Over the past 20 years, REIKO LEWIS has earned numerous design awards in Hawai‘i, California and abroad. As principal for Ventus Design, she infuses her work with four core Japanese values: harmony, respect, purity and serenity. Project team members enjoy working with Lewis for her outstanding designs as well as her skills as a project designer. She served as president of ASID Hawaii in 2016.
WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?
Achieving harmony in design as a whole; respect for the history of the space, the culture and the owners’ interests; purity— making the space clean, safe and functional; and serenity—creating a sense of inner peace when you enter the space.
WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO FUTURE ARCHITECTS, BUILDERS OR DESIGNERS?
Balance bold artistic expression with safety and functional use of the space.
WHICH OF YOUR PROJECTS ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AND WHY?
Every project and none of them, as I am always striving to achieve perfection.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR DESIGN PROJECTS?
My inspiration comes from the owners’ interests and past experiences.
ARE THERE DESIGN CHALLENGES SPECIFIC TO HAWAI‘I?
Yes—time and scheduling, costs and quality of work.
WHAT IS SOME ADVICE THAT GOT YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
Be tenacious, strong-minded and never give up. While I was with CNN and worked for its founder, Ted Turner, I learned that Ted had a strong belief in tenacity and even named his ship Tenacious, which raced in the America’s Cup. I learned from him that a strong mind and passion will get you through difficulties.
Never giving up is also important for success.
WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SUCCEED IN HAWAI‘I IN YOUR LINE OF WORK?
Hawai‘i is not an easy place to start a business. You just need to keep your passion to succeed and have a strong mind to get through the difficulties you encounter along the way.
Aim high and try your best to reach the goals you set for yourself.
