Expanding Queen Liliuokalani Trust: Vibrant Office Design

The Queen Liliuokalani Trust (QLT) is a private operating foundation that was established in 1909. Its primary mission is to provide support and assistance to orphaned and destitute children, with a particular focus on Native Hawaiian children. Every year, the trust serves around 10,000 children directly and collaborates with various community partners to reach even more.

In 2016, QLT decided to expand its corporate offices located at 1100 Alakea Street in Hawaii. The existing 11th floor office was expanded to include new offices on the 8th floor, adding an additional 4,800 square feet of office space. This expansion was primarily intended to accommodate evaluation, planning, research, and administrative staff, as well as provide a flexible workspace for staff members visiting from the Neighbor Islands.

To meet the organization's requirements, QLT requested a design that was playful, open, and highly flexible. The aim was to encourage collaboration and provide a variety of spaces for team members to work both individually and in groups. The design included 24 workstations, with the ability to expand in the future, a large conference room, four small meeting rooms, a kitchenette and coffee bar, a copier/printer room, a waiting area near the elevators, a cell phone booth, counter seating areas, and informal lounge areas.

The project to create these new offices for the Queen Liliuokalani Trust was undertaken by the architectural studio Ferraro Choi And Associates Ltd. The design aimed to create a vibrant and engaging workspace that would support the trust's mission of serving children in need. With its playful and open design, the new offices provide a versatile environment that fosters collaboration and creativity among the staff members. The additional space ensures that QLT can continue to carry out its important work effectively and efficiently.

Overall, the expansion of the Queen Liliuokalani Trust's corporate offices is a significant milestone for the organization. By providing a modern and flexible workspace, the trust can continue to serve orphan and destitute children, with a particular emphasis on Native Hawaiian children, and make a positive impact on their lives for years to come.

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