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aryn Lee, Ferraro Choi and Associates Ltd. vice president and principal, ignited her passion for architecture by staying close to home.

“My father was an architect and introduced my two sisters and me to the field early on,” she shares. “We all spent time in his drafting room, but I was the only one who decided to pursue architecture as a career.”

After graduating from Punahou School and receiving a bachelor’s in Architecture from Cornell University, Lee established herself as a notable architect in New York. Now back in Hawai‘i, Lee is chasing every opportunity to learn about the advancement of the industry while finding satisfaction in contributing to her community.

“While I enjoyed my time in New York, much of the work was out-of-state or -country,” she says. “Here, we get to design for our own community, which is very meaningful and a real privilege.”

Question: Can you share a little about your professional journey?

Answer: My professional journey has been relatively linear, but I had no idea it would be a loop that came full circle. One of the most surprising and rewarding moments in my career was becoming an owner at Ferraro Choi — the same firm where I started as a newly minted architect. After 16 years in New York, returning to Hawai‘i and being welcomed so warmly by Joe [Ferraro], Troy [Miyasato] and Bill [Brooks] truly felt like a real homecoming.

Q: How have you seen the industry change over the last five years?

A: The pace of change has accelerated dramatically. With the rise of new technologies, AI (artificial intelligence), the impacts of COVID and shift in politics and policy, the industry has been reshaped in how we work, how we collaborate and the types of projects we work on.

Q: What were some unexpected challenges in your career, and how did you work through them? 

A: When my children were very young, I chose to pause my career to focus on them. Coming back was challenging. I felt a loss of confidence, especially with the leaps in technology and the gap in my project experience. I rebuilt my career by working very hard, taking on less desirable tasks and using every opportunity to gain valuable experience and regain momentum.

Q: How is Hawai‘i’s architecture industry different from the continent’s? 

A: Living on an island, relationships are extra important. The community here is smaller and more interconnected, and collaboration and trust
are essential.

Q: What advice would you give someone who is beginning their career in architecture?

A: There is so much to learn, don’t be afraid to tackle new things and look for mentors. So many experienced professionals are willing to share their hard-earned knowledge and just need to be asked.

Q: What predictions do you have for the future of the architecture industry?

A: I don’t believe architects will be replaced by AI, but our tools for work are transforming.

As technology advances, expectations around delivery speed will likely continue to grow.

Q: What is your favorite activity in the islands?

A: Spending time in nature is my favorite way to recharge. I am always trying to convince my kids to go hiking with me, but they hate mosquitos, so I don’t get my wish as often as I’d like.