--- title: "Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/hawaii-modern-architecture-and-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~755141921 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~755141921.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3c63f21700c7ef12_9743-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1521 Punahou St, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, United States" latitude: 21.3117 longitude: -157.8298 phone: "(808) 225-0821" website: https://hawaiimoderninteriordesign.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 12 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 73 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design Original Houzz profile: [Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/hawaii-modern-architecture-and-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~755141921) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Honolulu, HI - **Serves:** Honolulu, Kailua, Kāne‘ohe, Kaneohe, Big Island, Maui - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (12 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2019–2022), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Published nationally - Offers Custom Work Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design is an architecture and interior design firm in Honolulu, HI. We are committed to the idea that architecture and interior design are go hand and hand. Our practice focuses on working with the architect and contractor of your choice or we can provide complete architectural services, taking your project though design, construction documents, permitting, bidding, and completion. We have a client-focused approach. Our expertise and experience can be counted on to knowledgeably guide you through the many decisions that are required for new construction, renovation or interior design. We will be your advocate from the start of your project to completion. We would love to help you design your dream home. ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Lighting Design - Custom Furniture - Laundry Room Design - Art Selection - Universal Design - Wine Cellar Design - Downsizing - Handicap-Accessible Design - Appliance Selection and Specification - Architecture - Design and Drafting - Furniture Purchasing - Interior Finish Materials Selection - Light Fixture Selection - Plumbing Fixture Selection - Renovations & Additions ### Areas Served - Honolulu - Kailua - Kāne‘ohe - Kaneohe - Big Island - Maui ### Typical Job Cost $25,000 - The cost of a project is not the only thing that interests me, I am interested in challenges, problem solving and working with clients who are open to creative ideas and solutions and always want my very best work. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design | | Address | 1521 Punahou St, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822, United States | | Phone | (808) 225-0821 | | Website | https://hawaiimoderninteriordesign.com | | License Number | NA | | Followers on Houzz | 73 | **Social profiles:** - Blog — hawaiimoderninteriordesign.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/hawaii-modern-architecture-and-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~755141921) - **Website:** https://hawaiimoderninteriordesign.com - **Phone:** (808) 225-0821 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - BIA Grand Overall Award for New Construction 2018 - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2019–2022), for Service, Design. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 12 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### All 12 reviews **★★★★★ — Weston Yap - custom sofa, March 2021** > Dian at Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design was an excellent guide when I decided I wanted a quality sofa that would last a lifetime, but my research soon showed that I could not find the small-living-space dimensions, or quality that I wanted via internet vendors or most Honolulu stores. Most internet furniture descriptions are thin on details. I wanted to avoid more lumpy sofas, poky feathers flying out of cushions, sink down to the floor sofas, permanent mystery stained sofas... > My friends, there is a separate custom furniture marketplace that purposely only markets to designers or retail stores because quality furniture has a lot of important details in design, construction, most importantly family safe materials. > Dian is a deeply knowledgeable professional with a wide range of industry connections and suppliers who I could not have accessed on my own. She is a patient counselor, ready with the facts. > I will definitely work with her again. **★★★★ — Fritz Johnson AIA, Sept. 2019** > Dian was a true pleasure to work with; we were teamed up on an unusually difficult project with various constraints, and she really brought it to life in a way that impressed everyone and made the Owner extremely happy. Can't ask for more than that! **Comment from Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design:** > Thank you Fritz, I hope we will have an opportunity to work together again. I enjoyed working with you. **★★★★★ — jim schmit, Feb. 2019** > We have collaborated with Dian on many of our projects and our clients have been extremely happy with her work. She is incredibly thorough and thoughtful and a pleasure to work with. Her expertise and dedication make her someone we routinely recommend. Dian has an extensive portfolio with a wide variety of projects and styles however she particularly excels in contemporary modern