Business Details
Your Trusted Honolulu Home Design Partner
Founded by John Black with decades of experience in architectural design, Lapis Design Partners specializes in creating spaces that harmonize modern aesthetics with the unique spirit of island living. Our approach prioritizes mindful design rooted in passive architectural principles and Hawaiian traditions, ensuring spaces evolve with clients' lifestyles while respecting environmental sustainability. With a focus on personalized collaboration, we guide clients through every phasefrom initial consultation to constructiondelivering tailored solutions for residential, retail, and specialty projects across Honolulu.Our team combines technical expertise with artistic vision, as evidenced by our award-winning work recognized by Best of Houzz. We emphasize transparency, client education, and seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living, ensuring every project reflects both contemporary innovation and cultural authenticity.
Services
Whole-Home Renovations
Custom Contemporary Homes
Interior-Outdoor Integration
Color Consultation
Retail Design
Condominium Renovations
Specialty Projects
Highlights and features
- We offer personalized collaboration from concept to completion.
- Our designs integrate passive architectural principles with Hawaiian traditions.
- We provide 3D visualization tools for informed decision-making.
- Our team holds decades of local and national architectural expertise.
- We guarantee seamless permitting and regulatory navigation.
Associations and certifications
- Best of Houzz 2023
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Excellent listener
Creative designs
Timely communication
Authentic island experience
Services
Whole-Home Renovations
We transform existing homes through comprehensive renovations that enhance functionality and aesthetics. Our approach combines modern design with passive architectural principles to optimize natural light and airflow. Clients benefit from 3D visualization tools and expert guidance through permitting processes, ensuring seamless upgrades that align with evolving lifestyles and island living.
Custom Contemporary Homes
We design and build bespoke homes that blend modern tropical aesthetics with sustainable practices. Our process begins with in-depth lifestyle consultations to create spaces that maximize ocean views and indoor-outdoor flow. Using locally sourced materials and energy-efficient systems, we deliver residences that reflect both contemporary innovation and cultural heritage while meeting strict building codes.
Interior-Outdoor Integration
Our designs eliminate barriers between indoor and outdoor living through strategic use of glass walls, lanais, and natural materials. We optimize airflow and sunlight while creating functional spaces for social gatherings and family activities. This service includes custom water features, landscape integration, and lighting solutions that enhance the connection to Hawaii's natural environment.
Color Consultation
We create tailored paint palettes that enhance architectural features and complement personal style. Our expert consultants analyze natural light conditions and existing materials to select hues that create cohesive, vibrant spaces. This service includes color sampling, finish coordination, and guidance on maintaining visual harmony across both residential and commercial interiors.
Retail Design
We design retail environments that balance brand identity with customer experience. Our solutions incorporate local cultural elements while ensuring functional layouts for merchandise display and customer flow. From boutique storefronts to high-end retail spaces, we create visually striking environments that attract and engage shoppers in Hawaii's unique market context.
People
John August Black AIA
Founder & Lead Architect
With over 30 years of experience, John founded Lapis Design Partners after studying architecture at NJIT and the University of Arizona. He previously worked on Buckminster Fuller's geodesic domes and led Boston firms before establishing his Hawaii-based practice focused on client-centric design.
Susan Anne Ishikawa
Interior Design Director
Susan brings 35+ years of experience in interior design, having studied architectural history at Ohio University and the University of Hawaii. She founded Studio 115 in Massachusetts before merging with Lapis Architecture, specializing in color theory and creating harmonious spaces that reflect clients' lifestyles and cultural contexts.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in custom home design, whole-home renovations, interior-outdoor living integration, and color consultation tailored to Hawaii's climate and culture.
How do you incorporate Hawaiian traditions into modern design?
We use passive design principles, local materials, and spatial layouts that honor traditional Hawaiian architecture while meeting contemporary needs.
Do you handle permitting for Honolulu projects?
Yes, we manage all permitting processes through Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting to simplify the experience for clients.
Can you work with historic or culturally significant properties?
Yes, we have extensive experience preserving architectural heritage while integrating modern functionality in historic homes.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Honolulu and Oahu, with select projects across Hawaii and the Pacific region.
