Our story
In 2016, the School of Architecture established the University of Hawaiʻi Community Design Center, building on four decades of education and public service to Hawaiʻi and the Asia-Pacific region. Positioned to operate at the intersection of government, university, and community stakeholders, the center has generated employment opportunities for over a hundred multi-disciplinary faculty, staff, and students working on UHCDC funded projects. UHCDC affiliated faculty members have also engaged hundreds of students through UHCDC project-related academic courses. We look forward to exploring the full potential of this public sector, public-interest practice, and expanding our role as an effective design resource for Hawaiʻi. We welcome your support and participation and invite you to learn more.
Our Values
Community + Equity
We collaborate with institutions and communities to support more inclusive, equitable, and effective practices, processes, and environments that are designed for all.
Sustainability + Resilience
The challenges we face as a remote island community frames our foundational commitments to social, cultural, economic, and ecological sustainability and resilience.
Education + Leadership
We are a university-led teaching practice. Our work prepares students to be civic practitioners and future leaders in our built environment disciplines.
Our Approach
Collaborative design
We see design as a collective action, one that benefits from internal and external collaboration to ensure that diverse knowledge and perspectives guide our process.
Applied research
We draw from the deep knowledge network of the university, applying established and emergent research expertise and methodologies across disciplines to our work.
Hawaiian place of learning
We learn from the values, knowledge, and practices of our host culture and are called to action by the ethos of aloha ʻāina.
Remote island context
Hawai’i is home to one of the most remote urban populations in the world. Our isolation and vulnerability underscore the importance of our sustainability and resilience aims.
A cultural perspective
Our diverse multi-ethnic community offers a rich context to explore the role of race, culture, and identity in the planning and design of the built environment.
Building relationships
We understand that cultivating and maintaining meaningful relationships is key to long term impact.
Alignment with broader goals
UN Sustainable Development Goals
No poverty
Zero hunger
Good health and well-being
Quality education
Gender equality
Clean water and sanitation
Affordable and clean energy
Decent work and economic growth
Industry, innovation and infrastructure
Reduced inequalities
Sustainable cities and communities
Responsible consumption and production
Climate action
Life below water
Life on land
Peace, justice and strong institutions
Partnerships for the Goals
Aloha + Challenge
Clean energy
Local food
Natural resource management
Waste reduction
Smart sustainable communities
Green workforce & education
UHM Strategic Planning Goals
Becoming a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning
Sustainability
Enhancing student success
Excellence in research