Christopher J. Smith, smiling warmly in a white surfboard-patterned shirt, relaxing outdoors on a cushioned chair. A green plant and building column are visible in the background.

Award 2021

Christopher J. Smith, FAIA

Chris J. Smith, FAIA, is the Founder and President of the CJS Group Architects, Ltd., and is known for his service to the AIA. Chris served as a past President of the Hawaii Society (now AIA Hawaii State Council) and served on the National Board as the AIA Northwest & Pacific Region Director for three years. He also served two years as the Secretary of the National AIA Institute – the only Hawaii architect to serve in this position.

Chris graduated in 1968 with a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Social Science from the California Polytechnic State University. CJS Group Architects, founded in 1976, was characterized as offering leading edge design.

Chris has a broad reach of thinking about architecture, spanning from Biophilia, Human Factors, Universal Design, Cultural Aspects, and Environmental Strategies. He attributes much of his thought process to his early studies in Sociology.

Portfolio

Significant Projects

1982

Hawaii Medical Services Association Corporate Headquarters

1984

Hasegawa Komuten Building

1989

Linekona School / Honolulu Museum of Art Academy

1989

Punahou School Renovations: Cooke Hall, Pauahi Hall, Alexander Hall, Dillingham Theater Roofing, Castle Hall Roofing
(1989-1995)

1991

Albert Crary Science and Engineering Technology Center in Antarctica

1991

Mitsukoshi Building, Bank of Hawaii Waikiki

1995

Foster Botanical Garden Greenhouse

1997

The Contemporary Art Museum at the former Spaulding Residence

2001

Boy Scouts of America, Aloha Council Headquarters Various

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.