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AIA Centennial Club News! |
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Welcome to the JUNE EDITION of our CENTENNIAL CLUB NEWS!
Your update on special events and member spotlights.
Celebrating 100 years of our shared legacy. |
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AIA Membership by the Numbers |
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Our membership spans every stage of the profession: new graduates, transfers, mid-career professionals, and 12 AIA Hawaii members who have been part of AIA for 60+ years. These stages tell a remarkable story of dedication, leadership, and longevity. Each year of membership reflects contributions to Hawai‘i’s built environment, mentorship of future generations, and service to our professional community. Thank you to every member for being part of the enduring legacy of AIA Hawai‘i. Your collective experience, passion, and commitment continue to shape the future of architecture in our islands. |
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Celebrating the Journey: AIA Membership Milestones |
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For this issue, we are proud to shine a spotlight on some of our “old school” members who have reached the extraordinary milestones of 50 and 55 years of membership. Their careers have helped shape our skyline, and the culture and continuity of AIA Hawaii. We are truly honored to celebrate these members.
Mahalo for building this legacy with us. |
Their accomplishments, and good looks, have stood the test of time, but their interests have changed since the below "New Member" introductions in 1976. |
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Question: Have your hobbies stayed the same?
Glenn: I still run 3x a week and attend UH volleyball games.
Herb: Now it’s more like walking, light workouts, traveling/cruising, daily Wordle/Monopoly Go, singing and RMA’s annual Heart Walk challenge. Still like to compete, especially against the younger staff.
Norman: I’ve given up tennis in favor of golf; don’t hike as much; still read a lot and take photos on our travels. One of my greatest legacies is that whereas for years our son Chris was known as “Norman’s son”, about 10 years ago I became known as “Chris’s dad”!
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Glenn Mason, FAIA | Member since 1976 - 50 Years! |
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As a past Editor of Hawaii Architect Magazine, what was the most rewarding/enjoyable part of your experience. Two things: It often gave me license to ask more experienced architects about things I would never have had the opportunity to ask. And second, the people on our editorial board were wonderful.
What was the least favorite aspect?
Having to come up with interesting topics every month. |
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Favorite building & why? Alexander & Baldwin Building. Everything about it is wonderful and the fact that the design should be attributed to Hart Wood, who I have spent a lot of time studying, is even better. There are many good buildings in Hawaii but this one can never be duplicated. |
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Herb Leong, AIA | Member since 1976 - 50 Years! |
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Most meaningful or rewarding part of your 50-year journey with AIA? Architecture has evolved quite a bit since I started in 1973, from hand-drafting to AutoCad/Revit, dumb buildings to smart buildings.
Communication has also changed with the mix of Gen Xs, Millennials, and Gen Zs. AIA has remained steadfast, always in support of the profession, its members, and the community. |
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Favorite movie & why? No way to isolate 1 favorite movie since there have been so many good movies over my lifetime. Any movie with a good plot where the underdog or good person wins, has my vote. |
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Norman Hong, FAIA | Member since 1976 - 50 Years! |
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Most meaningful or rewarding part of your 50-year journey with AIA? |
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The most meaningful part of my 50 year journey with AIA were the friendships and collegiality with fellow architects for all of these years as the practice of architecture evolved.
Being on numerous Boards and Committees of the AIA over the years, I had the privilege of serving with some incredible architects who were dedicated to the profession and the community. These included folks such as Frank Haines, Chris Smith, Evan Cruthers, Carol Sakata, John Hara, Glenn Mason, and many others. |
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One memorable moment, relationship, or lesson from your time in AIA that has stayed with you? One of the most memorable moments was when I served as President of the Hawaii Society AIA hosting the Northwest Pacific Regional Convention in Kona in 1988. We had a wonderful time with the attendees from the region, as well as with Ben Brewer FAIA from Texas who was serving as AIA President. |
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Favorite building & why? My favorite building is the little cottage that we built on our Upcountry Maui farm 30 years ago in 1995.
It’s a simple cottage where we get away from the hectic world for the weekends tending to our gardens and olive trees. |
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Walter Leu, AIA Member Emeritus | Member since 1971 - 55 Years! |
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We’d also like to take a moment to say MAHALO to Walter Leu, AIA ME, CDT, CSI-ME, NZIA for his incredible 55 years of membership with AIA Hawaii.
Walter celebrated his 90th birthday this past March and sends his warm aloha to our members and staff.
He most recently worked with the Wilson Okamoto Corporation. |
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This month’s Centennial Flash welcomes two of our new AIA Hawaii members. As our organization looks to the future, we listen, adapt, and grow stronger together. |
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Welcoming New AIA Hawaii Members |
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Miles Phillips, Assoc. AIA | Member since: Jan 24, 2026 |
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What’s one issue in the profession or our local community that you’re excited to engage with through AIA?
I’m passionate about advancing environmentally and socially responsible design in Honolulu, where development, culture, and nature intersect. Through AIA, I hope to help more people see how architecture shapes resilient, vibrant communities. |
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Outside of architecture, what’s something you’re passionate about that influences your work? A native Californian, I came to Hawaiʻi for my ‘third act’ to reconnect with the Pacific after 35 years in the performing arts, based in New York and working around the country. My background as a director, designer, and actor shapes my work—especially through visual storytelling, collaboration, and bringing people together. |
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Lijin Zhaso, Assoc. AIA | Member since: July 17, 2025 |
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What’s one issue in the profession or our local community that you’re excited to engage with through AIA? |
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I am excited to explore how architects can engage more in urban discussions and collaborative efforts through AIA.
Rather than just meeting building codes, I am interested in how design can make our public spaces more inclusive and accessible for everyone. I look forward to exploring practical ways to involve local residents in the urban renewal process to create shared spaces that actually work for our community’s daily life. |
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Outside of architecture, what’s something you’re passionate about that influences your work? I’ve always loved traveling and photography. For me, it’s a way to observe and capture how light, materials, and space work together in the real world. I enjoy seeing how people actually interact with buildings in both successful designs and everyday spaces. These observations stay in my mind and serve as a practical reference when I’m at my desk, helping me think more deeply about how a design will be used. |
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Centennial Socks Competition |
Answer the Question Below to Enter the Drawing |
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How many times has an AIA Hawaii Member served on the AIA National board? Email us your answers.
A. 2
B. 4
C. 6 |
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Best of Luck to David Sellers, AIA, with his run
for President Elect next week in San Diego! |
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Last Month's Correct Answer:
Nine members were listed in the 1926-27 AIA Hawaii Directory.
Congrats Last Month's Winner: Come get your socks at the CFA! Email Jess to coordinate the pick-up. |
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Exclusive AIA Centennial merchandise is available!
Our socks, pins, and limited-edition polos are ready for pick-up now. |
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Vote for Hawaii's Favorite Building until June 30th |
We invite members and the public to vote for their favorite building. Share the voting link and our posts on social media to celebrate 100 years of remarkable architecture that shape our islands. |
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Q2 Book Club: Human Transit at UH West Oʻahu
Saturday June 27 | 10:00am-12:00pm | Center for Creative Media |
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Deeply familiar with transit planning or just curious about how infrastructure shapes our built environment? This conversation is relevant to all.
Good news: You don’t need to read the book to participate. |
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The discussion is led by Jon Nouchi, Director of Transit, who focuses on advancing Honolulu’s multimodal transit system, including Skyline, TheBus, Handi-Van, and Biki. |
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The AIA Hawai'i Centennial Club represents an extraordinary community of supporters who recognize the value of architecture in every part of life — from our urban places to our rural communities, from innovation in practice to mentorship of future professionals. Mahalo nui loa for your support. |
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