--- title: "Lapis Design Partners — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/lapis-design-partners-pfvwus-pf~1291940265 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1291940265.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Lapis Design Partners" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/a843f06708d328bc_5814-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1188 Bishop St. Suite. 2506, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-3306, United States" latitude: 21.3179 longitude: -157.8521 phone: "(808) 545-4000" website: http://www.lapishawaii.com rating: 5 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 239 last_updated: 2026-08-30 --- # Lapis Design Partners Original Houzz profile: [Lapis Design Partners](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/lapis-design-partners-pfvwus-pf~1291940265) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Honolulu, HI - **Serves:** Honolulu, Kailua, El Segundo, Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Palos Verdes Peninsula, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Torrance - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2013–2025), for Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves Lapis Design Partners is a boutique design firm that works exclusively on residential architecture and interior design. We collaborate with an enthusiastic group of clients who share our passion for thoughtful and creative design. With each project we strive to develop a sensitively detailed home that will embrace our client’s personality and respond to the surrounding environment. We believe that a home should be much more than just a shelter - it should be a joyful and inspirational living space. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Space Planning - Pool House Design & Construction - Project Management - Staircase Design - Deck Design - Site Preparation - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Honolulu - Kailua - El Segundo - Hermosa Beach - Manhattan Beach - Palos Verdes Estates - Palos Verdes Peninsula - Rancho Palos Verdes - Redondo Beach - Torrance ### Typical Job Cost $3,000 - 3,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Lapis Design Partners | | Address | 1188 Bishop St. Suite. 2506, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-3306, United States | | Phone | (808) 545-4000 | | Website | http://www.lapishawaii.com | | Followers on Houzz | 239 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Lapis Design Partners](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/lapis-design-partners-pfvwus-pf~1291940265) - **Website:** http://www.lapishawaii.com - **Phone:** (808) 545-4000 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2013–2025), for Design. **Affiliations** - [AIA Custom Residential Architects Network](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/aia-custom-residential-architects-network-pfvwus-pf~629398549) - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** ### All 8 reviews **★★★★★ — Lester Stiefel, Jan. 2017** > John Back was the only one (of eleven architects) interviewed who told me that we were not properly using our space well. > John was an excellent listener and asked the right (delving) questions to really understand our lifestyle and needs which he expertly and creatively incorporated into his designs. > His plans far exceeded our expectations and he delivered a final product that was beautiful, practical and made us feel very proud of our home. > As the project manager, John was highly organized, cost conscious and timely in responding to our requests. > Overall, John was a pleasure to work with. I felt he was highly collaborative, trusting, and reliable. If/when I need to build or renovate another house, know exactly who I am going to call. **★★★★★ — Roxane Hume, Jan. 2017** > Working with John is a true treat. He is always professional, proactive, and imaginative. He helped us with our full residential renovation from start to finish and really made the project work. **★★★★★ — Paul Sturm, Jan. 2017** > Very professional. Great design and solid project management. A first-class team. I've worked with several architects over the years, and this is my most satisfying experience. **★★★★★ — Greg Northrop, Jan. 2017** > As a board member and serving on the design committee for my condominium building I have > worked with John Black on several projects for the building as well as my own condo unit. > John has started each new project great enthusiasm and with innovative ideas, he has always been very professional and it's a pleasure to work with John and Lapis Design Partners. **★★★★★ — Bill Spencer, Jan. 2017** > John is a wonderful architect who executed our ideas perfectly and added many new and interesting enhancements to what we wanted to do. We are very happy with the results, his ability to organize and manage contractors. In addition to his architecture skills, he is a genius when it comes to lighting. He is very professional, keeps his promises and schedules and was a pure joy to work with. I highly recommend John Black/Lapis Design. **★★★★★ — User, Jan. 2017** > incredibly creative. Able to find the perfect form without sacrificing function. John is very attentive to his clients - he transformed our