Year: 2025

  • 2025 IIDA Hawai‘i Pacific Chapter Hoʻohuli Design Excellence Awards

    2025 IIDA Hawai‘i Pacific Chapter Hoʻohuli Design Excellence Awards

    On Saturday, October 11, 2025, the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Hawai‘i Pacific Chapter hosted its 4th annual Hoʻohuli Design Excellence Awards at the ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, honoring transformative interior design projects across Hawai‘i that reshape how people live, work, and connect.

    A Celebration of Transformation and Community

    True to its Hawaiian meaning of “to change or transform,” symbolized by the vibrant King Kamehameha butterfly, the Hoʻohuli Awards recognize designs that go beyond aesthetics to impact functionality, health, well-being, and cultural resonance. IIDA CEO Cheryl Durst opened the event virtually, praising Hawai‘i’s designers for setting “the highest standards for design that is responsive to place, environmentally sensitive, and culturally grounded,” emphasizing design as “the story of change.”

    The evening gathered the local design community—commercial interior designers, students, educators, and industry partners—in a tight-knit celebration of excellence.

    2025 Award Highlights

    Standout winners showcased the depth of Hawai‘i’s talent:

    • Grand Hoʻohuli Award: Yohei Sushi Kahala by Wander x Wonder, lauded as “a space that doesn’t shout—it resonates,” blending thoughtful restraint with cultural clarity.
    • Next Design dominated with wins for Central Pacific Bank Kahului, Fertility Institute of Hawai‘i, and Uncle Paul’s Corner Store, highlighting their versatility across categories.
    • LIVE Award: Capitol Place Amenity Spaces by InForm Design, a 4,200 sq ft renovation transforming lobby, theatre, and event spaces for enhanced security, flexibility, and emotional well-being.
    • Learn Category: PACE at RISE Center by AHL, a dynamic entrepreneurial hub at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa fostering innovation through modular classrooms, meeting rooms, and cultural integration.

    These projects exemplify hoʻohuli’s spirit of renewal, connection, and community impact.

    Featured in Hawaii Business Magazine

    Our awards program received prominent coverage in Hawaii Business Magazine, including a dedicated online feature and a beautiful print magazine spread highlighting the winners and event.

    Explore more on our site:

    Mahalo to all participants, sponsors, and the ‘Alohilani Resort for making this unforgettable. Stay tuned for 2026 submissions!

  • 2025 HOʻOHULI AWARDS

    2025 HOʻOHULI AWARDS

    In the Hawaiian language, hoohuli refers to the idea of change. This is, at heart, what excellent interior design achieves – the transformation of interior environments, and in turn, the transformation of the users who experience and are inspired by them. Interior design goes beyond the physical and often affects the unseen – functionality, health and well-being. Native to Hawaii and characterized by its vibrant colors, the King Kamehameha butterfly and its movement are symbolic of this conversion by way of design.

    The Hoohuli Awards celebrate this transformation by honoring outstanding  and original commercial interior design in Hawaii. Local designers are provided an opportunity to highlight their projects to a larger audience.  Winning a Hoohuli Award is a mark of exceptional commercial design, vetted by seasoned and trusted leaders in the national interior design community. In this inception year, the awards’ mission is to promote the value of Hawaii designers and perpetuate the interior design profession for years to come.

    CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S WINNERS!

    THE GRAND HOʻOHULI AWARD
    exemplifies the best overall design of all entries

    Yohei Sushi by Wander X Wonder
    THE IMPACT AWARD
    chosen for a project’s positive impact on the community
    CPB Kahului by Next Design
    THE DINE AWARD
    facilities that provide a food and/or beverage
    service or venue for the public

    Yohei Sushi by Wander X Wonder
    THE PLAY AWARD
    facilities that provide a service, entertainment or hospitality venue for the purpose of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation

    Marriott Vacation Club King Kalakaua Plaza Waikiki by G70
    THE WORK AWARD
    a corporate office space for the operation of public or private business
    CPB Kahului by Next Design
    THE HEAL AWARD
    facilities dedicated to health and wellness

    Fertility Institute of Hawaii by Next Design
    THE SHOP AWARD
    customer spaces for selling products and goods
    Uncle Paul’s Corner Store by Next Design
    THE LEARN AWARD
    facilities with a focus on study, learning or research

