Why choose PABD over other options in Hawai‘i?
PABD offers a more flexible, affordable, and professionally-focused alternative to traditional design education. With self-paced online courses, real-world projects, and mentorship from industry experts, our programs are built to get you career-ready—on your terms.
Graduate Faster
Save Big on Tuition
Learn at Your Own Pace
Build Real-World Skills
COMPARE COSTS OF PROGRAMS IN HAWAI‘I
UH School of Architecture (UHSoA)
Degree: D.Arch (Architecture)
Duration: 7 years
Costs: $15.6k/year (resident) = $109,000 + incidentals*
Focus: Theoretical/conceptual
Chaminade University (CUH)
Degree: BFA (Interior Design)
Duration: 4 years
Costs: $30.7k/year = $131,000 + incidentals*
Focus: Artistic
Honolulu Community College (HCC)
Degree: AA (Architectural Technologies)
Duration: 2 years
Costs: $3.1k/year = $6,288 + incidentals*
Focus: Technical/vocational
Pacific Academy of Building Design (PABD)
Degree: Professional Diploma & Project Certificates (Architecture & ID)
Duration: < 3 years
Costs: ~$41,000 + software suite
Focus: Professional
*Incidentals include fees, books & supplies, transportation, parking, etc.
HEAR WHAT OUR STUDENTS ARE SAYING
What PABD is doing is amazing… I’m truly inspired by PABDʻs ingenuity and commitment to evolving education to support nontraditional students like myself. I look forward to growing and learning alongside such a visionary team.…Thank you for helping to support the local community!
Hokule’a Dragomanovich
PABD student
To have PABD meet my situation with an open mind speaks volumes about their commitment to education and opening doors for all kinds of students. I feel seen…Thank you for putting together this program--the people involved in PABD are incredible.
Mack Marbas
PABD student
I appreciate the teaching style in PABD because it goes beyond classroom learning—it’s focused on real-world application, which is so important in architecture…the goal isn’t just to finish assignments but to truly understand how architecture impacts the world around us.
Tia Kenessey
PABD student
LEARNING STYLES TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS
Explore a curriculum designed to be engaging. Our interactive courses bridge theory with real-world application, ensuring you’re industry-ready.
Foundations for Excellence
Comprehensive curriculum tailored for real-world design proficiency.
Courses That Engage
Diverse courses designed to elevate your creative skillset and technical knowledge.
Credentials That Matter
Certificates to validate your expertise and boost your career.
A DAY IN THE LIFE…
Take a peek into the daily activities of an architect or interior designer.
BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY
Ready to start your path to becoming a design professional?
LEARN FROM MASTERS
Meet our team of esteemed educators and industry veterans dedicated to guiding you through every stroke of creativity and every blueprint of success.
Liza Lockard, M.Arch, PhD
NCIDQ | ASID | IIDA | IDEC | LEED | SEED
Executive Director, PABD
Aaron Shimizu
AIA | LEED
Technical Director, PABD
Jason Danielak
AIA | NCARB
Program Director of Architecture, PABD
VOICES OF EXPERIENCE
Hear from industry professionals how our program and instructors have made an impact on students.
"Dr. Lockard's professional, creative and academic abilities far exceed others that I have met and worked with, and she has been one of the most dedicated and passionate professors I have had the pleasure of working with...Her devotion to teaching students is something rarely exhibited."
Andy Kaufman, PhD
Professor & Landscape Architect
University of Hawaii
"Liza is innovative and a visionary, continually exploring new avenues through academics, as well as professional and community partnerships...ln today's global economy, this is an aptitude that all professionals admire and expect."
Joan Riggs
Program Director
E+ID Department
Chaminade University
"Liza's connections within the local design community, paired with her ability to engage and include the community in meaningful ways, are a huge boon to her students and help set them on the path to a rich career."
Keri Powlison
Interior Designer
3Form
