In Hawaii, a home is more than shelter, it’s where ocean breezes, mountain views, and your personal story come together. Aloha, I’m John Black, and I founded Lapis Design Partners with this belief at heart.
Where trade winds meet mountain vistas, I’ve dedicated my career to creating spaces that enhance your daily experience, nurture your relationships, and honor the unique beauty of island living. From kitchen remodels to contemporary home design, our approach blends modern aesthetics with the timeless spirit of these islands.
We begin with conversation. I'll learn about your lifestyle, your must-haves, and things you might not have considered, whether planning for retirement, creating space for extended family, or incorporating passive design to reduce energy costs.
We explore possibilities together using 3D models so you can virtually "walk through" ideas before committing, helping you visualize everything from Hawaiian design details to optimal floor plans for your contemporary island house.
We handle the paperwork maze, navigating the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) process so it becomes our challenge, not yours.
With plans finalized and approvals in hand, we begin the construction and remodeling work, bringing your vision to life with careful attention to every detail.
This is the moment you step inside your finished space, whether it's a partial renovation or a complete home transformation and feel that sense of coming home.
John Black was the only architect interviewed who told me that we were not properly using our space well. John was an excellent listener and asked the right (delving) questions to really understand our lifestyle and needs which he expertly and creatively incorporated into his designs. His plans far exceeded our expectations, and he delivered a final product that was beautiful, practical and made us feel very proud of our home. As the project manager, John was highly organized, cost conscious and timely in responding to our requests. Overall, John was a pleasure to work with. I felt he was highly collaborative, trusting, and reliable. If/when I need to build or renovate another house, I know exactly who to call.
Whether you’re curious about bathroom or kitchen remodeling ideas or reimagining a tropical house design that blends Hawaiian heritage with contemporary elements, my team’s role is to simplify the process and focus on solutions that truly enhance your daily life.
My approach begins and ends with you. Together, we’ll create a home that:
Drawing from passive design principles and Hawaiian traditions to work with our climate, creating breezy lanais and optimizing natural airflow
With thoughtful layouts that make everyday living effortless and joyful
Creating spaces where keiki (children) can play, friends can gather, and memories naturally form
Balancing modern comforts with touches that reflect your personal story.
