--- title: "Trigg-Smith Architects — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/trigg-smith-architects-pfvwus-pf~662816960 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~662816960.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Trigg-Smith Architects" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/6f03307b0f186518_1433-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "162 Ohana St., Kailua, Hawaii 96734, United States" latitude: 21.4063 longitude: -157.7448 phone: "(808) 263-4475" website: http://www.triggsmitharchitects.com rating: 5 review_count: 12 best_of_houzz_awards: 4 followers: 109 last_updated: 2026-08-17 --- # Trigg-Smith Architects Original Houzz profile: [Trigg-Smith Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/trigg-smith-architects-pfvwus-pf~662816960) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Kailua, HI - **Serves:** Honolulu, Kailua, Kāne‘ohe, Kaneohe, Kaneohe Station, ‘Āhuimanu, Waimānalo, He‘eia, Kahalu‘u, Waimānalo Beach, Maunawili, Kaaawa, WaiKāne, Fort Shafter, Ft Shafter, Kahala, Portlock - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (12 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2018–2021), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Green & Stylish Island Architecture, Interior Design, and Remodelling for all budgets. Trigg-Smith Architects is a Kailua-based architecture firm designing beautiful and unique solutions for home owners throughout Hawaii and the Mainland. We are a licensed architecture firm in Hawaii and California. For more information, contact us today. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Custom Homes - New Home Construction ### Areas Served - Honolulu - Kailua - Kāne‘ohe - Kaneohe - Kaneohe Station - ‘Āhuimanu - Waimānalo - He‘eia - Kahalu‘u - Waimānalo Beach - Maunawili - Kaaawa - WaiKāne - Fort Shafter - Ft Shafter - Kahala - Portlock ### Typical Job Cost $350,000 - 6 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Trigg-Smith Architects | | Address | 162 Ohana St., Kailua, Hawaii 96734, United States | | Phone | (808) 263-4475 | | Website | http://www.triggsmitharchitects.com | | License Number | 7172 | | Followers on Houzz | 109 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/TriggSmithArchitects - Blog — http://www.triggsmitharchitects.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Trigg-Smith Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/trigg-smith-architects-pfvwus-pf~662816960) - **Website:** http://www.triggsmitharchitects.com - **Phone:** (808) 263-4475 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 4 awards (2018–2021), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 12 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — Lisa Scontras, Nov. 2020** > My husband and I were so grateful for Trigg's imaginative design genius when he designed and managed the renovation of our Hawaii Kai waterfront townhome. Trigg's design expertise, execution, and results exceeded our expectations. He thought of everything and made sure every detail was thought through. We were totally blown away with his drawings, where he drew the exact placement of each tile, custom designed a stair railing to reflect our water theme with iron and wood, and gave us an exquisite master bath and walk-in closet. He helped us with everything — guiding us with colors, stone patterns, wood options. He listened, and was easy to work with. And Trigg made it fun. It was a great experience. Trigg is a true professional with an impressive resume, and local resources. We love our home. Thanks, Trigg. **★★★★★ — Jill Grosjean, April 2020** > From the first phone call to our first meeting, I knew Trigg was the architect I wanted. My husband and I are building a house 6,000 miles from our current home and the need to be able to communicate nearly entirely by phone was of paramount importance. I have to say our phone calls, emails and texts have been a perfect expression of a professional working relationship interspersed with the fun of chatting with an old friend. > > I'm in the communication business, but very few people truly know how to fully communicate ideas across a telephone conversation, but Trigg does. If you want an architect who can listen and effectively translate your thoughts, your vision of what you want in your house (and I have very definite ideas of what I want in my house) Trigg is the architect for you. > > On the day we first met Trigg, we picked him up at the airport and drove him directly to our property. Once there, Trigg took a long moment to look around and take in the view, he then turned to me and said, "Oh, this is going to be good!" Done deal. I knew we were in good hands. And I've felt this way every day since. **★★★★★ — Dani M., Feb. 2018** > Trigg designed our dream home and we could not be happier! He took care in taking advantage of the tradewinds and natural light. The way he designed our roofline to cast shadows is beautiful. If I didn’t understand the concept, his simple sketch made it clear. We had weekly meetings on the job site and Trigg made sure our custom details were followed as drawn. Trigg was very helpful in guiding us in our choices for materials and colors. He has a very good relationship with the suppliers and vendors. Throughout the process, what was important to us was that Trigg understood how we wanted to feel when we walked through the door - a sense of calm and simplicity. It was a pleasure working with Trigg and we highly recommend him. **★★★★★ — Kuleana Construction LLC, Oct. 2017** > I have so many great things to say about Trigg, I honestly don’t even know where to begin. As a builder I have thoroughly enjoyed bringing his designs and vision to life. His attention to detail is impeccable and his creativity inspiring. Trigg truly considers his customers a priority, and he strives to create the perfect product. His design process is unique and like no other architect I have worked with. He is respectful, honest, and thoughtful. His vocabulary is so extensive, I often have to google what he means. Trigg is top notch all around. Thank you Trigg. **★★★★★ — david ing, Oct. 2017** > Trigg-Smith Architects was hired to redesign