    PACE at RISE Center by AHL
    THE MAKER AWARD
    the design & fabrication of a locally-made custom interiors element

    University of Hawaii at Manoa by Design Loops
    THE LIVE AWARD
    housing where multiple, separate residential units are contained within one building or complex with shared common spaces

    Capitol Place Amenity Spaces by Inform Design
    THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
    chosen by the general public

    HFS Federal Credit Union by District Architects
    THE LEGACY AWARD
    honors a person, company or organization whose contributions have advanced the interior design profession in Hawaii, exemplifies advocacy, mentorship, design innovation, and sustainable leadership

    Mary Philpotts McGrath
    Founding Designer, Philpotts Interiors
    THE INDUSTRY IMPACT AWARD
    recognizes an active IIDA Professional, Associate, or industry member within the IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter who exemplifies outstanding volunteer service through commitment, passion, professionalism, advocacy, mentorship, and leadership

    Holly Boling Ruiz, ASID, IIDA
    Partner, Philpotts Interiors
    THE EMERGING PROFESSIONAL AWARD
    honors a junior design leader who has advanced the interior design profession through hard work and a passion for design

    Allyson Gonzaga
    Junior Designer, The Vanguard Theory
    THE MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD
    recognizes an active IIDA Professional, Associate, or industry member within the IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter who exemplifies outstanding volunteer service through commitment, passion, professionalism, advocacy, mentorship, and leadership

    Monique Palisbo, Assoc. IIDA, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate, Interior Designer at Next Design, LLC

    MEET THE JURY PANEL

    Dr. Liza Lockard, M.ARCH, PHD, NCIDQ, ASID, IIDA, IDEC, LEED, SEED
    Co-Founder and Executive Director, Pacific Academy of Building Design
    Katy Mercer, IIDA
    Principal and Interior Design Lead, West Coast Sutdios
    Matt Thompson, ASSOCIATE IIDA, CDF
    Strategic Relationship Executive, MillerKnoll

    MAHALO TO OUR EMCEES

    Chapter President, Monique Palisbo and President-Elect, Nicolle Soriano-Perez
  • Celebrating Our 2025 Hoʻohuli Special Awards Winners!

    Celebrating Our 2025 Hoʻohuli Special Awards Winners!

    At the 2025 Hoʻohuli Awards, the IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter honored four exceptional individuals whose passion, innovation, and leadership continue to elevate the interior design profession in Hawaiʻi. Join us in recognizing their outstanding contributions through the Legacy Award, Industry Impact Award, Emerging Professional Award, and Member of the Year Award.


    LEGACY AWARD

    Mary Philpotts
    Founding Designer, Philpotts Interiors

    The Legacy Award honors a person, company, or organization whose contributions have advanced the interior design profession in Hawaii, exemplifying advocacy, mentorship, design innovation, and sustainable leadership.

    Mary Philpotts McGrath built a legacy that forever shaped design in Hawaiʻi. As founder of Philpotts Interiors in the 1960s, she championed a design approach rooted in culture, craftsmanship, and a deep sense of place—drawing upon the island’s rich heritage, landscape, and spirit to create timeless, island-authentic spaces. Her iconic projects, including Kona Village Resort, Aulani, Washington Place, and countless homes, set the standard for multifunctional designs that blend indoor-outdoor living with Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty.

    Mary’s greatest impact endures through the generations she mentored with generosity, curiosity, and heart. Her leadership, community service, and ability to inspire others continue to influence Hawaiʻi’s creative landscape, as noted by colleagues who praised her wisdom, aloha spirit, and collaborative genius.


    INDUSTRY IMPACT AWARD

    Holly Boling Ruiz, ASID, IIDA
    Partner, Philpotts Interiors

    The Industry Impact Award recognizes an active IIDA Professional, Associate, or industry member within the IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter who exemplifies outstanding volunteer service through commitment, passion, professionalism, advocacy, mentorship, and leadership.

