
Our Practice

Our Story

Hoʻomau kā mākou moʻolelo...
In 2000 renowned design talent Kevin Chun joined forces with Eugene Watanabe to create Watanabe and Chun Architects and Design Consultants. Kevin and Eugene were soon joined by Rob Iopa and Stan Takaki to form Watanabe Chun Iopa Takaki, Inc. Under Rob’s leadership and direction, WCIT has grown from a startup group into one of the largest firms in the State with an impressive international clientele.

Since its founding in 2000, WCIT has become Hawai‘i’s leading design consultant specializing in hotel and resorts, multi-family master planned and high-rise residential, multi-use commercial, educational, healthcare and cultural-based design and development. WCIT's portfolio demonstrates our collective knowledge and strength in interior design and architecture, one refined through participation in many different industry sectors – the visitor industry, public and educational institutions, urban redevelopment and rural preservation, and in community plans.
Our ‘ohana (team) has an understanding of the needs of our community. We have a proven track record of delivering successful projects that create environments that embody our culture and lifestyle in Hawai‘i. With a long history in Kaka‘ako, we always think about the deep roots each community has making them authentic. Capitalizing on our firms’ strengths and expertise, WCIT presents a new framework to create distinguished structures and spaces that functions well, is environmentally and culturally appropriate, as well as adds significant values to the users and communities it serves.

WCIT By The Numbers
The concept of ʻohana involves creating loving relationships with more than just ones blood relatives. ʻOhana is instrumental to community empowerment. Our connections to our culture and our land begin with our connections within our own communities. It is within any ʻohana unit that one’s worldview is developed, cultivated and honed.

Nā Poʻo
Firm Leadership
E hana mua a paʻa ke kahua ma mua o ke aʻo aku iā haʻi.
Build yourself a firm foundation before teaching others. (Pukui, 1983, #276)
Associates
Ka naʻauao o nā kūpuna ka lama e hoʻomālamalama i ke ala no nā keiki.
The wisdom of the elders is the torch that enlightens the path of the children. (Kahahoomalu, 1998)

Our ʻOhana
‘Ike aku, ‘ike mai, kokua aku, kokua mai; pela ka nohona ‘ohana.
Watch, observe. Help others and accept help. That is the family way. (Pukui, 1983 #1200)
Administration
Emma Redor
Executive Assistant
Vickie Innis
Accounting Manager
Design Team
Akira Ishikawa, AIA
Architect
Alex Viernez
Senior Designer
Rocky Marquez
Senior Designer
Bev Tagami, NCIDQ, IIDA
Senior Interior Designer
Amber Bonifacio, AIA, IIDA
Interior Architect
Nicolle Soriano Perez, Assoc. IIDA
Interior Designer
Mike Poscablo
Senior Designer
Derek Moy
Senior Designer
Kirstie Maeshio-Takiguchi, DArch
Designer
Lauren Nagao
Project Manager
Montserrat Lanfranco, Allied ASID, Assoc. IIDA
Designer
Levi Albano, LEED GA
Designer
Ireland Castillo, Assoc. AIA
Designer
Lia Wei
Designer
Kayci Kumashiro
Designer
Angela Yoshioka
Designer
Dani Sur
Designer
Maleah Reynolds
Designer
