--- title: "Paul M. Donoho, Architect — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/paul-m-donoho-architect-pfvwus-pf~1350695627 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1350695627.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Paul M. Donoho, Architect" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/5cf3078a0ec69954_1628-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "PO Box 1727, Honokaa, Hawaii 96727, United States" latitude: 20.0827 longitude: -155.488 phone: "(808) 756-4061" website: http://www.pdonoho.com rating: 5 review_count: 24 best_of_houzz_awards: 9 followers: 98 last_updated: 2026-11-15 --- # Paul M. Donoho, Architect Original Houzz profile: [Paul M. Donoho, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/paul-m-donoho-architect-pfvwus-pf~1350695627) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Honokaa, HI - **Serves:** Hilo, Kailua, Kailua-Kona, Waimea, Honoka‘a, Kapaau, Honokaa, Hāwī, Laupāhoehoe, Pa‘auilo, Paauilo, Kukuihaele, Honomu, Hakalau, Kamuela, Kawaihae, Kohala, Kona, Ookala, Papaaloa, Waikii - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (24 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2014–2025), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves A licensed architect based in Honoka'a, serving all of Hawai'i Island, with 30+ years in architecture and construction. Specializing in custom residential design plus commercial, agricultural, community, master planning, and historic preservation work. Each project is shaped by its site's climate and views, and by your own lifestyle needs and desires. I also provide bid evaluation and construction-phase oversight, working closely with your contractor from groundbreaking through completion. Repeatedly recognized as a Top Neighbor Island Firm (Pacific Business News) and Best of Houzz winner for Client Satisfaction; featured in The Wall Street Journal and Coastal Living. Email is the fastest way to reach me — paul@pdonoho.com." ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Tiny House Construction - 3D Home Design ### Areas Served - Hilo - Kailua - Kailua-Kona - Waimea - Honoka‘a - Kapaau - Honokaa - Hāwī - Laupāhoehoe - Pa‘auilo - Paauilo - Kukuihaele - Honomu - Hakalau - Kamuela - Kawaihae - Kohala - Kona - Ookala - Papaaloa - Waikii ### Typical Job Cost $1 million - 10 million $1 million - 10 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Paul M. Donoho, Architect | | Address | PO Box 1727, Honokaa, Hawaii 96727, United States | | Phone | (808) 756-4061 | | Website | http://www.pdonoho.com | | License Number | HI AR-11559, CO ARC-203640 | | Followers on Houzz | 98 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/paul-donoho-aia/a/960/515 - Blog — www.pdonoho.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Paul M. Donoho, Architect](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/paul-m-donoho-architect-pfvwus-pf~1350695627) - **Website:** http://www.pdonoho.com - **Phone:** (808) 756-4061 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016 & 2014: Best of Houzz - Client Satisfaction - 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2012, 2011: Top Hawaii Architecture Firms, Pacific Business News - September, 2021, named one of the 20 Best Residential Architects in Hawai'i by Home Builder Digest - **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2014–2025), for Service. **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) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 24 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-361275644, March 2024** > We began work with Paul to design our retirement home back in 2018 (approximately 1800 sq feet). Although his design was completed by 2019/early 2020, COVID made it difficult to find a contractor. During this period, prices for materials escalated making construction questionable. Nevertheless, Paul stuck with us through the entire time frame. Our home was completed in October, 2024. We could not be happier with the completed project. > > I cannot say enough thank you's for a job well done! He helped us with the initial layout of the house on vacant land, provided critical contacts with contractors for estimated construction costs, made contacts with structural engineers and soil experts, and made valuable recommendations to accomplish a more cost-effective process. Most important he drafted the house plans for eventual county approvals. He then worked with our contractor and monitored the construction process, not to mention helping to make minor modifications as construction began. Paul's documentation of every aspect of the design and approval process was professional. Trust me! Having someone local design the home proved extremely valuable -He knew the in's and out's of home construction on the Big Island of Hawaii. Something we could never had done by ourselves. > > I would highly recommend Paul! During this process we met many homeowners planning similar work. Unfortunately, they did not have as good of an experience with their architects. **★★★★★ — Timothy Bostock, April 2023** > I've worked with Paul for over ten years. His vision and design skills are excellent. Especially enjoyable to work with him on pre-design conceptualizing, and watching him manipulate design details live on CAD, and 3D model fly-arounds, demonstrating to groups how we could make big and small layout changes. > Paul has designed for our Waikii ranch home: a second-floor barn apartment, and a very creative second-floor addition to the main house including home gym, bathroom, and lots of storage. > Paul has also designed for St.Columba's Church in Paauilo a new kitchen, pantry, and renovated bathrooms, along with new freestanding sacristy / classroom / office building. That project broke ground mid-March, and is due to complete this Fall. > Paul is currently designing a new 5000 sqft Community Gathering Pavilion, with full commercial kitchen, dining room, covered drive-through, cold and dry storage, and office, plus a 2-bed apartment upstairs. We are moving into full design Phase this month. **★★★★★ — David Stout, Dec. 2020** > I could not more highly recommend Paul Donoho. He is dedicated, prompt, helpful, and kind. His knowledge and expertise combined