Mitch Tamayori
Title: Architect VI (Project Coordinator, Unit II Head)
Job site: 시설 및 운영 사무실
Years in the HIDOE: 17
Years in the position: 17

Q: Briefly describe your career path.
A: I started at Kapiʻolani Community College, taking general courses, not knowing where I was headed in life’s journey. After a couple of semesters, I joined the Hawai‘i Air National Guard and went off to training on the mainland and overseas. When I returned home two years later, a little more mature and focused, I attended Honolulu Community College and earned an Associate of Liberal Arts degree. I transferred to the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and, by chance, applied to the architectural program, not knowing what I was getting into, but I was fortunate to be accepted and eventually earned my bachelor’s degree in architecture. In addition, I gained lifelong friends and the understanding and value of listening, sharing, and supporting one another.After graduating, I entered the workforce and worked at several small architectural firms, learning what I could until work ran out.  Along the way, I observed different methods, styles, and techniques for running a project.  When work ran out at my last private firm, the former Facilities Development Branch public works administrator said they needed help and asked me to come over. Seventeen years later, I’m still here helping to repair and build new facilities to support the DOE’s mission.

Q: How did you get into this field?
A: I got into this field by chance.  Back in the day when the UH School of Architecture was a cluster of rundown wooden portables, one of the students saw me walking around the school and offered me a tour. At the end of the tour the student said, “Why don’t you submit an application to the school?” So I did. As fortune would have it, I got in and have never looked back.

Q: What are your primary duties?
A: My primary duties as a project coordinator involve managing the design contracts, coordinating, and collaborating with the DOE planners, design consultants, school administration, and other HIDOE offices to establish the scope of work for each project. I’m also responsible for processing, reviewing and generating paperwork necessary to keep the project moving forward until its completion.

Q: Favorite part about the job?
A: My favorite parts about this job are the various types of projects I work on (e.g., new schools, new buildings, covered play courts, track and field projects, baseball fields, softball fields, unexpected projects, etc.). It allows me to learn about other disciplines besides architecture. I also like meeting and working with different people for each project. I also appreciate the chance to visit the schools I have projects at, especially on the neighbor islands. I also enjoy sharing what I’ve learned with my coworkers at the grassroots level.

Q: Most challenging part about your position?
A: The most challenging parts of my job are waiting months/years for approvals from outside agencies, which I have no control over. Another challenge is balancing limited funding with high expectations for comprehensive project features. While we aim to deliver robust solutions, available resources may sometimes only support a simpler structure.

Q: How does your job support students?
A: My job supports the students by moving forward, repairing, upgrading, expanding or building new facilities that provide the best learning environment for students.

Q: What advice do you have for people considering this position?
A: Be prepared to work hard for the benefit of the students, faculty and community. You will make a difference.