Maurice Yoshito Masuoka

Maurice Yoshito “Mark” Masuoka the founder and president, of Mark Masuoka Designs, passed away at the age of 83. Celebrated as one of Hawaii’s most acclaimed interior designers, his unparalleled ability to design breathtaking private homes and commanding commercial spaces with his flamboyant signature style that blended Asian aesthesis and Hawaiian island designs.

Born in Wailuku, Maui in 1935, Masuoka attended high school at the Mid-Pacific Institute, class of 1953 and graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1957. He served and was honorably discharged from the military. Upon his return to Hawaii, he was immediately drawn to the interior design industry and started working as a buyer and designer at retail furniture companies. Masuoka established several start-up design businesses until he founded Masuoka Designs in 1976. Serving as the founding president of the Hawaii Chapter of the ASID, Masuoka received numerous AID and ASID interior design awards. In addition, he established his interior design firm as an industry leader and as a visionary designer. He served as trustee for numerous organizations including Chaminade University and the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

Masuoka was survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Deborah Masuoka; his granddaughter, Moral Masuoka; and his sister, Jane Imamura. A private family memorial service was held in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 1, 2018.