Executive Leadership Program
2025 Executive Leadership Program
Applications Accepted Through August 1, 2025
Presented by
Funded in part by
Objective
AIA Honolulu’s Executive Leadership Program is a professional development opportunity designed to support the growth and success of Hawaii’s architects and firms. This program focuses on equipping emerging leaders and future firm executives with the skills necessary to transition from project management to firm management.
Participants will engage in a comprehensive curriculum designed to enhance essential leadership skills and strategic insights, preparing them to assume management roles.
By investing in the Executive Leadership Program, firms can empower employees with a valuable opportunity for professional development and reinforce their succession planning efforts.
We encourage firms to nominate their promising talent for this program and contribute to the continuous growth and stability of their organizations.
Register your employee candidates by August 1 for AIA Honolulu's Executive Leadership Program.
Schedule
- 9 monthly sessions beginning May 2025 - January 2026
- Fridays, 9am to 4pm
TUITION: $2,500 per participant
| Session 1 - May 16 | Orientation and Firm Leader Panel |
| Session 2 - June 13 | Understanding Yourself and Others |
| Session 3 - July 11 | Building and Leading High-Performing Teams |
| Session 4 - August 1 | Employment Law, Employee Engagement, Culture, and Performance |
| Session 5 - September 12 | Marketing/Branding & Business Development |
| Session 6 - October 10 | Effective Communication & Presentation Training |
| Session 7 - November 14 | Contracts & Risk Management |
| Session 8 - December 12 | Financial Management & the Economy |
| Session 9 - January 9 | Putting it All Together / Running the Business |
Format
- A series of workshops and sessions led by top experts in their respective fields.
- Each session consists of an all-day workshop including breaks, lunch, and refreshment.
- In between sessions there may be additional reading, small group assignments, or other homework to enhance the learning experience.
Application Process
Open to AIA Honolulu members.
- Complete the below online application form.
- The selection committee may reach out to conduct a short conference call with the candidates. All candidates will be notified of their application status by mid-August 2025.
- Selected candidates need to have the full support from their firm leadership and should make a commitment to attend all nine sessions.
The tuition fee for the program is $2,500 per person. All course materials, books, lunches and refreshments are included in the tuition.
Facilitators
The program is run by Mark Tawara, Hon. Affiliate AIA, and Chris Hong, AIA.
Mark has a proven track record of successful leadership programs with contractors and engineers. Chris has a long history of mentorship and leadership as a recipient of the AIA Young Architects Award in 2015, AIA Honolulu Board President in 2017, and current Board Director for the AIA Small Firm Exchange.
Chris Hong
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Mark Tawara
Hon. Affiliate AIA