with his passion and love for helping create, have been a huge blessing in our moving forward with two major building projects. While our projects are still in process, the completion date is yet to be determined. However, I can say that what has been completed thus far has been highly professional and tremendously appreciated. **★★★★★ — Rev. Linda Lundgren, Dec. 2020** > Paul has been wonderful to work with. He went above and beyond many times on our project. He is professional in all aspects and his drawings were amazing. Our church had an exceptionally large remodel with many components and he navigated the waters expertly.; he didn't leave anything to chance. It was truly wonderful to have Paul behind the project! I highly recommend Paul Donoho. His work is excellent and so is his character. **★★★★★ — Bruce Kaphan, Dec. 2019** > It's hard for me to know where to start in recommending Paul Donoho—I can't decide whether to first praise his work, or praise the quality of his character. I chose to hire Paul after seeing a home that he designed. That home was absolutely a work of art, and reflected the character of his clients beautifully. When Paul showed me this home, one of the things he pointed out was how he was able to source materials that were absolutely appropriate for the project, yet as economical as could be. This leads to Paul's character—he's forthright and honest. We hired him for an addition. He visited our site on a couple of occasions to get the feel of the place and make measurements. His presentations are super-clean, whether hand drawn or presented in dynamic perspective on computer. Paul's taste is impeccable—lines are clean and very well considered. My wife and I couldn't recommend him more highly. **★★★★★ — Stuart Wolfe, Jan. 2019** > Paul was easy to work with and excellent at incorporating our vision in to the project. He wrks with a user friendly contractual process with agreed objectives, completion dates and costs, so there are no bad surprises. > > Unfortunately we had to relocate before actual construction began, so the project was not completed. **★★★★★ — kathy coressel, Dec. 2018** > I live on the mainland, so Paul designed a complete remodel of a master bedroom and bathroom remotely. He never set foot in my house. I sent him measurements and pictures. He listened to my needs very closely. He did what I asked, however he also proposed other designs. He came up with a much better design that I EVER would have imagined. He went above and beyond my expectations. He communicated with me consistently during the remodel as questions arose. I strongly recommend Paul for any remodel. It was an amazing experience. **★★★★★ — Alex Bell, Dec. 2018** > We would highly recommend Paul Donoho to anyone looking for an architect to build their dream home. We met with several architects and selecting Paul was based on our observation that Paul was the one architect who really listened to what we wanted which was important to us. In reviewing a sample of Paul's project format it was obvious that Paul's organized. We hired Paul to draw our plans and we probably weren't the easiest to work with as we had Paul meet us at the site on numerous occasions to make sure what we wanted was perfect. Paul was attentive throughout and incorporated our specific needs as we progressed through the various design stages. Our only regret is that we moved out of state and our property is being sold. Although we never built our home, the wonderful experience in working with Paul in designing our home is that we first hired Paul, and someone we didn't know, as an architect and in the end he became our friend. If we ever decide to design another home we would definitely seek Paul's service. **★★★★★ — Stefanie Henderson, Dec. 2017** > Paul helped us with design for a remodel and we found him to be incredibly professional. He listened, gave feedback, and ultimately drew up fantastic plans. He's prompt and respectful. I can't recommend him highly enough. **★★★★★ — Puanani Au, Dec. 2017** > Paul Donoho continues to exceed our expectations. He is extremely creative in his designs and ideas, detail oriented, is able to anticipate/foresee potential problems from topography to roofline. When we started our "journey" in building our dream home, we were well aware of the qualities and level of professionalism we wanted in an architect. We found those qualities in Paul. He continues to serve and guide us through our project, and consistently provides straightforward and honest feedback, including ways to best manage costs. He is very reliable and timely in completing the related "phases" as well. We could not have found anyone better! **★★★★★ — Doreen Trudeau Anderson, March 2016** > Paul is very responsive, creative and realistic! We are working with him on a renovation and find his ideas spot on. **★★★★★ — Edwin Goto, Dec. 2015** > Paul Donoho recently designed my second restaurant, Noodle Club in the town of Kamuela on the Big Island of Hawaii. Paul always displayed professionalism with a keen eye for detail. His calm demeanor and prompt response to all involved with the project insured a smooth build out. I have referred friends to Pauls services and would not hesitate to use Paul Donoho for future projects. ## Selected projects - [Kohala Ranch Meadows Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kohala-ranch-meadows-residence-pj-vj~6923036) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 22 - [Wainoenoe Road](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wainoenoe-road-pj-vj~136020) - Location: Kamuela, HI - Photos: 41 - Description: New single family residence in the desirable up-country development of Waiki'i Ranch on the Big Island of Hawaii. Three bedroom, three and a half bath with office, breakfast nook, formal dining room, large living room with fantastic Irish bar, gourmet appointed kitchen, heated covered exterior dining with adjacent fire pit and BBQ, private guest quarters with kitchenette the home is made for entertaining. Three stall horse barn to the rear of the home as well. - [Lincoln-George Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lincoln-george-residence-pj-vj~517669) - Location: Hawaii, HI - Photos: 27 - Description: New custom single-family