Let's Talk Story

The Value of Architecture in Hawaii

We have much to learn from each other.

“Let’s talk story” is a common phrase in Hawaii; it is a phrase that expresses endearment towards others and encourages open dialogue. Historically in Hawaiian culture, information was passed from generation to generation through the use of verbal storytelling. Today, there is a desire within Hawaii’s architectural community and emerging professionals alike to document the life-long efforts and stories of those who have contributed so much to our profession.

Format

Let's Talk Story is a biannual project led by the Emerging Professionals committee and the Fellows in our state. A video and podcast highlighting a conversation between an emerging architect and an experienced architect will be posted on this site.

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SERIES 1

Episode 01
“Punahou School: Case Middle School”
with John Hara, FAIA & Angeline Joven Mauga, Assoc. AIA

Listen to the Podcast:

John Hara, FAIA

John Hara’s practice is devoted to the planning and design of sites and buildings which continue to re-define the contemporary language of Hawaiian architectural traditions. Throughout his career, he has completed numerous complex public, academic, and cultural facility buildings for significant clients such as the Honolulu Museum of Art, Maui Arts & Cultural Center in Kahului, University of Hawai‘i, Punahou School, Mid‑Pacific Institute, and the Kamehameha Schools.

Angeline Joven Mauga, Assoc. AIA

Angeline Joven Mauga is an Architectural Designer at G70. Only recently beginning her career, Angeline is blessed to have taken part in various hospitality, education, commercial, and private projects at different design phases. She holds a WELL AP credential and believes in people-centered, place-conscious design. Angeline received her Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

Episode 02
"Waikiki: Moana Surfrider Hotel"
with Carol Sakata, FAIA & Jason Takeuchi, AIA

Listen to the Podcast:

Carol Sakata, FAIA

Dr. Carol S. Sakata, FAIA, LEED AP is president of CDS International, a Honolulu architectural firm providing architectural, sustainable design, interior design and planning services to a broad range of private, governmental, and institutional clients in Hawai‘i, the Pacific Basin, and the Far East since 1958. In addition to heading projects for the firm, Dr. Sakata is Director of Operations, Project Delivery and BIM Implementation. She is NCARB certified, LEED accredited and a licensed architect in Hawai‘i, California and Guam.

Jason Takeuchi, AIA

Jason Takeuchi, AIA, NCARB, NOMA is a Project Architect at Ferraro Choi & Associates. His primary work experience focuses on sustainable commercial projects designed to enhance the social welfare and progress of our local communities. Jason graduated with a Doctor of Architecture (DArch) from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2012. Jason serves as the 2024 Chair of the AIA Young Architects Forum.