and renovate my three traditional Hawaiian style pole-houses located on a steep slope overlooking the Nu\`uanu stream. > > Trigg is definitely a hands-on architect. He would spend countless hours on site through all phases of construction, meeting with me and coordinating with the general contractor, Greg Thielen. Trigg constantly sketched and presented me with various options for all areas of the project. It did not matter whether we discussed cabinets, doors, windows, etc., Trigg always gave me versions to review that helped me understand the details of the project in more depth. Together, we visited showrooms to look at tile, counters and cabinetry finishes. Trigg was with me every step of the way making sure everything was built correctly and going over all the sub-contractor proposals. He even went as far as blue taping locations of walls on the floor helping me to get a feel for the dimensions to each room. His calm persona made sure I was comfortable with each and every decision. It was as if he was my support system, helping me to make sense out of what would otherwise have been a chaotic and overwhelming endeavor. His expertise and experience kept everything moving forward. It’s therefore no surprise that I was extremely pleased with the final outcome. > > Thanks so much Trigg! **★★★★★ — Fabiano Souza, Oct. 2017** > I've been working with Trigg for almost ten years and have the privilege to help design and build his on kitchen for his house in Kailua, his creativity and sharp eyes for colors took the final design to the next level. In all this time, he's been one of the coolest people to work with. As an Architect, he understands the local vibe of the Hawaiian lifestyle and the nuances of the construction industry in the islands. Trigg also has a great network of subs and other professionals that can actually deliver high-end, professional work. I also really appreciate that Trigg doesn't pretend to know all the technicalities of a job, instead, he allows subs to participate in the decision making process, which saves lots of money and time. Trigg and his wife, Jill also throw amazing parties at their house and his British charm is sure to enchant people with lots of patience and great inspirational ideas. **★★★★★ — J H, Aug. 2017** > Looking back, seeking out Trigg for his expertise for the design and construction of my waterfront house was the best decision I could have made. Others can attest that it takes only one meeting to be convinced that Trigg is insightful and meticulous with his craft. Not only that, he is wonderful to work with and a joy to be around. He is in his element when he is explaining the concepts, the process, and the options to the customer. It really is no different than a student learning from a distinguished professor at an Ivy League institution. Except this is an interactive process, where the professor considers your needs, offers his suggestions before incorporating them into the design. Yes there is a cost associated with this experience, but in the grand scheme of things the money is well spent, as not only does Trigg walks you through the process of design, permitting, finish out, contractor selection and construction, but you will get your money back and then some through the value created by the final product. **★★★★★ — K C, July 2017** > Trigg reimagined our space in a way no one else ever would have, giving us a light and bright design reflective of our lifestyle. He was patient in the design process as we reviewed his concepts and listened to our feedback in creating revisions. We couldn't be happier with our renovation. **Comment from Trigg-Smith Architects:** > Kristin, > > Thank you very much for your super review. This is much appreciated. > You were a terrific client, making it so easy for me to bounce ideas and concepts off you to achieve our end result. I am so happy you love the finished product. > > Cheers, > Trigg **★★★★★ — Cynthia Clemente, March 2017** > Trigg is a joy to work with! His close relationship with his client allows for the clients personality to be exemplified in their home. Our forever dream home came to a final conclusion through his willingness to listen, adjust and create our perfect haven. Thanks Trigg, we couldn't be happier. **★★★★★ — Barbara Bumatay Picayo, March 2017** > Trigg (how he likes to be called) helped turn our dated Kailua home into a beautiful space that feels bright, spacious, breezy and most importantly, feels like us. Every time we return home from a trip, it feels wonderful to enter our beautiful home. > My husband and I wanted to be very hands on with the process and Trigg was very fine with that, always providing various design alternatives and being patient with us. I was always impressed with how he effortlessly came up with ideas that we had never even considered and was always thinking "outside the box". He kind of has that creative genius quality. > Once the drawings were made and the Contractor started his work, Trigg held both our hands through the entire process. For the entirety of the project, Trigg was there to make sure everything happened as planned and made changes if necessary. He was around as much as the contractor and remained very concerned with every aspect of construction and aesthetics. > Possibly most important to us though is that Trigg is genuinely a nice guy. We always had time to chat and laugh and he was always sensitive to our needs or when we showed a hesitance. Also, we know we are small beans for him, compared to much of the work he does; but Trigg never put on those airs. He treated us and still does, with respect and importance. > We would hire Trigg again (and we did) and we would recommend him to anybody. **★★★★★ — Barker Kappelle Construction, LLC, May 2013** > Trigg-Smith's creativity, dedication, and mindfulness in all scopes of each project was inspiring. We hope to work with Trigg-Smith again in the near future. **★★★★★ — ltcgraham, July 2012** > Trigg-Smith is probably the best architect I've ever worked with - and I've worked with many. He understands vision of his clients, line of sight no matter where you are in the house, colors, textures, materials, size, ..... He's