“Power Movers” highlights standout employees who embrace company culture, work passionately and are all-in when called to participate in company activities. Let us know who to feature next via email: jason@trademediahui.com . POWER MOVERS Seizing the Moment Bev Tagami thrives at WCIT following a successful marketing career H onolulu-based WCIT Architecture recently welcomed Bev Tagami as a senior interior designer from a marketing standpoint — what are the hero shots and key experiences or ‘moments’ our clients will want to promote and highlight? Q: Do you have any advice to offer aspiring interior designers in the construction industry? A: Join local design organiza- BY JASON GENEGABUS
at the firm, leveraging almost 10 years of industry experience to assist with all phases of design, from design conception and development through documentation and construction administration. A 2004 graduate of Sacred Hearts Academy, Tagami holds a degree in marketing from Hawai‘i Pacific University, but returned to school after a successful eight-year career in marketing and communications to earn her bachelor of fine arts degree in inte- rior design from Chaminade University in 2014. QUESTION: What's the most chal- lenging aspect of your job? ANSWER: One of the more chal- lenging aspects is riding the waves dur- ing the procurement and construction process, and handling unexpected situ- ations — all while making sure your design doesn’t get washed away in the process. It’s about staying nimble and solution-driven, already knowing that things may not go to plan (as much as I’d like them to!). Q: If you could use only three words to describe your design style, what would they be? A: Nature-inspired, balanced, clean. Q: What's the first thing you do when you start work on a new project? A: Beyond the physical space, we take a deep look into a project’s specific location, past and cultural significance. Are there any elements that we want to celebrate and be inspired by? Are there stories we want to perpetuate in a modern way? What feelings do we want this space to exude? Every client is different, and it’s a fun challenge to be able to design a space that is intended specifically for them. [But] I also like to look at it
tions and meet/learn from people in the industry — relationships are so important, especially here in Hawai‘i. And always be curious, have an attitude of eagerness to learn
and be inspired — every project and situation you will encounter is a learn- ing experience and no two projects are the same! Q: Outside of work,
what's your favorite way to unwind and find fresh perspec- tives for your design outlook? A: I wish I had more time for it
nowadays (I’m a new mom), but traveling is probably one of the best ways to find fresh perspectives and inspira- tion. Being in nature is also a great way to not only be inspired, but to also clear your mind to be open to new ideas. When I can, I also like to physi- cally create and build for fun — whether it’s ceram- ics or a floral arrangement. It keeps my creative juices flowing. Q: Favorite place to go for plate lunch? A: You can’t go wrong with any plate from Leeward Drive-Inn. That fried saimin is iconic!
BEV TAGAMI SENIOR INTERIOR DESIGNER WCIT ARCHITECTURE
74 | BUILDING INDUSTRY HAWAII | OCTOBER 2023
Made with FlippingBook Digital Proposal Creator