HALE and KIMI TAKAZAWA

What this episode covers

Hale runs a boutique architecture firm Pacific Atelier. Pacific Atelier designs real estate projects ranging from large resorts and hotels to residential properties. With 8 architects on staff, they offer an interesting way of building teamwork and corporate culture while adding a twist to their marketing. Kimi is the ying while Hale is the yang. He handles the technical aspects and she is the creative. In this interview you’ll hear innovative marketing strategies along with how an architecture company can work with the community. Kimi’s story is a bit different. On a dare she quit her job and opened her own PR firm. After building it up successfully she decided with Hale that being a full time mother was the best thing for the family. For one year she held on to her business until she finally decided to assign her clients and let go. Hear how hard that was and the release she felt once she made the decision to just do it. Some questions asked: Bio: Hale Takazawa – Iolani 86 – UCLA – BS Civil Engineering – University of Oregon – Masters of Architecture – Ferraro Choi and Associates, Honolulu – OMNI Architects, NY, NY – Worked in the World Trade Center – Came home in 98 and joined Pacific Atelier as partner – Helped to turn company around – from Red to Black – Currently 13 people in company – Book of Lists Top 20 Architecture Firms – Partner, Fabrizio Medosi is Italian (they have their own “hapa” thing going) – PBN 40 under 40 2004 – Sunrise Rotary – Touch of Iolani Planning Committee – his class this year! Tickets Available! Kimi Takazawa – Punahou 88 – Columbia College, NY, NY – Parsons School of Design – Varied career paths – Chiat/Day – advertising – design school – Ferraro Choi – GHK, NY, NY – Came home in 98 switched careers to Public Relations (something I always wanted to do) – Myers Advertising – PRWorks – Daisy Dog, Inc. – started my own company (2000) – Clients were Kaka’ako Kitchen, Parade of Homes, Law Offices of Ian Mattoch, Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park, Kraft, Schuler Homes, HAMBI, Junior League of Honolulu, Elist – 2002 had Neo (August) – 2002 (Dec.) Resigned all my clients – 2003 (Jan.) Joined the Baby Hui – 2004 (Sep.) had Jett Links: Pacific Atelier Listen on Youtube: