IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter would like to acknowledge and congratulate our CO-VP of Sponsorship, Karen Muraoka, for being one of the newest inductees to the IIDA College of Fellows in 2021. Induction into the College of Fellows is the highest and most prestigious honor IIDA bestows. Cheers to Karen and all inductees for their continued success, for your outstanding professional achievements and leadership in the interior design community. Thank you for your dedication, contributions and impact you have made for our community!
Karen Muraoka, FIIDA, principal and senior interior designer at Karen Muraoka Interior Design, LLC, was inducted into the IIDA College of Fellows in 2021—the highest honor the International Interior Design Association awards for exceptional contributions to the profession. As CO-VP of Sponsorship for the IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter, her leadership and achievements inspire our community.
A Distinguished Career in Healthcare Design
Karen launched her design career in 1982 at Architects Hawaii Ltd. in Honolulu, building expertise over decades before founding Karen Muraoka Interior Design, LLC, in 2011, with a specialization in healthcare environments. She collaborates closely with Hawaii Pacific Health on projects like primary care clinics integrated into community settings, such as the upscale Straub Hospital Primary Care in Ward Village—a 5,000-square-foot space featuring resilient flooring for cleanability, infection control, and longevity.
Her international experience includes work on a 400-bed acute care project at Kameda Medical Center in Japan, a family-centered facility on a 50-acre campus with supportive amenities like dining areas, staff housing, and 24/7 visitor access to enhance patient morale.
Now based in Hawaii, Karen remains active as a frequent juror at NeoCon and healthcare design conferences, sharing her insights with the industry.
Awards and Professional Recognition
Karen’s impact is evident in accolades like the 2019 Legacy Award from the IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter, which recognized her leadership and opened pathways for mentoring emerging designers[3][6]. She is also listed among the founders and historic figures of the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers (AAHID), underscoring her foundational role in the field.
The IIDA Hawaii Pacific Chapter congratulates Karen on her College of Fellows induction, celebrating her outstanding professional achievements, dedication, and lasting contributions to interior design and our community