Press

Excerpt from the Spring 2008 Issue:

You might catch him on his laptop at the Waikiki Yacht Club, and though the sun may be shining, Jim Schmit is likely hard at work. When it comes to bringing modernism to Hawaiian home design, the award-winning architect admits that he calls it “a crusade of his.”

…Schmit’s use of space, flow, light and movement convey an open streamlined feel without compromising the comfort and warmth of a Hawaiian sense of place. It’s no wonder his list of accolades includes winning the grand prize in both the Hawaii Parade of Homes and the Hawaii Renaissance Competition. One of his recent projects, the Bali Lofts in Hawaii Kai, flaunts high, sloping wooden ceilings, glass walls, lush courtyards and Balinese bathtubs. Even artist Pegge Hopper knew that Schmit was the go-to guy for her modern dwelling set atop Pacific Heights. Schmit has even customized a house for Sylvester Stallone. Looks like Sly is slicker than we thought – at least when it comes to his humble abode.

Excerpt from the Premier issue:

Michael Hoovis, who used to live in New York, says his favorite aspect of the sleek new digs is the open layout: “We designed something that doesn’t have walls, yet has distinct areas. If it could have been more open, I would have done that.”

… Other elements of Hoovis’ home that evoke a heip, New York flat include the dark merbau wood flooring and the freeform chandeliers and cable lighting throughout the rooms. Then there is the edgy, exposed air-conditioning ducts.
The two bedrooms upstairs also exude edge. Both are located up a cement staircase, each with its own full bath… Angled, skyscraping windows and vaulted ceilings add drama to the master bedroom.

Excerpt from the Volume 5, Number 1 issue:

The owner of this two-story penthouse in Honolulu desired a New York-style factory loft that would combine open spaces with a modern industrial ambiance. To achieve that goal, Jim Schmit, the architect, let the HVAC ductwork and  sprinkler system remain visible. Low-voltage lighting is attached to the concrete ceiling.

The owner also wanted to take advantage of the spectacular vistas of Pearl Harbor, Waikiki and the mountains. Floor-to-ceiling walls of windows, spanning both the lower floor living area and the upstairs master bedroom and bath, offer panoramic views.

Excerpt from the Volume 1, Number 3, 1992 issue:

“I can’t think of any place more beautiful than Kauai,” Sylvester Stallone told us. “And I’d like to do what I can to be part of the community and help maintain its unique character.”

His island hideaway is the result of a close design collaboration between the celebrated cinema hero and Honolulu architect Jim Schmit, who reported that the creator of Rocky, Rambo and Cobra specified a dwelling full of contrasts to keep it interesting.

“He wanted a house with a sense of strength and, at the same time, he wanted it round and flowing and light.”

That mix is evident throughout: strong, yet light; big volume, small volume; hard surfaces, soft surfaces; solid space versus void; sharp angles balanced with curves.