design. More and more of our clients are requesting modern houses and Dian's interior design selections always complement our architecture beautifully. She has an incredible ability to create the perfect sleek and sophisticated interiors that incorporate client's personal tastes and preferences turning houses into homes. She is the obvious choice for modern interior design in Hawaii. **★★★★★ — BIA- Hawaii, Dec. 2018** > Hawaii Modern Interior Design is an exceptional group, led by Dian Cleve. She is outstanding in her commitment to her craft and her customers. Her vision, attention to detail and knowledge of material, space, and resources elevates her to the top tier in the Hawaii market. It takes a certain caliber to effectively distill a customer's vision into a coherent masterpiece, and she has shown that she can do it, and do it well. Her award-winning design garnered more than one top prize in Hawaii. I anticipate a great deal of future success for this delightful interior design firm. **★★★★★ — Joe Robinson, Dec. 2018** > Dian came highly recommended to us for a remodel of an apartment in Honolulu. We were not disappointed. Throughout the process, Dian was always pleasure to work with and her sense of style and space resulted in the apartment remodel that far exceeded our expectations. Dian helped us transform a dark and tight space into an light and airy, very usable space. We love the results. We highly recommend Dian as someone you can trust with your project. **★★★★★ — Robyn Buntin Of Honolulu Gallery, May 2018** > Dian has a great sense of modern yet timeless design. She's well-educated in the most current materials and design options such as lighting, space-saving elements, contemporary trends and innovative products. One of the things I like best about her work is that it always looks very clean and elegant yet each component looks special and is based on high quality. > I have worked with her on higher and lower budget projects and she is very mindful of making the client's money get the best bang for their buck. Her knowledge of Hawaii's unique design advantages and challenges takes a lot of the guesswork out of what kind of design concepts may or may not work. She also keeps an eye on what will look good now and for the long term which is especially valuable expertise. **Comment from Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design:** > Thank you so much. I love working with you and the Gallery. Stepping into the gallery is like stepping into the art history of Asia and the Pacific. I always come away having learned something that informs my appreciation of art, be it the work of contemporary artist or a glimpse into art a of an artist who worked hundreds of years ago. I am always inspired. **★★★★★ — Debbie Weil-Manuma, May 2018** > My goal was to design a home that fit our lifestyle. I wanted clean lines, a modern vibe, and a warm and inviting home that we could live in comfortably and entertain in style. When I reached out to Dian I wasn’t quite sure what I really needed because I had never built a home. Dian took control of everything that I didn’t want to think about. Things like "where do we vary the ceiling heights for the best impact, where do we wire for lighting fixtures, where should the outlets be placed"? The fun part was collaborating on the interior design and furnishing the home with pieces not seen in every home in Hawaii. Some of the furnishing were custom designed by Dian and her team. My red leather dining chairs with inset leopard fabric were designed to be 2” wider than a normal chair to comfortably seat a larger figured woman. My favorite WOW is the backsplash in the kitchen. I saw a piece of art while traveling and wasn’t quite sure where it would go. Dian suggested that we have it produced by Bizazza tile and this spectacular 5’ X 8’ masterpiece is the focal point of our living area. My second favorite thing is my bathroom and dressing room, complete with a feather chandelier and custom feather trimmed bench in my boudoir. Along the way, I enjoyed some special surprises including a red sink in the powder bath that illuminates upon entry and a television in my makeup mirror. If you are looking for some great suggestions in a variety of price points, Dian is your lady. **Comment from Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design:** > Hi Deb, Thanks so much for this wonderful review, Building a house takes at real team and I am so glad you chose me to be a part of this team. This is a remarkable house, one that came together because of your open vision and great sense of living with joy. **★★★★★ — Nathan Dwyer, May 2018** > We worked with Dian on two projects (bathrooms and kitchen/living area), and were extremely pleased with both of them. In both cases, we arrived at a design that satisfied everything we wanted to accomplish and exceeded our expectations in terms of beauty and functionality. Dian is not only an excellent listener, she's a wonderful educator--she always took time to explain her recommendations and to make sure we were fully bought in before we committed to them. Her long history in the area means she has a broad knowledge of different sources to draw on, and long term working relationships with many of the people here, so she was able to find us some amazing materials and craftspeople that we would never have known about. I would happily and enthusiastically recommend her. **Comment from Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design:** > Thank you so much for this wonderful review. The bathrooms are great, but