Biography
About the Honoree
Glenn E. Mason’s distinguished career spans over five decades of architectural practice in Hawaiʻi, marked by an unwavering commitment to design excellence, cultural stewardship, and community service.
As a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Mason has consistently demonstrated how thoughtful architecture can honor place, serve communities, and create enduring value. He championed sustainable design principles well before they became industry standard, and as the founding principal of MASON, he is widely recognized for his leadership in historic preservation throughout the islands. Spanning more than five decades, his career includes work on many of Hawai‘i and Guam’s most significant historic sites. His portfolio features landmark projects such as ‘Iolani Palace, Lunalilo Tomb, the Former Advertiser Building, Hulihe‘e Palace, Kalahikiola Church, and Kawaiaha‘o Church.
In recognition of his contributions to historic preservation and architectural excellence, Mason received the President’s Award in 2013 and the prestigious Frank Haines Award in 2014, both presented by the Historic Hawai‘i Foundation.
Career Highlights
50+ Years
Architectural practice in Hawaiʻi
A foremost authority in cultural preservation, Mason has guided the protection of Hawaii and Guam’s most important historic sites, underscoring his expertise and enduring impact.
FAIA
Elevated to College of Fellows
In 2018, Mason joins the elite AIA College of Fellows, one of the highest honors that can be conferred on an American architect.
Stewardships
Commissioner
Appointed in 2023, Mason serves on Oʻahu’s Historic Preservation Commission, advising on the care of the island’s historic and cultural sites.
Preservation, Documentation, & Stewardship
Beyond architectural excellence, Glenn E. Mason's enduring legacy is defined by service, mentorship, and transformative leadership.
Glenn has devoted more than five decades to documenting and sharing architectural history, ensuring that Hawaiʻi’s and the wider Pacific Rim’s built heritage is carefully recorded and interpreted. Beginning with a 1979 oral history project, he captured first hand accounts from architects and landscape architects active in the 1920s and 1930s, then expanded this work into monographs on nine Hawaii State Council Medal of Honor recipients.
His original research on Oliver G. Traphagen and co authored book on Hart Wood secured broader recognition for these architects and led to preservation of key archival materials at the University of Hawaiʻi.
Through numerous articles and lectures for agencies and professional organizations, he translates research into accessible narratives, deepening professional and public understanding of regional architectural history and its cultural significance.
As a passionate advocate for preservation and revitalization, Mason stands as an ardent community steward. As a founding Board member of the Hawaii Architectural Foundation and charter member of Historic Hawaii Foundation (which honored him with its first Lifetime Contribution Award in 2010 and the Frank Haines Award in 2014), is also the immediate past president of the Hawaiian Historical Society Board of Trustees.
He has served as president of AIA Honolulu, AIA Hawaii State Council, and various community organizations. Appointed in 2023 to Oahu’s Historic Preservation Commission as Vice-Chair, Mason advises federal, state, and city agencies on safeguarding historic and cultural sites.
Through exemplary leadership in preservation, research, and historic documentation, Mason’s contributions significantly advance knowledge and inspire new appreciation for Pacific Rim architectural and cultural heritage.
Portfolio
Featured Projects
A distinguished legacy of architects and designers whose visionary work has shaped the islands of Hawaiʻi for generations to come.
Responsible design demands consideration of people, place, context and the environment. What we do will often last for generations so failing to act responsibly is not an option.
— Glenn E. Mason, FAIA
medal of Honor
Event Details
Join AIA Hawaii and the Hawaii Architectural Foundation for an evening honoring Glenn E. Mason, FAIA, recipient of the 2026 Medal of Honor. This prestigious ceremony celebrates a lifetime of architectural excellence, cultural stewardship, and community leadership.
Date & Time
February 21, 2026 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm HST