Business Details
Your Trusted Hawaii Architect for Residential & Commercial Design
Kelso Architects has dedicated over 24 years to delivering exceptional architectural solutions across Hawaii. Our founders, Mike and Lisa Kelso, honed their skills through rigorous training at top-tier universities and renowned architectural firms, combining imaginative design with technical precision. We prioritize close collaboration with clients, ensuring their goals, aesthetics, budget, and timelines are central to every project. By fostering partnerships with owners, architects, and contractors, we consistently deliver on-time, on-budget results that reflect our clients' visions.Our portfolio spans residential and commercial projects, from luxury estates to educational facilities, demonstrating our adaptability to diverse styles and needs. With a commitment to transparency, we provide realistic cost estimates early in the design process, empowering informed decisions. Our reputation for integrity and innovation has solidified our position as one of Hawaii's most trusted architectural firms.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Remodeling Services
Project Management
Design Consultations
Highlights and features
- We offer 24+ years of architectural experience in Hawaii's unique environments.
- Our team combines imaginative design with technical precision for optimal results.
- We provide realistic cost estimates early to support informed client decisions.
- Our collaborative approach includes owners, architects, and contractors throughout the process.
- Projects consistently deliver on-time, on-budget, and aligned with client visions.
Services
Residential Design
Kelso Architects creates custom residential designs tailored to client lifestyles and site-specific conditions. Our approach balances aesthetic vision with functional needs, ensuring homes reflect personal tastes while maximizing comfort and efficiency. Projects range from modern luxury estates to tropical courtyard retreats across Hawaii.
Commercial Architecture
We design commercial spaces that merge brand identity with practical functionality. From retail stores to medical offices, our solutions prioritize workflow efficiency, customer experience, and compliance with regulatory standards. Recent projects include renovations for Kahala Mall and specialized healthcare facilities.
Remodeling Services
Our remodeling expertise transforms existing structures while respecting original character. Whether updating kitchens, expanding living areas, or modernizing commercial interiors, we focus on enhancing usability and value. Notable projects include historic home renovations and restaurant space transformations.
Project Management
We coordinate all phases of architectural projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met. This includes contractor collaboration, permitting processes, and client communication throughout construction. Our hands-on management approach minimizes delays and maintains design integrity.
Design Consultations
Early-stage consultations help clients define project scope, budget parameters, and design preferences. We provide feasibility assessments, conceptual sketches, and cost projections to guide decision-making before formal design phases begin. This service ensures alignment between client goals and architectural solutions.
People
Mike Kelso
Lead Architect
Mike Kelso combines decades of architectural experience with technical expertise, trained at top universities and renowned firms. His designs balance creativity and practicality, focusing on client collaboration and sustainable solutions for Hawaii's unique environments.
Lisa Kelso
Lead Architect
Lisa Kelso brings extensive design and project management skills, developed through education at prestigious institutions and work with award-winning architectural teams. She emphasizes client communication and budget-conscious innovation in residential and commercial projects across Hawaii.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide residential and commercial design, remodeling, project management, and initial design consultations tailored to Hawaii's unique environments.
How long have you served Hawaii clients?
Our firm has over 24 years of experience delivering architectural solutions across Kailua, Honolulu, Maui, and other Hawaiian communities.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We prioritize active client collaboration, offering regular updates, conceptual sketches, and budget reviews to ensure alignment with your vision and needs.
Can you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, our portfolio includes luxury homes, educational facilities, retail spaces, and healthcare offices across Hawaii's islands.
How do you manage project timelines and budgets?
We provide early cost projections, coordinate contractor bids, and monitor expenditures to ensure projects stay on schedule and within financial parameters.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Kailua, we work throughout Hawaii, including Honolulu, Maui, Oahu, and select mainland projects like New York renovations.