luxury residence on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i. Large mahogany pocket doors open fully to allow full indoor-outdoor living between the great room and pool lanais. All other main living spaces take advantage of windows and sliding doors on 2 or 3 sides to reap the benefits of trade wind breezes meaning this home rarely if ever needs its air conditioning. Natural lava rock from on site, ohia post shade pergolas at entry and main bedroom suites, outdoor s… - [Kohala Ranch Heathers Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kohala-ranch-heathers-residence-pj-vj~531784) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: New, modern, ultra-custom, luxury home on the Kohala Coast of the Island of Hawai'i. The white coral faced entry foyer welcomes you into the large, open and airy great room with gourmet kitchen on one end, dining in the center and the living room with high performance built-in entertainment system on the other end. Over 40' of high-end sliding pocket doors (aluminum exterior to handle the elements and walnut interior to play off the stunning walnut ceiling) disappear to allow full indoor-outdoor… - [Mauna Kea Villa 39](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mauna-kea-villa-39-pj-vj~136025) - Location: Kamuela, HI - Photos: 17 - Description: Remodel of a two bedroom two and a half bath home in the Mauna Kea Villas development on the Gold Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii into a more open, airy, comfortable and eye catching three bedroom, two and a half bath home. Pool and private gated entry also updated and renovated. - [Child-Gressard Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/child-gressard-residence-pj-vj~139240) - Location: Kamuela, HI - Photos: 38 - Description: Up-country equestrian property with two bedroom, two bathroom main home including large home office, covered lanai and laundry room. Detached one bedroom, one bathroom "ohana" guest house. Detached two car garage with tack room and two horse stalls. - [Nob Hill Renovations](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nob-hill-renovations-pj-vj~2644432) - Location: Waimea, HI - Photos: 13 - [Wavecrest Waiki'i Renovations](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wavecrest-waiki-i-renovations-pj-vj~610585) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: Renovation of formerly unused attic volumes into exciting new, usable spaces for the family. First was the renovation of an existing home gym into the daughter's dream "treehouse" bedroom with a rock climbing wall and a fully renovated shared bathroom. Second was conversion of bare dark attic into an open, light and airy new home gym with all necessary equipment, entertainment and operable skylights for ventilation and light. Addition of an all new full bathroom with luxurious shower handles all… - [Noodle Club](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/noodle-club-pj-vj~1973163) - Location: Waimea, HI - Photos: 8 - [Village Burger Waimea](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/village-burger-waimea-pj-vj~437739) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Commercial kitchen for a nationally ranked gourmet restaurant in Hawai'i. The biggest challenge was solving for a functional chef run kitchen in such a small space while conveying to the customers the excitement and energy of flames and hand preparation of all local ingredients. - [Donoho Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/donoho-residence-pj-vj~139254) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: New custom single-family home in the beautiful Texas Hill Country along a private river. This small retirement home is situated on the site so as to preserve and take advantage of the cooling effect of the surrounding live oak trees while maximizing views to nature and wildlife surrounding. The Spanish-Colonial styled home is built of solid clay tile walls, stuccoed, with true heavy-timber beamed and tongue and groove ceiling supporting the authentic Spanish red clay tile roof. Proper orientatio… - [Ulu'La'au Shade Pavilion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ulu-la-au-shade-pavilion-pj-vj~1973170) - Location: Waimea, HI - Photos: 4 - [Keliihoomalu Additions](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/keliihoomalu-additions-pj-vj~136520) - Location: Kamuela, HI - Photos: 8 - Description: Renovation of an existing covered lanai to interior living area as well as the landscape design of the main automobile entry driveway. [See all 13 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/paul-m-donoho-architect-pfvwus-pf~1350695627) ## Ideabooks - [Donoho Arts & Crafts](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/136544258/list/donoho-arts-crafts) — 13 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/pmdarch) ## Community Q&A **Q: New home** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the wood used in the cabinets A: that is African Mahogany **Q: Windows** *(in Photo Questions)* What brand of Windows were used in this home? A: Aloha, thanks for the question! Western Windows supplied most of the package, www.westernwindowsystems.com. The sliding pocket doors are from Pacific Millwork http://www.pacmillwork.com/cms/. **Q: who made the chandelier? where can i buy one like this?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Aloha Jen! Thanks so much for the question The fixture is from Cerno, you can find their info here: http://cernogroup.com/products/muto/ **Q: Countertop.** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the countertop material? A: Aloha! It is a "crema bamboo" granite, sourced from Tile Warehouse in Kona. Thanks for the question! **Q: What wood are these cabinets?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Clear stained actually. If you also look at another of my homes, the Lincoln-George Residence you'll see a clear stained sapele. The Kohala Ranch Heathers Residence has a clear stained walnut. **Q: Trim color?** *(in Photo Questions)* What color is the trim on this house? Who makes it? A: Good question, would love to know the siding, stone, roof manufacturer's and colors too, great work! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-15.*