    Holly Boling Ruiz brings energy, authenticity, and heart to every space and initiative. As a partner at Philpotts Interiors—now co-led with Marion Philpotts-Miller and Lowell Tom—she has dedicated over 20 years to mentoring young designers, supporting students, and fostering community ties within IIDA Hawaiʻi Pacific. Her consistent leadership, compassion, and encouragement empower emerging professionals, clients, and creatives alike, making the industry stronger, more connected, and infused with joy.


    EMERGING PROFESSIONAL AWARD

    Allyson Gonzaga
    Junior Designer, The Vanguard Theory

    The Emerging Professional Award honors a junior design leader who has advanced the interior design profession through hard work and a passion for design.

    In just a few years, Allyson Gonzaga has emerged as a standout at The Vanguard Theory. Her technical skill and creative thinking have driven major hospitality projects, such as the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani renovation and its upcoming lobby redesign. Allyson’s fresh curiosity shines in custom millwork, client presentations, and collaborations with local artists—like the Royal Lahaina Resort mural—pushing her team toward innovative solutions. Her humility and leadership embody the future of Hawaiʻi design: thoughtful, bold, and brimming with potential.


    MEMBER OF THE YEAR

    Monique Palisbo, Assoc. IIDA, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate
    Field Engineer, Honolulu Builders, LLC

    The Member of the Year Award recognizes an active IIDA Professional, Associate, or industry member within the IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter who exemplifies outstanding volunteer service through commitment, passion, professionalism, advocacy, mentorship, and leadership.

    For the second consecutive year, Monique Palisbo earns Member of the Year—a true reflection of her heart, consistency, and aloha-driven leadership. As former Chapter President and tireless volunteer, she connects people, champions others, and builds lasting momentum for IIDA Hawaiʻi Pacific. Monique’s purpose, humility, and positivity create welcoming spaces for members at every career stage, elevating our chapter in profound ways.


    Join us in congratulating these remarkable honorees. Their stories inspire us all to lead with purpose, innovate with place, and uplift our community. Mahalo for shaping the future of design in Hawaiʻi!

  • Game On! 2025 Membership Drive & Appreciation – Game Night 

    Game On! 2025 Membership Drive & Appreciation – Game Night 

    Our IIDA Hawai‘i Pacific Chapter members and friends gathered for a night of fun, laughter, and connection at this year’s Membership Drive & Appreciation – Game Night, held on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Bside in Ward Centre.

    The evening brought together design professionals, students, and industry partners for friendly competition across multiple game stations, pupus, drinks, and plenty of prizes. More than just a social gathering, the event celebrated the strong sense of community that continues to grow within Hawai‘i’s design industry.

    This year’s event also marked an exciting transition as we introduced and swore in the 2025–2026 IIDA Hawai‘i Pacific Chapter Board of Directors. Their leadership and passion will continue to drive our chapter forward in the year ahead.

    A special congratulations goes out to our prize winners:

    • Kera Yong (Systemcenter) – Winner of a free IIDA membership for the year, selected from our all-attendee name draw.
    • Jenny Manansala (Stantec) – Winner of a free trip to an industry event, chosen from a special name draw for IIDA members only.

    Mahalo to everyone who joined us, and to our sponsors and vendors who helped make the night such a success. Events like this remind us that IIDA is more than an organization — it’s an ‘ohana built on creativity, collaboration, and connection.

    Event Photos
    Here’s a peek at a few moments from the evening:

    Photo0387
  • POV Session 3: Conversations Around Cost, Construction & Collaboration

    POV Session 3: Conversations Around Cost, Construction & Collaboration

    POV Session 3 closed out the series with an evening of insight and industry connection. Held at Cosentino City Center, our final roundtable brought together professionals from estimating, project supervision, and facilities planning for a candid discussion on the realities behind cost, coordination, and construction.

    Hosted at the Cosentino City Center showroom, the event highlighted the behind-the-scenes voices that shape the project lifecycle—from estimating and budgeting to field coordination and facilities planning.

    Our attendees rotated through small-group discussions in the beautiful Cosentino showroom while enjoying light refreshments and drinks. The open format sparked thoughtful questions, shared experiences, and deeper appreciation for the roles that keep our industry moving forward.

    We were honored to feature three professionals whose work impacts every phase of the design and construction process.

    Their insights helped demystify common assumptions around costs, timelines, and coordination—and reminded us how essential early collaboration is to project success.

