Category: 2025

  • 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:

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  • 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!

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    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.