KYA Studio

Vance is patient, hardworking, and always has your back.  His genuine nature and respect for teamwork allows him the ability to relate to others at a variety of levels.  While Vance is always down for an inspiring, expansive conversation, he is grounded like a rock and focused on results.  His pursuit of organizational efficiency, technological innovation, and sustainability pairs with his degree beautifully: Bachelors in Business Administration Management with a focus on Entrepreneurship at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Shidler College of Business. Long before this Roosevelt High School graduate entered the professional realm of sustainability, he was immersed in the practice as an Eagle Scout.  Vance loves surfing, spending time with his family and making ʻono meat jun.

Where others see complexity, Tamara sees patterns and pathways.  She is laser-focused on bringing sustainability to every industry, community and agency.  With a passion for zero waste, environmental stewardship, and social accountability, Tamara drives organizations forward to set goals with measurable results.  After graduating summa cum laude from Kalaheo High School, Tamara received a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences in Sustainability from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Tamara is a strategic thinker with a steadfast conviction that anything worthwhile is possible through creativity and hands-on dedication.  Whether flexing her green thumb or waxing her short board, Tamara’s authenticity and zest for life make her a joy to be around as she brings sustainability to every facet of her life.

Taking design to the next level, Sean respectfully brings culture and sustainability into a holistic, stunning vision.  He is passionate about revitalizing Hawai‘i’s urban environments to restore ecosystems and create vibrant communities.  After graduating valedictorian from Castle High School, Sean studied around the world and earned a Bachelors of Arts in Environmental Urban Design, followed by a Doctorate of Architecture from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Architecture.  Consistently drawing connections to the not-so-obvious, Sean produces visions in place of voids.  His expressive talents span writing, art, photography, architecture and strategy.  Sean has a sweet aquaponics system, could make a living as Chef, and contemplates the design of Future Hawai‘i.

Driven to shape the present so the future honors the best of the past, Amy is an advocate for Hawaiʻi’s unique culture, history, and community.  Amy’s natural leadership style grows from her optimism and she is always ready to take action to make dreams a reality.  She joined the Studio after completing her Juris Doctorate at the William S. Richardson School of Law with certificates in Environmental Law and Native Hawaiian Law.  Before law school, Amy received her Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa with a primary focus on Japan and a secondary focus on China.  She has a background in culinary arts and has worked in the film industry.  Whether out surfing or working hard in the lo‘i, Amy’s love for Hawai‘i is deeply rooted, from mountain to ocean.

Ross Yamasaki is the driving force behind the KYA Sustainability Studio.  Passionate about investing in local talent and transforming deeply entrenched perceptions about Hawaiʻi, Ross is a visionary navigating the future of Hawai‘i’s sustainable enterprise.  High-level strategizing is part of Ross’ routine as he advocates maximizing the triple bottom line (financial, social and environmental) across all markets.  Ross believes Hawaii’s communities and values hold the keys to the future of sustainability locally, nationally, and internationally.  From Castle High School to University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa for a Bachelors in Sociology and a Masters in Architecture, Ross has steadily used his bold yet humble leadership style at KYA Design Group where he launched KYA Sustainability Studio.