    As with each session in the POV series, Session 3 centered on real talk and connection—breaking down silos between disciplines and building understanding across roles.

    We’re grateful to everyone who joined us to close out the roundtable series!

  • POV Session 2: Building Better Communication Across Design & Development

    POV Session 2: Building Better Communication Across Design & Development


    POV Session 2 continued the momentum of the series with real-world insight and engaging dialogue.
     Held on May 15 at Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, the evening brought together design and development professionals to explore what it really takes to move a project forward—from early planning to execution and everything in between.

    Set inside Ferguson’s expansive showroom, attendees enjoyed thoughtful small-group discussions with each speaker, paired with pupus and drinks. The casual format created space for honest questions, shared frustrations, and collaborative thinking around how we can work better together across disciplines.

    Session 2 featured three professionals representing branding, project management, and architectural history:

    Each speaker offered their unique point of view on communication gaps, process hurdles, and the impact of clear coordination in the field. The roundtable format encouraged attendees to share their own experiences and build stronger connections across the industry.

    We’re grateful to everyone who joined us for Session 2 and helped keep the conversations thoughtful, relevant, and forward-looking.

  • POV Session 1: Kicking Off the Series with Perspectives on Design, Light & Storytelling

    POV Session 1: Kicking Off the Series with Perspectives on Design, Light & Storytelling

    POV Session 1 kicked off the series with energy, insight, and cross-industry connection. Held on April 17 at Systemcenter, the first roundtable in the 2025 POV (Point of View) series brought together creative professionals from across the design field for an evening of honest conversation and shared perspective.

    This year’s POV series is designed to spotlight a range of perspectives within the design field—from branding and lighting to hospitality, graphics, and more. Session 1 set the tone for the series with a powerful mix of voices:

    The session encouraged thoughtful discussion among attendees and panelists alike, emphasizing that design is not a single voice—but a layered, ongoing dialogue.

    Photo Credit

    All photos from the event were generously provided by Systemcenter, our wonderful host for the evening. Mahalo for supporting this series and helping us capture the energy of the night!

  • Connections for Success – Mentorship in Action

    Connections for Success – Mentorship in Action

    On April 3, IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter, in partnership with ASID Hawaii and ID Pro, hosted Connections for Success—the second event in our Student Professional Development Series.

    Held at Cosentino City Center, the evening brought students and industry professionals together for portfolio reviews, resume tips, and professional headshots in a relaxed, supportive setting. Conversations flowed over light pupus, creating space for honest dialogue and meaningful mentorship.

    Mahalo to our participating professionals for sharing their time and expertise—we couldn’t have done it without you.

  • A Decade of Design: IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter’s 10th Anniversary Celebration

    A Decade of Design: IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter’s 10th Anniversary Celebration

    On March 13, 2025, we came together to celebrate a decade of IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter! From reconnecting with friends to honoring our chapter’s journey, the night was filled with laughter, gratitude, and unforgettable moments.

    Speeches that honored our past and future
    🎉 Recognitions for our founders and leaders
    📚 A little friendly competition with trivia
    🎁 Exciting raffle prizes
    📸 And, of course, so many memories captured!

    Relive the celebration by browsing our full gallery below!

    Photo0884-ARW

    A huge mahalo to our sponsors, members, and everyone who joined us. Here’s to the next 10 years of design, innovation, and community!

  • Skills for Success – A Strong Start for Student Designers

    Skills for Success – A Strong Start for Student Designers

    This February, IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter, in collaboration with ASID Hawaii and ID Pro, hosted Skills for Success—a professional development workshop designed to help student designers prepare for life after graduation.

    Held at Chaminade University, the event brought together students and industry professionals for an afternoon of interactive learning. From elevator pitch coaching and mock interviews to resume reviews and soft skills guidance, students gained practical tools and insight to support their transition into the design field.

    The atmosphere was energetic and collaborative, with students encouraged to ask questions and participate in real-time feedback sessions. Complimentary refreshments helped keep the conversations flowing between activities, creating space for connection and mentorship.

    Skills for Success set the tone for the Student Professional Development Series, empowering students to take the next steps with confidence and clarity.