the ultimate architect and I recommend him strongly. ## Selected projects - [Kailua Urban Plantation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kailua-urban-plantation-pj-vj~3126665) - Location: Kailua, HI - Photos: 20 - [Kailua Vernacular](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kailua-vernacular-pj-vj~2717067) - Location: Kailua, HI - Photos: 23 - [Hawaiian Eclectic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hawaiian-eclectic-pj-vj~2637541) - Location: Kailua, HI - Photos: 34 - [Hawaiian Plantation Villa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hawaiian-plantation-villa-pj-vj~2637553) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - [Kailua Beachfront Celebrity Getaway](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kailua-beachfront-celebrity-getaway-pj-vj~2344115) - Location: Kailua, HI - Photos: 24 - [Oceanview Villa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oceanview-villa-pj-vj~2565038) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 29 - Description: Photographer: Rex Maximillian - [Historic Nuuanu](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-nuuanu-pj-vj~2672524) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 27 - [Cliffside Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cliffside-residence-pj-vj~2581062) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 13 - [The Nuuanu Polehouse Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-nuuanu-polehouse-remodel-pj-vj~2658935) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 10 - [Contemporary Kailua Plantation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-kailua-plantation-pj-vj~2548732) - Location: Kailua, HI - Photos: 24 - [Modern Coastal Estate - Kauai](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-coastal-estate-kauai-pj-vj~2492595) - Location: Kilauea, HI - Photos: 27 - [Plantation Style Ranch on Kauai](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/plantation-style-ranch-on-kauai-pj-vj~2338542) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 37 - [Plantation Craftsman Cottage in Kailua](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/plantation-craftsman-cottage-in-kailua-pj-vj~2344059) - Location: Kailua, HI - Photos: 40 - [Kaneohe Bay Plantation Style Townhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kaneohe-bay-plantation-style-townhouse-pj-vj~2344127) - Location: Kaneohe, HI - Photos: 35 - [Bali-inspired](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bali-inspired-pj-vj~2376850) - Location: Waialua, HI - Photos: 53 - [Kailua Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kailua-kitchen-pj-vj~2344096) - Location: Kailua, HI - Photos: 32 - [Oceanfront Estate - Kauai](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oceanfront-estate-kauai-pj-vj~2358682) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 35 - [2015 Diamond Head Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/2015-diamond-head-renovation-pj-vj~2615260) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Kauai Board and Batten Style Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kauai-board-and-batten-style-estate-pj-vj~2344149) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Peninsular Kauai Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/peninsular-kauai-home-pj-vj~2329631) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 [See all 38 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/trigg-smith-architects-pfvwus-pf~662816960) ## Ideabooks - [LINEAR EXPRESSION](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/129753856/list/linear-expression) — 11 ideas - [PLANTATION STYLE](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/102391984/list/plantation-style) — 8 ideas - [Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/96110439/list/lighting) — 3 ideas - [FURNISHINGS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93924559/list/furnishings) — 12 ideas - [STAIRS](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78124310/list/stairs) — 2 ideas - [HU](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89041853/list/hu) — 3 ideas - [KITCHEN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78124079/list/kitchen) — 2 ideas - [DAVIDS KITCHEN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78197073/list/davids-kitchen) — 6 ideas - [SHOJI-LANIKAI](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74420843/list/shoji-lanikai) — 5 ideas - [WOOD CEILING](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/78120778/list/wood-ceiling) — 7 ideas - [KANNAPPAN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/74465862/list/kannappan) — 3 ideas - [triggsmitharchitectshawaii's details](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1227203/list/triggsmitharchitectshawaii-s-details) — 2 ideas [See all 12 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/triggsmitharchitectshawaii) ## Community Q&A **Q: what is the name of the fruit chandelier?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Chesapeake Blue and Green... I am thinking this was a custom or small run fixture. I'll have to ask the principal if he can remember the fabricator. Regards and Aloha, Michael Associate Designer **Q: What kind of wallpaper is this? Thank you.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This project was completed almost ten years ago! Many of the vendors and sub-contractors come to us through the GCs we work with. Which means, regretfully, that I don't have this information at my fingertips... let me see what information I can get from the builder - but it might take a little while (they are in Bali for 10 days)... Aloha! Michael Associate-Designer ATSA - Trigg-Smith Architects **Q: The floor!! Wood...Tile...Wood and Tile? Please share.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Wood with tile inlay... **Q: Where are those doors from? Roughly, how much do they cost? Do they keep sideways rain out?** *(in Photo Questions)* We are looking at doing some remodel work at a home in Kailua. Thank you. A: Hi Barbara - don't you recognize the Trigg-Smith Architects Houzz profile link :) These are Trigg's doors at his lanai! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-17.*