency. We’re not chasing volume; we’re pursuing the right projects in strategic sub-markets that will lead to long-term revenue growth with our client partners.”

Tackling Costs, Development Slowdowns, and Market Uncertainty

With construction costs still elevated, Holland is taking proactive steps to keep projects viable:

  • Preconstruction Strategy: Locking in pricing early and collaborating with designers to maximize efficiency.
  • Value Engineering: Providing creative design and product alternatives that preserve design intent without simply cutting scope.
  • Phased Delivery: Accelerating lease-ups and easing upfront capital requirements for developers through staggered delivery schedules.

At the heart of this approach is a focus on long-term relationships. “We see ourselves as trusted partners who help clients navigate this environment with transparency and confidence,” Steinmann adds.

Supply Chain and Labor Dynamics

While supply chain conditions have improved, materials like electrical switchgear and HVAC equipment remain bottlenecks. Holland continues to build lead-time buffers into schedules and orders early, leaning heavily on strong relationships with local trade partners to manage timelines.

Labor availability is also shifting. With financing challenges stalling projects, labor supply is loosening. Holland is responding by strengthening internal field leadership and expanding self-perform capabilities, which improves both project quality and scheduling flexibility.

Technology as a Differentiator

One area where Holland stands apart is technology. The firm’s Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) team plays a major role in reducing complexity and improving coordination.

  • BIM: Used to drive site and MEP coordination, reducing field conflicts.
  • Drone Technology: Standardized for site layout, real-time progress tracking, and pre-pour coordination.
  • 360° Imaging: Providing thorough documentation from existing conditions to pre-drywall and project closeout.

“In my opinion, the capabilities of our VDC team separate Holland from our competition,” Steinmann notes.

Residential Focus

Within the Residential Business Unit, Holland continues to target five key areas: multi-family, senior living, hospitality, affordable housing, and student housing. Over the years, the company has built nearly 7,000 units and $1.3 billion of multi-family product, earning repeat business from clients who value Holland’s expertise.

Project Highlights

Several standout projects showcase Holland’s performance and client partnerships:

  • The Marshall – St. Louis, MO
    A 350,000 SF, 177-unit, 508-bed student housing development delivered nearly 10 weeks early.
  • Stevens Apartments – Wood River, IL
    An affordable housing project for the Madison County Housing Authority, currently ahead of schedule.
  • The Emerald – Knoxville, TN
    A regional multi-family development where phased delivery helped meet peak leasing demand and drive early lease-up success.

Looking Ahead

Across the board, Steinmann emphasizes that Holland’s focus remains on performance and partnership. “We’re delivering results while helping clients adapt to today’s market reality. That balance of discipline and creativity is what will carry us forward through 2025 and beyond.”

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