Name: Tiare Noelani Pinto
Company: Archipelago Hawaii
Website: www.archipelagohawaii.com
As a teenager Tiare sewed her own clothing and had a small store in Kailua, Hawaii. Tiare attended the Colorado Institute of Art and studied Graphic Design. In her 20’s Tiare learned how to make slipcovers and upholstery and during this time decided to attend the interior design program at Chaminade University. After graduating Tiare started her own design firm TCB Island Interiors and took over SlipCovers, Etc. In 2002 Tiare and business partners, purchased Studio Becker Honolulu and Tiare received her Certified Kitchen Design credential. Studio Becker Honolulu and TCB Island Interiors, merged in 2007 to form Archipelago Hawaii. From interiors, kitchens, and baths, Tiare started designing entire residential projects and included a team approach to every project. Living on an island in the middle of the pacific ocean, Tiare was concious of protecting the environment and began designing homes with LEED and NGBS certifications. Tiare and Archipelago Hawaii pride themselves on designing a beautiful, functional, and sustainable space.
How would you describe your own personal style?
Tropical contemporary. I like using textures and colours to add interest and depth to a space.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Nature, bringing the outside in.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I see the direction of design moving towards personal style, reflecting each clients varied tastes and lifestyles. People are becoming more practical and they want there to be purpose in the design.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching property development in 2015 and beyond:
Technology
Efficiency
Sustainability
Healing and restorative
Ease of maintenance
If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to development projects, what would it be?
Think it through to the last interior detail. Don’t leave the furniture, artwork, and accessories to the end as most people have spent the entire budget on the construction phase and end up with a beautiful home, however unhappy with the furniture, artwork, and accessories.
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
It is important to have international exposure, especially from Hawaii as we have so many international clients.
What projects are you currently working on?
New home and barn design in an agricultural development. We are also working on a large home renovation in Kailua and many kitchens and bathroom projects.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
Creating a product line for Archipelago Home.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession? My new (old mid-century modern) Hawaii Home and my vintage Hawaiian furniture collection.
Your favourite holiday destination? Italy
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar? Hotel: Manele Bay on Lanai; Restaurant: Assagio’s table side caesar salad.
Your favourite book / film / song? The Big Book of alcoholics anonymous; it has made the person I am today.
Your favourite food and drink? I love to cook Italian, my favourite food changes from day-to-day. My favourite drink is water with lemon.
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon? (in no more than 25 words) A walk on the beach, a motorcycle ride to the north shore, and watching the sunset.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be? A florist.
Anything else interesting? I love motorcycles, old cars, vintage anything. Older things have more character and tend to be more individual and unique.