you kitchen is a a joy. I know it changed the way you live in the house and relate to Christian and your friends and guests. Thanks for generously going along with my designs. **★★★★★ — Devra Wathen, May 2018** > In the Illustrious Kahala neighborhood, on the island of Oahu, is our custom dream home. Created by the dream team at HMA & Interior Design. Dian Cleve (Principle Lead Designer) was able to take our vision and love for the Balinese / Hawaiian architectural design and create our island dream home. Dian’s finale vision was an award winning timeless custom home. Winning the BIA of Hawaii Renaissance in 2014. Five years after we moved in. A Timeless! design. > > Dian worked very close with us for a few weeks just to make sure she understood our personal lifestyle needs. She put together a project time line outline and had us answer several questions making us comfortable with the process and the challenges that might occur. > > After reviewing a few of her previous projects we knew that HMA & Interior Design was who we wanted to work with. When building a home such as this it is good to have a well-rounded lead designer with a great reputation. Someone well associated with local subs and finish people is imperative to a successful custom home. Dian was able to reach out to these people directly and coordinate with the onsite construction team keeping our project moving forward, on time, and on budget. > > Dian never dropped the ball, was always available, and the attention to detail was impeccable. -Dian understands and can visualize the end product. From beautiful custom cabinetry to the hand-carved inset Balinese ceilings, and beautiful furnishings, the finished project was a spectacular show home of our dreams. Thank you, Dian! > Devra and Charles Wathen **Comment from Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design:** > Chuck and Devra, Thank you so much for all of your kind words. Working with you and the team you assembled to bring you dream house to life is one of the highlights of my career and always will be. Opportunities to work on a project that demands creativity and excellence at every corner do not present themselves often. The best of the best. , "You can't have a great project without a great client" Thanks Always **★★★★★ — paul6679, May 2018** > We highly recommend Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design, The executives we’ve worked with are exemplary professionals with the perfect balance of decades of experience combined with modern experience. > > ★★★★★ **★★★★★ — Vilma Tamayo-Navarro, April 2018** > Aloha! > Dian has bee great to work with these many years. She comes in and does research prior to bringing in the client. I've witnessed her interaction with these clients who are able to make quick solid decisions because they trust her recommendations. Her thoroughness, allows the projects to go smoothly as possible. Grateful to have her professionalism in this business, which makes it enjoyable to work with her. Mahalo, Dian! **★★★★★ — John Sutton, April 2018** > There is nothing finer than building with a great team! We have had the pleasure of working together with Dian on a number of fabulous projects. Each of these builds have been complex and unique, she has been the key to the success of the project on every occasion. Dian listens and hears what our clients are asking for, she communicates well with our craftsmen so together we develop the best methods to construct & create. She is responsive and always alert regarding the importance of timely decision making and material purchasing, which helps us stay on schedule and budget. Dian is skilled with colors, textures and furnishings. She is an excellent designer who I can highly recommend. **Comment from Hawaii Modern Architecture and Interior Design:** > I am so fortunate to work with the Sutton Organization. John, Thank you so much for this wonderful review. I hope we have many many more opportunities to work with you and your team. We really do have fun and at the end we have happy clients and a project we can all be proud of. ## Selected projects - [Weil-Manuma-BIA Grand Overall Award winner for New Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/weil-manuma-bia-grand-overall-award-winner-for-new-construction-pj-vj~4343572) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 28 - Description: Weil-Manuma project won the BIA Grand Overall Award for New Construction and was featured on the cover of Hawaii Home Remodeling magazine: https://hawaiihomemag.com/article/colorful-inviting-oahu-home-showcases-work-top-professionals - [Kaikoo Place](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kaikoo-place-pj-vj~3012171) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 25 - [Custom Kitchen and Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-kitchen-and-bath-pj-vj~3012770) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 21 - [584 Moaniala](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/584-moaniala-pj-vj~3009735) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 25 - [Waimanalo Hi](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/waimanalo-hi-pj-vj~3012658) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 20 - [Imperial Plaza](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/imperial-plaza-pj-vj~3009758) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 33 - [Yacht Harbor Towers](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yacht-harbor-towers-pj-vj~3009765) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 10 - [Mederios Residence