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From humble beginnings in Kalihi to leading the world's premier hospitality design firm, Don Goo retained a sense of humility, an unwavering devotion to Hawai'i, and an ability to inspire a new generation of architects.Don graduated from Roosevelt High School and the University of Illinois, followed by service in the U.S. Air Force. Shortly after, he joined the 12-person firm of Wimberly and Cook in 1959, where he was later made a partner. The firm was renamed Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG) and grew into an international powerhouse with offices today in nine locations across the globe. During his five decades at WATG, Don served the firm as its president, CEO, and chairman. He led many iconic architectural projects in Hawai'i, such as the Sheraton Waikiki, the Hilton Hawaiian Village, the Hawai'i Convention Center, and many others beyond these shores.
A recipient of countless honors and accolades, Don Goo was named one of the country's most admired architectural educators when elected to the College of Fellows by the American Institute of Architects. In 2015, Don received the esteemed Medal of Honor award from the American Institute of Architects Hawai'i State Council. Presented by the Hawai'i Architectural Foundation in honor of his outstanding leadership and significant contributions to the profession, he joined a select group of six individuals honored since the award's inception.
As highly accomplished as he was, Don was quick to credit the design teams he worked with for his and his firm's success. Known as a collaborative leader, Don was an inspiration to many designers and clients who valued his listening skills and ability to create inspiring concepts rooted in "a sense of place."
An early pioneer of large-scale hospitality design, Don Goo's work stands the test of time because he understood the importance of integrating environment and art into architecture. It became one of the fundamental characteristics of Don's work in the more than 30,000 hotel rooms he designed.
Throughout his career, Don was passionate about educating the next generation. He was a mentor and a professor at the University of Hawai'i School of Architecture. With his wife Laura, he established an endowed Practicum Fund to nurture young designers by matching them as interns in architecture offices across the globe.
Don's favorite quote, which guided his approach to his life and career, was by Chicago architect Daniel Burnham and started:
Make no little plans;
They have no magic to stir men's blood
and probably themselves will not be realized.
Make big plans,
Aim high in hope and work, remembering that
a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die …
A celebration of Don Goo's life will be held on June 22 at The Pacific Club. Visitation is at 4:30 p.m. and a brief service will begin at 5:30 p.m.