wants and wish lists to a finished product that exceeded our expectations. He is very detailed orientated, both in terms of fit and finishes as well as his project management skills. He is prompt and professional. He was a real pleasure. **★★★★★ — ccollen10, July 2016** > I lost my home in a devastating fire and John Black came to the rescue. John and I worked collaboratively to rebuild a two family Victorian home in the historic district of Arlington Massachusetts. John drew several architectural plans and we selected the one that stayed within the confines of the insurance budget. John managed the project from start to finish; overseeing the general contractor and adjusting the original plans slightly during the process to best suit my lifestyle. For example, we converted a few walls to half walls for an open floor plan and added a small veranda off the second floor kitchen to allow for extra outdoor access. Not only was John very patient and easy to work with his space utilization and attention to detail was extraordinary. The end result: a beautiful home that was featured in the Boston Globe magazine section. I highly recommend John Black without hesitation! **★★★★★ — Fumiki Abe, March 2016** > I had a great time with John at Lapis Design Partners. He worked with me from the very first meeting to the final walk through process of my house located at Kahala neighborhood in Honolulu. He spent a great deal of his time into this project since I was not in full time residence during the process. We communicate over email, phone conversation and fax very intensively. He and his partner, Susan as a professional long-time interior designer always respected my views and wishes toward this dream house. I enjoyed the relationship with John during the process and appreciated very much for his professionalism as an architect and his responsiveness to the job. The results came much more than my expectations. We received one of AIA Honolulu awards. Most importantly, my time during the process was enjoyable ! Highly recommended. ## Selected projects - [Manhattan Beach Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/manhattan-beach-residence-pj-vj~83782) - Location: Manhattan Beach, CA - Photos: 10 - Description: This contemporary style home takes advantage of a narrow lot that opens to a pedestrian walk on one end and a vehicular street on the other. In response to the narrow lot (6’ between homes) textured glazing was used along the side-walls to provide both privacy and natural light. At each end of the house, open exterior decks focus towards the ocean view and provide a sense of an extended interior living space. This interior-exterior connection is also reinforced with the use of natural wood finis… - [Harbor Square Condominium](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/harbor-square-condominium-pj-vj~1658700) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 8 - Description: The goal of this renovation project was to combine two apartments into a contemporary art showcase. The open floor plan now provides space for viewing artwork while also capturing the broad vista along Honolulu Harbor. While the exterior walls are continuous floor-to-ceiling glass, the interior walls creatively conceal the building’s structural and mechanical systems to provide for an entry hall gallery and screen walls around private spaces. For flexibility in displaying an ever-changing art co… - [Diamond Head Condominium](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/diamond-head-condominium-pj-vj~6836694) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 22 - Description: The goal of this gut renovation was to transform a drab and gloomy apartment into a warm and open living space. The new design makes a strong connection to the stunning oceanfront location by allowing all exterior doors and windows to slide into wall pockets (except bedroom and bathroom windows). To bring warmth, the new finish palette includes cut coral slabs to wrap structural walls, and sapele wood for cabinet and ceiling finishes. The two bedrooms focus on a wood canopy and headboard, while… - [Kahala Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kahala-residence-pj-vj~83747) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 22 - Description: While the layout of this house takes advantage of a corner lot’s visual openness, the curved street corner gives form to a circular kitchen. Walls of smooth-finished coral extend out from the house to emphasize the indoor/outdoor lifestyle of Hawaii. In the living room, clerestory windows provide light and ventilation, a mahogany grid defines the circulation path, and pivot doors open to a pool lanai. The master bedroom also connects intimately to this lanai with doors that swing to the pool’s e… - [Diamond Head Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/diamond-head-residence-pj-vj~86891) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 4 - Description: The primary goal of this renovation was to showcase a contemporary art collection. The kitchen clearly reflects this goal as the ceiling was raised to accommodate two large “face” sculptures. Another goal, to integrate the home with the exterior, is shown with the redesigned master bathroom. This space now opens onto a private courtyard with