Trans-Pacific Design

Shawn of Trans Pacific Design and her partner Sue were absolutely wonderful to work with and my husband and I are delighted with the result which included all the furnishings and finishes for a rebuild of a 4 bedroom house. In addition they connected us to some amazing local artists. They even went out of their way to receive countless shipments of household goods at their offices while the remodel construction was underway. I consider them friends.

Since we were pleased with the outcome of using an interior designer in our first house, we decided to try again in our new location. We contacted Susan Moss of Trans-Pacific Design in Waimea, Hawaii, after seeing her work in a magazine. Susan began by sending a lengthy questionnaire and asking us to set up a Houzz account, so we could share photos of things she and we liked. When we met, her suggestions showed that she had paid close attention to our questionnaire responses and the uploaded Houzz photos. Even more promising was that she and we had uploaded similar photos, so my husband and I knew Trans-Pacific Design was right for us. Our architect had included a lot of detail in his plans, so our initial request was limited to Susan assisting us with colors, especially with coordinating various woods incorporated in the design—doors, T&G ceilings, floors and cabinets. We were so impressed with her work that we found ourselves asking for additional help with recessed and kitchen lighting, tile, wallpaper and elevations. One area where she was a huge help was when my husband and I struggled with making our furniture fit on the plans in one of our multipurpose rooms—a home office, media room, guest room. After looking at the plans, Susan changed the single entry door to a pair of pocket doors and centered them to mirror the sliding glass doors on the opposite wall. For the other 2 walls, she tucked a couch between 2 single closets—instead of the plan’s 1 large closet—and hung the TV over the office desk on the opposite wall. We have been in the house 6 months, and the room is the perfect solution for working during the day and relaxing in the evening. We also appreciated Susan giving us price options. For example, for our trim, T&G ceilings, etc., the architect had specified mixed-grain Douglas fir. Susan took the time to explain why she recommended vertical grain Douglas fir, even though there was a sizable price difference. She was absolutely right. The vertical grain was the better choice for the clean, calm, sophisticated look we wanted. Building a house during Covid was no simple task, especially since we are in Hawaii and getting products is difficult and time-consuming in the best of times. Susan used her expertise and contacts to source materials for great choices. Choosing Trans-Pacific Design was money very well spent. In some cases, her knowledge—local and global—even saved us money. Anyone who has built a home knows it can be stressful. Susan’s upbeat personality and her staff’s professionalism made the project enjoyable. Susan gave the project—and us—a lot of attention. She and her staff were always available for calls and messages, and they answered our emails promptly. Friends and family come to our house and say, “Wow!” More importantly, WE love the beauty and comfort of our home. If we build again, Susan will be the first professional we call. And we will recommend her and Trans-Pacific Design to anyone who starts a house

Susan Moss did an amazing job in coordinating the remodel project at our Mauna Lani Point condo. The final project was even better than our expectations. It was extremely stressful attempting a remodel during COVID times when travel to the island was restricted and shut down at times. Susan Moss made the process move forward almost seamlessly. Her ideas and design suggestions were always exceptional and made for an elegant remodel. We were skeptical of being able to accomplish our remodel goals without being present. Susan Moss’s expertise, knowledge and skill made for a stunning final product. We highly recommend Susan Moss and Trans-Pacific Design.

We renovated two baths and a small laundry room in a 1996 Waimea home. Removal of shower /tub combo in guest bath. Installation of curbless showers in both bathrooms. New exterior windows, floors, counters, tile and fixtures in both bathrooms. Sue Moss and her team were a pleasure to work with during all phases of the job. Sue has a wonderful design aesthetic but she also has a wealth of experience and knowledge about materials and products that goes beyond appearances. Sue was attentive to our budget and listened closely to our needs and requests for improvements to the new design. Sue communicated easily and pro-actively with us and the contractor. She was available whenever a question arose, coming to the worksite if needed. The pandemic added new challenges which Sue navigated expertly. We would gladly work with Sue Moss again.

