BWA DESIGN - Key Persons
Benjamin Woo has more than 40 years of architectural design and project management experience in Hawaii and Minnesota. His design experience ranges from private sector mixed-use projects, high-rise luxury condominiums, office buildings, hotel renovations, and tenant improvements to community college classroom renovations and elementary school classroom buildings.
Between 2000 - 2018 Mr. Woo served as president of Benjamin Woo Architects in Honolulu, overseeing the firm's projects, design staff and client relationships. With his hands-on attitude, he stayed informed and participated on all projects in-house. Mr. Woo endorsed an open studio office concept and a small office philosophy, which allowed his staff to be experienced in all phases of architecture - from concept design through construction administration. This allowed the senior staff to maintain active participation throughout the entire project's schedule, bringing stability and collaboration between the design team, client and contractor.
Mr. Woo received a Bachelor of Architecture from Arizona State University and is a licensed architect in Hawaii.
In 2018 Mr. Woo successfully completed the transition of the firm to its next generation of leadership through the promotions of Masato Tochika to president, Melvin Nakaoka and Clifford Chu to vice president, and Brandon Fujimura to senior associate. In his current capacity as chairman/founder, Mr. Woo continues to remain active on projects, company management and client relationships. Clients will still see him frequently participating in design charrettes, progress meetings, and project punchlist and walk-throughs.
Job Titles:
- Project Manager
- Senior Associate
Brandon Fujimura has nearly 20 years working in the field of architecture, with over 14 of those being dedicated to Benjamin Woo Architects. His previous work includes 2100 Kalakaua "Luxury Row" and the original Ala Moana Apple Store with Eight Inc. Architects.
As a senior associate, Mr. Fujimura assists in firm operations and information technology while also managing numerous ongoing projects.
Clifford Chu has practiced architecture in Hawaii for over 30 years, working with such developers and land owners as Kamehameha Schools, Castle & Cooke Homes Hawaii, D.R. Horton Hawaii, and Centex Destination Properties. He received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and has been a licensed architect in Hawaii since 1986.
As vice president, Mr. Chu serves on the company's executive management committee and assists in the operations and management, marketing and staffing functions of the firm.
Job Titles:
- Construction Administrator
Job Titles:
- President
- International Associate AIA / President
Living in Hawaii for over 20 years, including his education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and over 10 years of working experience in Tokyo prior to joining BWA, Masato Tochika has a contemporary design style that blends with Hawaii's local culture and environment. As president of Benjamin Woo Architects, Mr. Tochika oversees all company operations and management, design and staffing.
Mr. Tochika has a very good understanding of condominium and subdivision law in Hawaii and Japan. His work ethic is based on a team-oriented and collaborative process. A detail-savvy architect with a thorough understanding of structural, mechanical, and plumbing aspects, Mr. Tochika excels in design of complex mixed-use developments, condominiums, office buildings and residential subdivisions.
With more than 20 years of experience, Melvin Nakaoka has worked on numerous commercial and residential architecture projects. Mr. Nakaoka's architectural expertise extends to mixed-use developments, high-rise/mid-rise condominiums, school and hotel renovations.
Mr. Nakaoka received a Bachelor in Architecture from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and earned an Associate of Science degree in Architectural Drafting from Honolulu Community College. He is a licensed architect in Hawaii and was a member of the City and County of Honolulu Police Reserve Force for 18 years.
Job Titles:
- Project Architect
- Project Manager