Team – Yamasato | Higa Architecture & Planning, Inc.

Maurice Yamasato, AIA

PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT

Mr. Yamasato has over 40 years of progressive and responsible architectural experience. He has been responsible for all projects, including project management, client contract and administrative functions. He has provided responsible leadership in the planning and design efforts of numerous Bishop Estate renovations, industrial and commercial projects. Some of his projects include the Coral Creek Golf Course Clubhouse, Princeville Public Library, Hawaii Okinawa Center, Westloch Elderly Housing, and Kapolei Golf Course Clubhouse.

His leadership and concern to provide excellent service has given the firm a creditable reputation.

“Design is a universal language.”

Lloyd Higa, AIA

PRESIDENT

Lloyd is a registered architect with the state of Hawaii and has over 40+ years of experience in design, planning, and project management. He has been with YFH for over 25 years of his career and oversees the quality of service that YFH strives to offer. As president, Lloyd manages full-time staff members and is in charge with day-to-day operations. Prior to YFH he worked at Boone and Brooks and Media5 Architecture. His experience includes single family residential homes, high rise complexes, and various commercial venues, in addition to government and military projects. He presently is working on a multitude of government jobs including state and city projects such as school renovations and fire station upgrades. He has been an AIA member since 1987. A husband, father, and a grandfather, Lloyd balances his family life with his work exceedingly well.

“Design is a function of life.”

Lance Kaneshiro

PROJECT ARCHITECT

Obtaining satisfaction from the client is Lance Kaneshiro's concern in terms of meeting the design needs of function and aesthetics in architecture. He has been a licensed architect since 1995, managing projects from the schematic phase, design development, construction documents, bidding, permitting and construction administration. His projects that he has worked on include Department of Defense work, Department of Education, City and County of Honolulu, Kauai County, Kamehameha Schools, CBDG funded projects, AAFES (Army and Air Force Exchange Services), commercial projects, tenant improvements and residences. With 25 years of experience, he has had various experiences in different types of architecture.

In his spare time he enjoys going to the gym, hiking, and paddling canoe, if time permits. The greatest passion he has is travel. He believes that experience in travel educates oneself in social culture, food, art and architecture. All travel experiences is an educational experience.

“Travel stimulates creativity, my muse.”

Justin Matsukawa

PROJECT MANAGER

After working in Seattle, WA for a year Justin relocated to Honolulu to continue architecture is his home state, where he has practiced ever since. Mr. Matsukawa has been involved in various projects, and their required tasks, in all phases of the design process including project management, contract procurement, specifications, bidding, permitting and administrative functions. As a former student athlete, Mr. Matsukawa understands the importance of teamwork and collaboration, which is a necessity in our line of work. He has shown great energy, leadership and diligence throughout the design process and takes much pride in client satisfaction and relationship building.

"Okage-Same-De, 'Because of you'."

Jonathan Yabiku

Senior CADD Operator

Keiji Nakazawa

Senior CADD Operator

Taylor Kai

Junior CADD Operator