Category: Awards

  • 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
  • 2023 HOʻOHULI AWARDS

    2023 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 HOʻOHULI AWARD
    exemplifies the best overall design of all entries

    Wayfinder Waikiki by The Vanguard Theory
    THE AGAINST ALL ODDS AWARD
    exemplifies award-winning design despite a limited budget, schedule or other extraordinary challenges or constraints

    Pacific 19 by The Vanguard Theory
    THE IMPACT AWARD
    chosen for a project’s positive impact on the community
    Girl Scouts of Hawai’i STEM Center for Excellence
    by G70
    THE LIVE AWARD
    housing where multiple, separate residential units are contained within one building or complex with shared common spaces

    Straub Medical Center – Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Clinic by Stantec
    THE MAKER AWARD
    the design & fabrication of a locally-made custom interiors element
    Muliwai by WCIT Architecture
    THE PLAY AWARD
    facilities that provide a service, entertainment or hospitality venue for the purpose of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation

    Wayfinder Waikiki by The Vanguard Theory
    THE SHOP AWARD
    customer spaces for selling products and goods

    Local Motion Outrigger Reef Waikiki by Wander x Wonder
    THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
    chosen by the general public

    Straub Medical Center – Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Clinic by Stantec
    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

    Sheryl B. Seaman, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, Vice Chairman at G70
    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

    HONORABLE MENTIONS

    THE DINE CATEGORY
    facilities that provide a food and/or beverage service or venue for the public
    Senia by WRNS Studio

    THE LIVE CATEGORY
    housing where multiple, separate residential units are contained within one building or complex with shared common spaces
    Ritz-Carlton Penthouse Residences, Waikiki Beach by Guerin Glass Architects

    THE PLAY CATEGORY
    facilities that provide a service, entertainment or hospitality venue for the purpose of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation

    Hotel Wailea Suites by Philpotts Interiors

    MEET THE JURY PANEL

    PETER HARRISON,
    ASSOCIATE IIDA
    designer & sustainability strategist for gensler
    VERDA ALEXANDER,
    ASSOCIATE IIDA
    co-founder of studio o&a
    NITA POSADA,
    IIDA, LEED AP BD+C
    principal & director of interiors for skylab architechture

    MEET THE MODERATOR & EMCEE

    CHERYL S. DURST,
    HON. FIIDA, LEED AP
    vice president & ceo at international interior design association
    UNYONG NAKATA
    founder & principal at nakata advisory, llc
  • 2021 HOʻOHULI AWARDS

    2021 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 HOʻOHULI AWARD
    exemplifies the best overall design of all entries

    The Birdcage Bar at Hotel Wailea by Philpotts Interiors
    THE AGAINST ALL ODDS AWARD
    exemplifies award-winning design despite a limited budget, schedule or other extraordinary challenges or constraints

    Aloha Beer Downtown by Inform Design
    THE IMPACT AWARD
    chosen for a project’s positive impact on the community
    University of Hawaii West Oahu Academy for Creative Media by Next Design LLC
    THE LIVE AWARD
    housing where multiple, separate residential units are contained within one building or complex with shared common spaces

    Nohona Hale by WCIT Architecture
    THE MAKER AWARD
    the design & fabrication of a locally-made custom interiors element
    Eleven Loulu by The Vanguard Theory
    THE PLAY AWARD
    facilities that provide a service, entertainment or hospitality venue for the purpose of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation

    Ala Moana Hotel by InForm Design
    THE WORK AWARD
    a corporate office space for the operation of public or private business
    LeaLea Lounge Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center by Wander Wonder
    THE SHOP AWARD
    customer spaces for selling products and goods

    Hana Koa Brewing by InForm Design
    THE LEARN AWARD
    facilities with a focus on study, learning or research

    ʻIolani School K1 Community by G70
    THE DINE AWARD
    facilities that provide a food and/or beverage
    service or venue for the public

