80 years of WATG

Eighty years ago, Wimberly Allison Tong & Goo (WATG) set out on a journey to reimagine the way the world experiences hospitality spaces. What began in Honolulu, Hawaii has grown into a global design powerhouse, crafting thousands of projects across six continents and countless memories along the way. Now, as we celebrate our 80th anniversary, it’s time to reflect on where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and where our pencils and passports will take us next.

Picture this: it’s 1945, and a group of ambitious architects in Honolulu decide to dive headfirst into the emerging world of post-war hospitality design. WATG quickly became the go-to firm for resorts that captured the magic of place—hotels that didn’t just sit in their surroundings but celebrated them. Hawaii may have been our launchpad, but soon the world was our canvas.

From designing iconic resorts in Bali to shaping urban skylines in Dubai, China, and Los Angeles, our work has helped define what it means to blend local culture, sustainability, and design. The travel industry has evolved dramatically over the past eight decades, and WATG has been right there, leading the charge, one sketch at a time.

If there’s one motto that captures the WATG spirit, it’s this: Have Pencil, Will Travel. For 80 years, our globetrotting designers have been packing their sketchbooks and immersing themselves in local cultures to ensure that every project reflects the heart and soul of its destination. We’re not just architects; we’re storytellers, translating the rhythm of a place into spaces that delight, inspire, and invite connection.

Whether it’s an overwater lodge in the Maldives, a modern urban oasis in Abu Dhabi, or a boutique hotel perched on the cliffs of a Greek island, our projects bring dreams to life. And yes, we’re still always up for the next adventure!

What is the secret to thriving for 80 years? Never standing still. Over the decades, we’ve embraced new technologies, materials, and ideas to redefine what’s possible in design. While the world paused in 2020, WATG didn’t. Instead, we doubled down on innovation and imagination, exploring how architecture could adapt to new priorities like wellness, sustainability, and human-centered spaces. From virtual collaborations to reimagining hospitality in a post-pandemic world, we’ve learned that creativity truly knows no bounds.  And while the challenges have changed, our mission has remained steadfast: to create places where people love to be.

If WATG had a secret sauce, it would be the spirit of ‘ohana’ —Hawaiian for family. From day one, this familial bond has defined how we work, collaborate, and connect. It’s more than just a workplace culture; it’s a mindset that sees us celebrating each other’s successes, lifting each other through challenges, and always finding room for laughter (even on deadline days). This spirit has carried us through 80 years of design triumphs and unexpected challenges. It’s why clients keep coming back and why our teams stay inspired, even after decades together. At WATG, we don’t just build beautiful spaces; we build lasting relationships.

As we blow out 80 candles, it’s tempting to get nostalgic—and we are, a little. We think about our first projects in Waikiki, and the many groundbreaking moments along the way, including pioneering the all-inclusive resort concept, and the first overwater bungalow, but most of all, we’re excited. Excited for the next destination, the next idea, the next chapter.

So, here’s to the past 80 years of making waves in design. Here’s to the clients, collaborators, and communities who believed in our vision. And here’s to the adventures ahead—because at WATG, we’ve always got our pencils packed, and the world is full of possibilities.

Cheers to 80 years of daring to dream, creating to inspire, and designing for life. Let’s make the next 80 even more extraordinary!