Medal of Honor Voting

Glenn Mason is the founding Principal of MASON and former partner in the firm of Spencer Mason Architects, Inc.

Recognized for his leading role in the preservation of culturally important places, Glenn has had the honor of working on many of the most important historic sites in Hawaii and Guam, including ‘Iolani Palace, Lunalilo Tomb, the Former Advertiser Building, Hulihe‘e Palace, Kalahikiola Church, Kawaiaha‘o Church, and Bishop Museum’s Hawaiian & Pacific Halls.

He views preserving our environment and people’s relationship to it as integral to the practice of architecture, and consequently, sees little separation between the concepts that underlie sustainable design and preservation practice.  He strives to find creative ways to bring new uses to old buildings, designing for the 21st century while respecting the past.

Beyond his professional achievements, Glenn Mason is deeply committed to community service. He has contributed his time and expertise to numerous civic, cultural, and preservation-focused organizations such as Historic Hawai‘i Foundation, the Lahaina Restoration Foundation, O‘ahu Historic Preservation Commission, chair of the AIA Honolulu Walking Tour Committee, and the Hawai‘i Architectural Foundation. He was the 2014 recipient of the Frank Haines award given by the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation.

Glenn co-authored Hart Wood: Architectural Regionalism in Hawaii published by University of Hawaii Press. His contributions as editor, writer, and tireless advocate helped shape the voice and legacy of the Hawaii Architect magazine beloved by members until it ceased publication.  Glenn has authored/overseen all of the previous Medal of Honor book narratives.

His dedication to education and mentorship has also helped shape the next generation of architects through public outreach, volunteer work, and support of architectural education initiatives across the islands.

Francis S. Oda, a Hawai’i native from Palama, is a founding partner of Group 70 International, Inc.—now known as G70—and a visionary architect, planner and cultural advocate whose influence continues to shape the built environment and architectural discourse. Under his leadership, G70 grew into one of the state’s leading multidisciplinary firms, with more than 100 professionals working across architecture, civil engineering, planning and interior design. He established a lasting culture rooted in honor, collaboration and sustainability—values that continue to guide the firm today.

A defining force in Hawai‘i’s architectural identity, Oda was one of the prime authors of Kama‘āina architecture, linking early 20^th-century design with the natural beauty of the islands. In collaboration with the late George Kanahele, a colleague and friend, he coined the term “Kama‘āina Architecture,” a culturally grounded, modern design approach that impacted the direction of design in the state.

This approach is evident in a range of award-winning projects, including Nanea Clubhouse, Hanauma Bay Visitor Center, Ward Entertainment Center, Koele Lodge, Mānele Bay Hotel and Kapolei City Master Plan. In the early 1990s, he led G70's design of the Four Seasons Resort Lāna‘i at Mānele Bay—recognized as the first major expression of Kama´āina architecture—using materials and designs that referenced the traditional style of the Hawaiian Royal Family and the island’s pineapple farm history. Condé Nast Traveler named it to the 2020 Gold List of best hotels and resorts in the world.

Oda has made lasting contributions to architectural education and the industry. He co-founded the first and only Doctor of Architecture (D.Arch.) program accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, where he also earned his own doctorate in 2000. He has received more than 55 local, national and international awards, including the National American Institute of Architects (AIA)’s Honor Award—the highest honor for a constructed building in the United States—as well as AIA Honolulu Chapter's Humanitarian Award in 2000 and Mayor's Choice Award in 2007 and 2010. His work has been published in Architectural Digest, Architecture in Hawai‘i, Architectural Guide to the Bay Area and Religious Buildings, among others.

A graduate of Cornell University and the University of Hawai‘i, Oda is recognized as a Distinguished Alumnus and Mānoa Forum Scholar. He is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), a certified planner (AICP) and a LEED Accredited Professional. His leadership and service have also been recognized beyond the industry, with honors including Pacific Business News Leader of the Year and induction into the Hawai‘i Business Hall of Fame.

In addition to his professional achievements, Oda has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to service. He is Senior Pastor Emeritus of New Life Church in Honolulu, where he has long supported the most vulnerable in the community, and serves as global chair of Transform Our World, a Christian movement in Europe, Africa, Asia and North and South America. He continues to lend his time and expertise to the boards of several local and international organizations, reflecting his belief in the power of design, leadership and service to create lasting, meaningful change.