    The Birdcage Bar at Hotel Wailea by Philpotts Interiors
    THE IKE POʻOKELA AWARD
    specific to the 2021 Hoʻohuli Awards and is given to one project in any category chosen by the Jury for outstanding recognition, and this year is the first time it has been awarded

    Eleven by The Vanguard Theory
    THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
    chosen by the general public

    Aloha Beer Downtown by InForm Design

    THE EMERGING PROFESSIONAL AWARD
    honors a junior design leader who has advanced the interior design profession through hard work and a passion for design

    Nicolle Soriano, Interior Designer at WCIT Architecture

    MEET THE JURY PANEL & MODERATOR

    MIKE JOHNSON II,
    IIDA, AIA, LEED AP
    Perkins&Will Washington, DC
    ANGIE LEE,
    FIIDA, AIA
    FXCollaborative
    MAVIS WIGGINS,
    FIIDA
    TPG Architecture
    CHERYL S. DURST,
    HON. FIIDA, LEED AP
    International Interior Design Association

    Moderator

  • 2019 HOʻOHULI AWARDS

    2019 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 HOʻOHULI AWARD
    exemplifies the best overall design of all entries

    Renew Conscious Hospitality by The Vanguard Theory
    THE AGAINST ALL ODDS AWARD
    exemplifies award-winning design despite a limited budget, schedule or other extraordinary challenges or constraints

    Kapiʻolani Medical Center for Women & Children
    Outdoor Playroom Renovation by Lionakis
    THE IMPACT AWARD
    chosen for a project’s positive impact on the community
    Keauhou Lane by MCYIA Interior Architecture and Design
    THE LIVE AWARD
    housing where multiple, separate residential units are contained within one building or complex with shared common spaces

    Park Lane Ala Moana by Philpotts Interiors
    THE MAKER AWARD
    the design & fabrication of a locally-made custom interiors element
    A-Frames by Strawn + Sierralta
    THE PLAY AWARD
    facilities that provide a service, entertainment or hospitality venue for the purpose of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation

    Waikiki Club Lounge by Wander X Wonder
    THE WORK AWARD
    a corporate office space for the operation of public or private business
    King’s Hawaiian Corporate Offices by Philpotts Interiors
    THE SERVE AWARD
    a government, public or religious institution that serves the public

    Ho‘okupu Center by G70
    THE HEAL AWARD
    facilities dedicated to health and wellness
    Straub Medical Center – Kapolei Clinic & Urgent Care by AHL
    THE LEARN AWARD
    facilities with a focus on study, learning or research

    Kamehameha Schools Kekuʻiapoiwa
    Learning Center Renovation by AHL
    THE DINE AWARD
    facilities that provide a food and/or beverage
    service or venue for the public

    Maui Brewing Company Kihei by WCIT Architecture
    THE MOʻOLELO AWARD
    a project that tells a strong and meaningful story through design

    Hale Mahana Apartments by WCIT Architecture
    THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
    chosen by the general public

    ANA Lounge at HNL by KYA Inc.
    THE EMERGING PROFESSIONAL AWARD
    honors a junior design leader who has advanced the interior design profession through hard work and a passion for design

    Lakiesha Stanley, Interior Designer at G70
    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

    Karen Muraoka, Owner of Karen Muraoka Interior Design LLC
    THE STUDENT SCHOLASTIC AWARD
    recognizes a design student who exhibits a strong work
    ethic, team leadership, and is an advocate for IIDA

    Jacqueline Harbin, Chaminade University of Honolulu

    MEET THE JURY PANEL & MODERATOR

    KELLY K. BAUER,
    NCIDQ, FIIDA
    White Baux Studio, LLC
    DINA A. GRIFFIN,
    FAIA, NOMA, IIDA
    Interactive Design Architects (IDEA)
    NITA POSADA,
    IIDA, LEED AP BD+C
    Skylab ARchitecture
    CHERYL S. DURST,
    HON. FIIDA, LEED AP
    International Interior Design Association

    Moderator