Sue Moss, owner of Trans-Pacific Design and I, started talking as soon as our home was purchased. It was a total tear out; walls and flooring removed, bathrooms striped, kitchen removed and rearranged. We added Soffits, rewired the electrical with a low voltage Lutron System, repumbed the bathrooms and added an all new kitchen. Sue and team were great, even though we had to communicate from out if state. Their ideas and suggestions were in tune with our initial vision, they were tireless in bringing new elements and products to the project, while paying attention to every detail. The colors, textures and fabrics Sue helped us pick are exquisite, a talent most non professionals, including myself, do not possess. Our home is fitting of it's beautiful Hawaiian setting, "Thanks" to Sue and the team at Trans-Pacific Design.

Sue Moss began by helping us with a bathroom remodel and with every wise insight she gives us we think of more questions in other rooms. She listens well and knows how to climb into our heads and understand what we are trying to accomplish. She’s truly a find!

My company, SunChase Holdings, is developing a massive luxury residential/resort community on the Big Island of Hawaii and Trans Pacific was recommended to us by our Architect. We've worked with some of the best design professionals in the world and consider Susan and her team to be among them. Their work is brilliant, their execution is flawless, their professionalism is remarkable - however their integrity and commitment is what truly impresses us. Susan and her team are fabulously talented and responsive - but more important, they are people of meticulous character. We look forward to working with Trans pacific on future projects and highly recommend them.

Although I hadn’t worked with Trans‐Pacific Designs previously, I knew Sue Moss casually, and we would occasionally cross paths at our local farmers market. I had heard good things about Sue and her firm, so when we needed to bring in an interior designer for a project here in town, I decided to give her a call. From the very beginning, I knew this was the right choice. Sue and the staff at Trans-Pacific Designs are the real deal. From the selection and ordering of flooring materials to finishes and everything in between the process was organized, handled professionally and contributed to a successful project resulting in satisfied clients and an industry award of merit for the project genre. Successful projects need a good team of skilled professionals, and interior design services are a vital component of a successful project. I would encourage anyone undertaking a renovation or new construction project to give Trans‐Pacific Designs a call. Brett Kennelly Kennelly, Watanabe & Associates Author: The Homeowner’s Guide to Hiring Contractors

Our project started by removing everything in the condo to the bare walls and floors. All communications on the project were done on the computer. Sue was instrumental in giving us interim progress reports through her emails and updates. Trans-Pacific did the drawings, specs and budget...and kept everything on target. We were concerned about time and distance but it was not a problem! She was on top of everything. Using Houzz helped her see our preferences and we used it for most of the furniture ideas. We would not try this without Sue and her staff as we were 2500 miles away during the whole remodel.

We worked with Sue Moss on our house in Hawaii. She is absolutely amazing as she worked so well with both of us. She got who we are and what are tastes are and melded them together. We worked together to make just the best interior! She is amazing with color, putting things together and finding a vision so beautiful. I am forever grateful to Sue Moss!

We purchased a 1940s era cottage in the town of Waimea on the Big Island several years ago. The kitchen and bathrooms had been redone in the 80’s and not in a good way! As we lived on Oahu, we needed someone on the Big Island to work with our architect in the design process. Sue was recommended to us and after meeting her we found her to be very professional and adept in listening to what we wanted. She was able to guide us in the selection of furnishings and fixtures that updated our home while keeping the cottage feeling intact. One of the best things about working with Sue’s firm is that they were very efficient in keeping track of the progress of the project, meeting with the builder, locating and ordering what was needed and communicating with us regularly. I would definitely recommend her to others who are planning a home update project.

Sue and her company helped us find a great contractor, architect and helped to select most of the details for a kitchen we love. I can only say what I want but I really have no idea and Sue helped us in developing a vision to made everything come together. She was very efficient and really kept us abreast on the development each step of the way. I believe by finding an interior designer to remodel a kitchen was the way to go. She had concepts and modern ideas that I really liked. If I did it myself, I wouldnʻt have know where to start. She is really good and has a professional attitude but very friendly and open. I enjoyed the experience and look forward to working with her on the rest of the house.