Framed By Perspective
Two newly built O‘ahu homes share a deep sense of place with unique points of view
By: Darlene Dela Cruz
Sep 1, 2026
A lot has changed since architectural designer Victor Weeks and the late architect Darrell “Buck” Welch Jr. founded their firm Welch & Weeks in 2000. Technologies, industry best practices and client lifestyles have evolved — and, Weeks notes, so has his forethought in drafting purposefully scaled residential designs.
“Early in my career, Buck Welch and I designed a home with a dedicated loom room and two primary bedrooms because that’s exactly what our clients wanted,” Weeks says. “Nearly 30 years later, we still get occasional calls from prospective buyers asking how the house could be remodeled to work for a more typical family. It was a valuable lesson. Today, I try to design homes that meet my clients’ needs while remaining flexible enough to serve future families as well.”
Weeks shares his mana‘o on what “designing with purpose” means to him through two examples of different homes Welch & Weeks designed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The houses in Maunalani Heights and Portlock show how a sense of place can manifest in diverging design styles.
The Maunalani Heights home is framed by views of Diamond Head and the Ko‘olau mountains. Classic details like sandalwood floors and doors, and a steep double-pitched roof inspired by architect Charles W. Dickey give the newly constructed residence a historic aura. Custom basement-level amenities include a volleyball court, weight room and guest suite.
The Portlock residence is, by contrast, contemporary. Several vantage points throughout the home offer views of Diamond Head, whether on the first- and second-floor lānai or in the modern “courthouse” pavilion. Lava rock tile walls, sapele wood floors and clerestory jalousie windows anchor the tropical architecture.
“For me, design with purpose means there has to be a reason for everything you see,” Weeks says. “Every roof, window, wall and lānai should have a reason for being there. If I can’t explain why something is there, it probably shouldn’t be.”
Dive deeper into the details of these homes for more inspiration.
Maunalani Heights Details
Victor Weeks’ favorite features mix vintage warmth and modern function
THE ROOF: “It gives the house its unmistakable Hawai‘i character. The generous overhangs, proportions and silhouette create a timeless profile that feels rooted in the islands.”
THE BROAD LĀNAI: “Before you even walk through the front door, you’re already experiencing the house. It slows your arrival and prepares you for what’s beyond.”
THE GREAT ROOM: “[It’s] where everything comes together. … It’s comfortable enough for everyday living yet feels special every time you walk into it.”
Portlock Details
Intentionality sets the tone for the home experience, Weeks says
THE LARGE PORTICO: “Behind the solid entry doors, there’s no hint of what’s waiting inside, which makes the reveal even more memorable.”
THE ENTRY SEQUENCE: “I always enjoy creating a sense of compression followed by release, allowing the architecture to unfold gradually rather than giving everything away at once.”
THE JALOUSIE WINDOWS: “They naturally ventilate the house, provide excellent security, and, to me, they’re an essential part of Hawai‘i’s ‘modern tropical’ architectural vocabulary.”
The Homeowners’ Perspective
“For anyone building a home, take your time and explore every possibility. Gather inspiration, think beyond the obvious and don’t be afraid to dream first. You can always scale back later. Most importantly, work with a designer who listens and can turn those ideas into a home that’s uniquely yours.” — Maunalani Heights homeowner
“One thing I love most is that the house doesn’t compete with its surroundings. We intentionally kept artwork to a minimum because the views are the artwork. The architecture frames the ocean, the sky and the landscape so beautifully that nature becomes part of our daily lives. That’s something we appreciate every single day.” — Portlock homeowner
This story appears in the September/October 2026 print issue of Ku‘u Home magazine.