AIA Hawaiʻi (1926–2026)
100 Years of Architecture, 
Community, and Legacy
We are excited to kickoff our AIA Hawai'i Centennial Celebration! 
Our monthly Centennial Club emails will be sent the first Friday of each month to highlight upcoming special events, and showcase new and longtime members.
  AIA Hawai'i Begins
In 1926, Honolulu listed 11 architectural offices and 29 registered architects. With no organization dedicated solely to advancing the profession, Hawai‘i’s architects set out to change that. 

On Oct 13, 1926, the AIA granted the charter officially establishing the Hawai‘i Chapter.
The Founding Six
Six pioneering architects led the charge to form a local AIA:
  • Hart Wood, FAIA
  • Charles W. Dickey, AIA
  • Walter L. Emory, AIA
  • Marshal H. Webb, AIA
  • Ralph Fishbourne, AIA
  • Edwin Pettit, AIA
Our Statewide Structure
In 1989, two local chapters were established under the AIA Hawai‘i umbrella. AIA Honolulu serves O‘ahu, Hawai‘i, and Kaua‘i, while AIA Maui supports the architecture community on Maui.
Today, Hawaii is home to nearly 1,000 AIA members 
across multiple islands and disciplines.
AIA Member Spotlight
We are incredibly lucky and proud to have each and every one of you as part of our AIA Hawai'i ʻOhana!
Three Generations of Architects:
Ernest H. Hara, FAIA 
Member: 1946-2006

Ernest was a Honolulu-born architect who helped shape Hawaiʻi’s built environment. Educated at Punahou Academy, UH and USC, his professional career began under mentors Claude Stiehl and C.W. Dickey. 
He later founded Ernest H. Hara & Associates. He was the father of John and grandfather of Mayumi.
John Hara, FAIA
Member since 1971

Favorite book & why?

My favorite book is Bananaheart & Other Stories by Marie Hara.  

She is the best author I know.
Mayumi Hara Dao, AIA
Member since 2005

Favorite building & why: The Fisher Fine Arts Library in Philadelphia, by Frank Furness. I experienced memorable design studio sessions in the upstairs rotunda with classmates back in the 90’s. We had many sessions observing and drawing the Furness details, made models, drew 3-point perspectives with watercolor, pencils and parallel bars and stayed up all night in that building. 
Favorite book & why: Einstein’s Dreams by Alan Lightman.  The chapters blend the story of Einstein with time travel and contemplation. I try to re-read it every so often to reflect on the passage of time so I can process my experiences.
Newly Licensed Architects
Mark Agaran, AIA
Member since 2025

Favorite building & why:  Sagrada Familia, due to its unique beauty and because I was able to personally experience the building.

Work and how long you’ve been in Hawaiʻi? I work at AHL and I was born and raised here in Hawaii. 
Lance Blake, AIA
Member since 2025

Favorite building & why:  Taliesen West - because you can see how and why it was built.

Favorite movie & why: Jojo Rabbit - I love the sense of humor in handling a difficult and consequential topic.

Favorite book & why: Breakfast of Champions - Kurt Vonnegut - No reason, I just love it
Work and how long you’ve been in Hawaiʻi? DLR Group and I have been in Hawaii for 10 years.
Upcoming Events
  • Jan 23 - Kickoff Party at the Center for Architecture
  • Jan 29 - Advocacy Day at the Hawaii State Capitol
  • Feb 21 - Huakai Awards at the Pacific Club
  • Jul 24 – AIA Design Awards at the Hawaii Theater
  • Oct 1-31 Architecture Month
  • Oct 21 – PBX Hawaii at the Blaisdell Center
Quarterly Book Club (Starts March) 
A Year of Architecture‑Inspired Books. 

Our first book will be Nature Behind Barbed Wire by Connie Y. Chiang. Copies available at the CFA.

Read all four curated titles and join us for discussion gatherings hosted at inspiring venues across Hawaiʻi.
Centennial Club Sponsors
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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