a hot tub, and the bathtub is positioned in a bay window. Throughout the house color plays an important role in defining each room and in complementing the… - [Cambridge Condominium](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cambridge-condominium-pj-vj~86970) - Location: Cambridge, MA - Photos: 15 - Description: An efficient use of 540 square feet provides a spacious feeling to this early 1900’s one-bedroom condo. By relocating the living room door, the circulation flow was redirected to form a new dining area. The opening, now a lattice styled half-wall, complements the original cabinets and provides for natural daylight and ventilation. A vaulted ceiling, used to define the entry, creates the perception of a larger space. Intricate wood detailing and vibrant accent colors brings richness and warmth to… - [Gold Coast Condominium](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gold-coast-condominium-pj-vj~188324) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 14 - Description: This original 1960 condo was showing the effects of age and ocean front location. Renovating the condo, including the exterior doors and windows, was an opportunity to better capture views of a sparkling Waikiki shoreline and the lush Ko’olau Range. Towards this goal, the kitchen is reoriented for both ocean and mountain views, and large pocket doors enclose a portion of the lanai to give the dining room an outdoor feeling. A sophisticated lighting plan and custom cabinetry provide for the displ… - [Russian Hill Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/russian-hill-residence-pj-vj~1640255) - Location: San Francisco, CA - Photos: 13 - Description: Renovation of a turn of the century San Francisco home. The goals included excavating the ground level to capture more interior space, developing an interior stair from the street level to the roof deck, reorganizing the interior layout to reflect today's lifestyle, and adding an exterior roof deck with views of the bay. - [Portlock Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/portlock-residence-pj-vj~6836706) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 48 - Description: After a series of renovation projects, the interior of this house has been completely re-envisioned. The master bedroom window now frames an oceanfront view of Diamond through a 20-foot-wide, single glass pane. The master shower extends above the roof, where a large skylight allows light to wash across the “soap bubble” wall tile. The kitchen has become a dynamic space defined by red curving cabinetry, a counter and backsplash fabricated from white-veined black quartz, and a floating glass bar-c… [See all 9 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/lapis-design-partners-pfvwus-pf~1291940265) ## Ideabooks - [Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/152001964/list/bedroom) — 1 idea - [Pantry](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/105360909/list/pantry) — 2 ideas - [Sanne's Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89179414/list/sanne-s-ideas) — 3 ideas [See all 3 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/lapishawaii) ## Community Q&A **Q: doors** *(in Photo Questions)* What brand door did you use and what species of wood? A: These were custom fabricated doors made from mahogany wood. Sapele is a wood that looks similar to mahogany but is less expensive, if you are interested in achieving a similar appearance at a lower cost. **Q: What are the dimensions?** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the look of these glass doors. They are so beautiful and look so sturdy with their wooden frames. My husband and I are looking into glass replacement for our doors so they can look like these again. http://www.griggsglassandmirror.com/glass-installations A: Hi Ashley, this overall door opening is 8'x20'. Most glass companies that produce insulated panels can provide replacements for your doors. If your glass is no longer looking clear it might be caused by the insulation seal breaking which will allow a haze to form between the two glass panels. **Q: who is the manufacturer of the cabinets and what type/color is the woo** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These cabinets were fabricated by a local cabinet shop. The wood is mahogany. **Q: Love the Doors** *(in Photo Questions)* How does one prevent insects with pivotting doors? It does not appear that there can be screens. A: These doors do not have screens. Insects were not an issue at this location. If there is a roof overhang directly over pivot doors, a roll-down or sliding screen system might be able to provide an insect barrier. **Q: how many bedrooms and square footage** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This house has 3 bedrooms, including a master suite, and has an interior area of 3,260 s.f. **Q: What was the type of the travertine floor** *(in Photo Questions)* I mean was it polished, honed or what any details will help out here. I love it and want to get it in my house. A: The floor is Ivory Crema Travertine. The interior tiles are 18" x 18", with a filled and honed finish. The exterior tiles are 24" x 24", with a brushed finish (more slip resistance around the pool). --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-30.*