Our
Practice

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 a growing international clientele.

Our Methodology >

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.

History of the WCIT Office Building | Moʻokūʻauhau o ke keʻena

1852 | Importing Ice and Refrigeration in Hawai‘i

Refrigeration first came to Hawai‘i in the middle of the nineteenth century. Received – 400 Tons Fresh Pond Boston Ice. First reported by the newspaper The Polynesian,“The first Boston ice brought to these islands, was received on the 14th inst. (September 14, 1850) by brig Fortunio, Hasty, via San Francisco.” (Polynesian, September 21, 1850). By 1871, businessmen started to make ice in the Islands. " A regular supply of ice at the reasonable price asked, will doubtless cause it to become an actual necessity.” (Hawaiian Gazette, October 4, 1871).

WCIT By The Numbers

Completed Construction

Projects over 25 Years.

Licensed Professionals amongst our design team.

AIA Design Awards

for Design Excellence & Merit.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED Projects Completed.

Group of men posing indoors wearing casual outfits and festive hats.

"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."