“Being an architect is a truly unique opportunity to shape a community and to influence the lives of people for the better.” So says Matt Gilbertson, AIA, NCARB. As a career architect (and principal with RIM Architects –Hawai‘i), he takes that community-shaping opportunity seriously…and he’s ever mindful of an architect’s responsibility to help preserve and protect Hawai‘i’s environment through eco-friendly design and building practices.

Established in 1995, RIM Architects – Hawai’i has distinguished itself as a creative and results-oriented firm that offers comprehensive architecture, interior design, and planning services. “All of these,” says Gilbertson, “have many aspects with inherently sustainable practices and services, i.e. green design” (see our separate feature “The Greening of Hawai‘i" elsewhere in this issue).

Its broad scope and eco-savvy services have helped make RIM Architects – Hawai‘i one of the fastest growing local firms. In 2004 Pacific Business News called it a "Top 10" Island firm in revenues and ranked it fifth in office size on the Islands. Gilbertson says, “These positions reflect our strong commitment to Hawai‘i and our ability to deliver on projects of all sizes and types.”

He sheds light on some of the reasons for the firm’s success, explaining, “Our unique understanding of local conditions and ability to navigate complex entitlement processes has helped us forge solid relationships with longstanding Hawai’i businesses and institutional clients.” He adds, “Our insights and exposure beyond Hawai‘i, through the RIM Family of companies and our mainland and international projects, offer a unique opportunity for new business ventures entering the Hawai‘i marketplace.”

Appreciation for the distinctiveness of Hawaiian architecture is deep within Gilbertson, even though he grew up in Minnesota. “I draw my inspiration from our recognized great masters - Dickey, Hart, Ossipoff - and admire their success at establishing a certain Hawai‘i aesthetic based on a blending of references and cultures,” he says. “But I also find inspiration from some of the more recent works of the 1950s when inventiveness and experimentation in Hawai‘i's architecture was at a high point. These courageous and often eccentric projects of this era have relevance even today as we explore ways to deal with contemporary issues.”

Having lived in Hawai‘i since 1990, Gilbertson is keenly aware of the challenges it faces and he warns, “As an island community with finite land mass and natural resources, we naturally should be much more diligent about our efficient and responsible use of our precious resources. It is clear that buildings are the largest consumer of energy resources in our contemporary society, which suggests a tremendous opportunity. If architects can help inspire change through our practices and behaviors and the projects we create, we will perhaps make the greatest impact.”

He remains upbeat about the potential for green architecture, noting, “Each time we approach challenges together, we recognize the exciting adventure we are on and the opportunity to really make a difference as architects in this Hawai‘i community.”

Rim Architects
808 / 550.0844
hawaii@rimarchitects.com