Redefining our creative possibilities in 2020

Welcome to 2020. Pause here for a moment and think about this. 2020. We’re entering a new decade, and a new year. One that feels like it comes with a little extra meaning – the benefit of hindsight provides us an opportunity to reflect and examine our past progress. And reinforces the importance of defining a clear, focused and positive path forward.

At WATG, 2020 marks the 75th anniversary of George “Pete” Wimberly and Howard Cook planting the seeds of our firm in Honolulu. Whether or not they envisioned that their seeds would grow into the deep roots of the diverse, global team that we are today, they certainly held firm to one ideal that still resonates: We are fearless in our quest to deliver game-changing design excellence, service and innovation to our clients and their guests, every time. We care about the work we do, and we believe, just as our founders did, that through our creativity and imagination, we have the power to make a positive and lasting impact.

For WATG and Wimberly Interiors – and really for any creative organization – having a north star or set of guiding principles gives team members a sense of purpose and belonging.

This commitment has been our mission for 75 years – our “north star” that guides us as we explore the world and seek new experiences and knowledge. Some might call it our “why,” or the mantra that motivates and excites each of us to come to work every day. The “how” evolves over time. Technology certainly plays a key role in today’s innovation. Sustainable design is more critical now than ever. And the roles of a project’s many contributors must be more integrated than in the past. But the underlying mission to make an impact never changes.

For WATG and Wimberly Interiors – and really for any creative organization – having a north star or set of guiding principles gives team members a sense of purpose and belonging. It defines each individual’s opportunity to contribute, and it opens the door for everyone (anyone!) to learn, do, and achieve. After all, design excellence emanates from shared experience and collaboration. This belief shapes our culture, and ultimately, brings us together into a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.

I hope you’ll join me as I continue to explore these themes throughout 2020. We’ll celebrate WATG’s legacy and will envision the future that our past helps to inform. And most importantly, we’ll consider the impact that we can have on both people and planet when we all work together. Our seeds were first planted 75 years ago, and our roots are deep, but I hope we’ll never stop planting new seeds and sprouting new ideas. Here’s to 2020!