Design for a Small Space Inbox](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mederios-residence-design-for-a-small-space-inbox-pj-vj~6438265) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Maui - Kaanapali](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/maui-kaanapali-pj-vj~3012754) - Location: Kaanapali, HI - Photos: 25 - [Wathen Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wathen-residence-pj-vj~3012179) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 11 - [Honua](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/honua-pj-vj~3012656) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 15 - [Pacific Heights](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pacific-heights-pj-vj~3012750) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 17 - [Kahala Beach Apartments](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kahala-beach-apartments-pj-vj~3009741) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 10 - Description: A COMPLETE RENOVATION OF AN EXISTING APARTMENT. This was a downsizing project. Our client was a world traveler and had collected many beautiful things from a lifetime of adventures. Our job was to edit furnishings, art, and treasures and transition from a 5,000 SF space into a 1,500 SF apartment and introduce some newer elements to make it all work. Our client was very happy and she remained surrounded by treasures and comfort along with a little zing. - [Nicholson](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nicholson-pj-vj~3120376) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 15 - [Awards](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/awards-pj-vj~5393785) - Location: Honolulu, HI - Photos: 1 - Description: https://hawaiihomemag.com/article/colorful-inviting-oahu-home-showcases-work-top-professionals - [Colorful Inviting Oahu Home \| Hawaii Home Remodeling Article](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colorful-inviting-oahu-home-hawaii-home-remodeling-article-pj-vj~6438395) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [A Small But Mighty Townhouse Renovation for Two \| Hawaii Home Remodeling](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-small-but-mighty-townhouse-renovation-for-two-hawaii-home-remodeling-pj-vj~6438398) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 [See all 17 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/hawaii-modern-architecture-and-interior-design-pfvwus-pf~755141921) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/96697158/list/wish-list) — 3 ideas - [Manoa Home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/154407447/list/manoa-home) — 5 ideas - [Modern Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/138372274/list/modern-kitchen) — 2 ideas - [Medeiros Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/111636948/list/medeiros-kitchen) — 1 idea - [Anaha Lighting](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93632007/list/anaha-lighting) — 4 ideas - [Anaha Dining Table & Chairs/Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/93020968/list/anaha-dining-table-chairs-contemporary) — 5 ideas - [Anaha](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/91036126/list/anaha) — 3 ideas - [Oversized Chairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61165299/list/oversized-chairs) — 2 ideas - [W-M Powder Room](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60445276/list/w-m-powder-room) — 9 ideas - [Wood Railings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56288089/list/wood-railings) — 7 ideas - [Paikau Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51891090/list/paikau-kitchen) — 6 ideas - [Bev Oyama](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54391629/list/bev-oyama) — 6 ideas - [896 Mokulua](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/51890929/list/896-mokulua) — 19 ideas - [The Pool House](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/34987948/list/the-pool-house) — 1 idea [See all 14 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/interiordesign96817) ## Community Q&A **Q: I love everything about this project! Where can I buy the bed?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Robbin, Thanks for the comment. I will have to look at our specifications to find out where we got this bed. I will bet back to you. Dian **Q: is the flooring pretty durable .** *(in Photo Questions)* Looking to put in on the kitchen ,dining room and living room floors. Love the look. A: We used a honed finish and had it sealed with a matte sealer. It does take some maintenance. I recommend resealing once year in the kitchen area if it is heavily used. Put down rugs or pads where most of the used occurs, i.e., in front of the range and sink. Limestone is harder than travertine, but it will absorb spills if not sealed. **Q: what type of stone is on the floor** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the flooring that you used ?marble ? Thank you A: Jerusalem White Gold Limestone. **Q: Flooring: What natural stone tile color/type would go w/ this kitchen?** *(in Design Dilemma)* The last photo is for reference of the view from the kitchen. A: This look is so a to a kitchen I have in my project pictures. Look at the Wathen Residence at Hawaii Modern Interior Design. With this combination we used ivory travertine. If it were mine, I would look for a good travertine look,porcelain tile in a medium to light tone. The travertine stone does take some maintenance. Porcelain tile is almost maintenance free. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*