About
We believe that preservation is the future of buildings,
not just the past.
We envision modern spaces that retain our island character and charm, and adapt the old for generations to come. We stand for unlocking potential, not trapping things in time and for understanding a building’s original use to better design its re-use. We believe in shaping change that lasts.
At MASON, we are redefining preservation, one storied place at a time.
Sustainability & Preservation
We believe sustainability is at the core of what we do.
Older buildings are testaments to living sustainably, designed to be simpler in function, durable in construction and responsive to microclimatic conditions. We retain and adapt existing buildings for contemporary use, fostering cohesion between people and place while advancing our community's role in the battle against climate change.
New construction has the power to establish sustainable design as an essential component of design instead of distinguishing it as an optional upgrade. We learn from the lessons older buildings taught us and advocate for design that’s responsive to place; utilize non-toxic and environmentally conscious materials; and select building systems that increase efficiency and make fiscal sense to our clients.
History
MASON is Hawaii's foremost firm combining architecture, historic consulting, and sustainability. First founded in 1978, the firm is now a thriving multi-disciplined small business and women owned firm. The firm's long history and the large volume of our preservation work is indicated by its cumulative experience of over 250 years in this field. Many team members are knowledgeable specialists in historic preservation and sustainability.
1978
Spencer Limited was founded by Spencer Leineweber, FAIA.
1980
Glenn Mason, AIA, joins Spencer Limited.
1984
Spencer and Glenn form Spencer Mason Architects located in the heart of Chinatown.
1998
Mason Architects was founded as a successor firm to Spencer Mason Architects and moves to the historic Stangenwald building on Merchant Street.
2004
John becomes a Partner.
2009
Barbara becomes a Partner.
2016
Glenn Mason joins the elite AIA College of Fellows, one of the highest honors that can be conferred on an American architect.
2018
Celebrates 20th anniversary as Mason Architects, Inc.
2018
Joy becomes a Partner.
2018
Polly and Melanie are both elevated to Associate.
2020
Warren is elevated to Associate.
2021
Melanie becomes a Partner.
2021
Andrea is elevated to Associate.
2022
John is named President of MASON.
He replaces the former president, Glenn Mason, who will be focusing his efforts on specific projects for the firm.
2022
Polly becomes a Partner.
Hawaiian Language
We recognize the significance of diacritical markings in written Hawaiian as pronunciation guides, but have opted not to use them on the MASON site since they display inconsistently across various computer platforms/browsers.
Consult these sources for diacritically accurate Hawaiian spellings:
- Hawaiian Dictionary, Revised and Enlarged Edition, by Mary Kawena Pukui and Samuel H. Elbert (UH Press)
- Place Names of Hawaii, Revised and Expanded Edition, by Mary Kawena Pukui, Samuel H. Elbert and Esther T. Mookini (UH Press)
These references can also be found online via the Hawaiian electronic library Ulukau .
