JASON TAKEUCHI

AIA, NCARB, NOMA, D.ARCH

Candidate, 2026-2028 AIA At-Large Director

Aloha!Let's work together towards:
Resilience of Design
Resilience of Culture
Resilience of the Future

808-220-6051
[email protected]

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Our Resilience

Growing up in Hawaii, nothing could have prepared me for walking through post-disaster Lahaina, Maui in 2023 following the nation's deadliest wildfire. Today, I'm fortunate to be working with non-profit organizations in resiliency planning.Through this process, I've learned two critical lessons:#1: Resilience is not only about protecting life - it's about sustaining and supporting communities and cultures every day and everywhere.#2: Resilience is more than central hubs - its a comprehensive network of nodes, each offering something unique.How can we apply this to the AIA?

Resilience of Design

Architects must be empowered towards responsible, regenerative design to help communities thrive - every day and against natural and manmade disasters. At the same time, sustaining the relevance of our profession amid external challenges is key to our own resilience.

Resilience of Culture

Strong communities are built on shared traditions, identities, and experiences. This includes uplifting underserved cultures through the built environment. In the AIA, we must uplift the traditions, programs and values that make the culture of AIA membership and leadership exciting.

Resilience of the Future

Our world - and our profession - is changing rapidly. Empowering emerging professionals and young architects will accelerate their growth as future leaders. And by fostering intergenerational understanding, we build a future that is truly resilient - together.

Our Resilience

Our resilience as people, communities, and an organization is vital. Like a resilience node, each chapter of the AlA is a diverse and unique node within the broader AIA network. Whether large or small, we must celebrate each chapter's successes, honor their distinct attributes and support those in need.What does resilience mean to you?

JASON TAKEUCHI

Jason Takeuchi, AIA, NCARB, NOMA, D.Arch is a fourth-generation Japanese-American born and raised in Honolulu, HI. As an Eagle Scout and the grandson of World War II US Army veterans, Jason has held a lifelong value of service to his community.A mission-driven architect, Jason is passionate about the resilience of his community through stewardship of the unique culture and environment of Hawaii. He has achieved these shared visions with many Hawaii-based clients and organizations through focusing on the sustainability and prosperity of people and place.His last name, Takeuchi, is the sum of two words: Take, meaning bamboo and Uchi, meaning "within." Like the resilience of bamboo, Jason's career is dedicated to building resilience within people, missions and communities locally and nationally.

AIA National

Chair, Young Architects Forum, 2024
Finance & Audit Committee, 2023-2024
Credentials Committee, 2024
Knowledge Director, Young Architects Forum, 2021-2022
Joint NAC/YAF Regions Task Force, 2020-2021
Northwest & Pacific Young Architect Regional Director, Young Architects Forum, 2019-2020*
Northwest & Pacific Regional Associate Director, National Associates Committee, 2017-2018*

AIA Honolulu

Chair, Sponsorship Committee, 2019-2023
Chair, Design Awards, 2016-2019
Founder, Emerging Professionals Committee, 2018
Founder, 5x5x5 Mentorship Program, 2017
Founder, Hawaii Student Design Awards, 2017
Associate Director, 2016-2017

Professional

Associate, Ferraro Choi, present
Adjunct Faculty, University of Hawaii School of Architecture, 2018-2020

Community

Chair, Scouting America Aloha Council Properties Committee, Present
Awards and Grants Chair, Hawaii Architectural Foundation, Present
Architectural Foundation of Oregon Scholarship Selection Committee, Present
Board Member, Docomomo Hawaii/US Chapter, 2016-2019

Recognition

2023 AIA Young Architects Award
2018 AIA Associates Award*
2018 Building Design + Construction 40 Under 40

Education

Doctor of Architecture, University of Hawaii School of Architecture*First AIA member from Hawaii

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Q+A

Why are you running as a candidate for the AIA Board of Directors?

Our Resilience

The wildfire disaster in Lahaina, Maui, deeply impacted the community around me. Amid the sadness and grief, I found myself questioning how prepared we, as architects, were to respond—and where our voice belonged in the conversation. This tragedy raised critical questions about cultural resilience, equity, and resource management.At the same time, it highlighted new opportunities for architects to strengthen the communities they serve. These experiences reaffirmed my belief that resilience goes beyond buildings. It extends to the AIA, our design practices, and the well-being of all members

The Future

In 2011, I was honored to receive AIA Honolulu’s Student Scholarship, with a commitment to give back to the profession in a meaningful way. Early in my career, I recognized a growing concern: the rate of retiring architects was outpacing the rate of those achieving licensure.Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to ensuring a resilient pipeline of future architects. As the first AIA member from Hawaii on the National Associates Committee and the Young Architects Forum, I’m grateful to have led with this mission.While AIA membership continues to grow, there is still much work to be done to strengthen and sustain our membership for generations to come.

What makes you a unique candidate?

Representation

Representation matters. I’m proud to be the only candidate located outside the Eastern Time Zone and only NOMA member running for At-Large Director. It’s crucial that the AIA Board of Directors reflects a diverse range of geographies and demographics to ensure that every voice is heard.Young architects make up nearly 20% of AIA’s global membership. Yet less than 10% of AIA Board members are from this member group and will continue leadership through 2026. As someone in this pivotal career stage, I am committed to ensuring that young architects are represented at every level of the AIA.

Perspective

Serving in AIA National roles from Honolulu and chairing a national committee has given me valuable experience collaborating across multiple time zones. Being part of an AIA chapter that spans multiple islands has further strengthened my understanding of the importance of ensuring an equitable and meaningful membership experience for all, no matter where you are located.Living in Hawaii also means experiencing challenges that many AIA members face firsthand. These include the high cost of living—from food security to housing—limited access to materials, and the ongoing challenge of retaining homegrown talent.Lastly, my service on the Finance & Audit Committee has provided invaluable insights into the Institute’s budget and operations, equipping me with the financial awareness needed to help guide the AIA's future resilience.