Residence at Paiko Ridge Evolves with the Winds of Change
Revisiting our first Editor’s Choice Award-winning home.
“Residence at Paiko Ridge,” a project by Ventus Design in 2010, captured the attention of then-editors at Hawaii Home + Remodeling as they sifted through more than 50 project candidates for the inaugural AIA Design Competition Editor’s Choice Award.
That Paiko Ridge feature is a special one for our staff. Not only is the project one of the most memorable renovations to grace our pages, the backstory of the couple that owned and designed the home coincidentally connects with our current team.
“Residence at Paiko Ridge” graced the cover of our August 2010 issue.
The Paiko Ridge remodel was a marvel of architecture and interior design. The property was originally built in the 1960s as a “teaching vehicle” for students working under architectural icon Vladmir Ossipoff at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
According to the article, “The front of the structure featured original, 25-foot, floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive enough to feature a panoramic view of Maunalua Bay. The main living area had an open-concept floor plan rarely found in homes built in Hawaii in the 1960s. Rather than a more conventional square or rectangular footprint, the kitchen was designed in the shape of a circle.”
At the time, Reiko Lewis owned the home with her husband, John, and the project marked the start of her interior design firm, Ventus. Born and raised in Tokyo, Lewis had been a successful journalist for CNN, covering major events in Asia before becoming a nationally certified interior designer. The Paiko Ridge project incorporated her and her husband’s mutual appreciation for Asian-inspired features and furnishings. She collaborated with Sandi Quildon of PQ Architects and Darcey Builders on the extensive remodel.
John Lewis died in July 2010 — our current editor, Darlene Dela Cruz, recalls working with him during his brief time at the East-West Center. Reiko continues her stellar work with Ventus today. The firm’s name means “wind” in Latin, which points to the refreshing perspective Reiko brings to homes, hotels and workplaces through thoughtful interior design.
Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.
