Lance Hirai, 2026 president of AIA Honolulu, the Honolulu chapter of the American Institute of Architects, says architecture is "ultimately about people," and next month people will be able to learn more about architecture in Hawai‘i.
October is AIA Honolulu's annual Architecture Month and the organization, the Honolulu chapter of the American Institute of Architects, has events planned on O‘ahu and Hawai‘i Island throughout the month.
"Architecture Month is AIA Honolulu's annual public outreach program celebrating the impact of architecture and design on our communities," Hirai told Aloha State Daily in an emailed response to questions. "It began in 2007, coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the American Institute of Architects and was created to promote greater awareness and appreciation of Hawaiʻi's built environment."
Hirai says the program was originally held in April but was later moved to October to align with World Architecture Day.
"Today, Architecture Month features a variety of public events that encourage people to explore how architecture shapes the places where we live, work and gather."
Hirai says that community engagement is central to AIA Honolulu's mission because architecture is "ultimately about people."
"The spaces we design influence how communities live, work, learn and connect, so it's important for architects to listen to and engage with the public," he says. "Architecture Month creates opportunities for dialogue, increases understanding of the profession, and helps people appreciate the role design plays in addressing issues such as housing, sustainability, resilience and historic preservation.
"At its core, the program is about building connections and reinforcing the idea that great communities are created through thoughtful design and collaboration."
Interested? There's plenty to check out next month:
AIA Honolulu Firm Crawl, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2.
Visit various design firm throughout Downtown Honolulu's Central Business District and adjacent areas during this open house, including Bowers + Kubota, WCIT Architecture, AHL, VCBO Architecture, WATG, MASON, G70, HDR and Lowney Architecture - Hawaii, the event website notes.
Many locations will include pūpū and drinks, and AIA Honolulu says you'll learn more about architectural design, interior design, planning, landscape design and meet the people shaping Hawai‘i’s built environment.
It's free to attend, but those who plan to do so should RSVP online.
Pastel Workshop with Hitoshi Hida, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Center for Architecture, 828 Fort Street Mall, Suite 100 in Honolulu.
Spend the morning with retired architect and artist Hitoshi Hida for a hands-on sketching workshop.
Cost is $20 for AIA members and $50 for non-members. Lunch not included.
Sketching Workshop with Steve Yuen, 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Center for Architecture, 828 Fort Street Mall, Suite 100 in Honolulu.
Spend the morning with architect, urban designer and artist Steve Yuen for a hands-on sketching workshop. Coffee and pastries are included. Please bring your own sketching supplies.
Cost is $40 AIA members, $60 non-members and $20 for students.
Architectural Walking Tour, 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24.
Explore the architectural history and evolving urban landscape of Downtown Honolulu during the annual Architectural Walking Tour. AIA Honolulu says this year's expanded tour offers participants "a deeper look at the buildings, public spaces and design influences that have shaped the city over time." Guides will share stories behind notable landmarks, architectural styles and the people who helped define Honolulu's built environment. Staggered tours will start every 10 minutes.
Cost is $20.
Film Night: Bawa’s Garden, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the Doris Duke Theatre in Honolulu, and Oct. 29 at Donkey Mill Art Center in Kona on Hawai‘i Island.
Catch a free screening of “Bawa’s Garden,” a road movie in search of the work of renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. AIA Honolulu says the film follows a protagonist as she traverses the island in pursuit of the ‘lost’ garden of Lunuganga. The journey sparks encounters with "vivid characters and rarely seen buildings that reveal the story of Bawa’s life and legacy." French with English subtitles and English.
Hawai‘i Island Young Architects Workshop, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Donkey Mill Art Center in Hōlualoa on Hawai‘i Island.
This one-day event offers students ages 13 to 16 the chance to dive into the world of architectural design under the mentorship of local professional architects; students will work side-by-side with local architects and investigate design related concepts, AIA Honolulu says. Participants will tackle a design challenge that pushes them to think critically about key architectural elements, including light, sun protection, airflow and environmental connections or protections.
Cost is $65 / $80. Register here.
For more information or to register for events, visit the AIA Honolulu website at aiahonolulu.org.
"Architecture influences our daily lives, from our homes and schools to our workplaces and public spaces," Hirai says. "Architecture Month helps connect the public with the architects, designers and ideas that shape Hawaiʻi's communities.
"Our goal is to make architecture accessible and engaging through free and low-cost events such as walking tours, firm open houses, workshops, film screenings, and student programs," he continued. "These experiences help people better understand how thoughtful design contributes to vibrant, resilient, and sustainable communities. Ultimately, Architecture Month highlights the value of good design and encourages conversations about the future of Hawaiʻi's built environment."
Stephanie Salmons can be reached at stephanie@alohastatedaily.com.
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