Reiko Lewis
Owner and Principal Designer of Ventus Design
Reiko Lewis was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. Her parents brought her up to be independent, and at just three years old she was going unaccompanied to see her family doctor. She is a born leader and problem solver. At the age of 10, she made up her mind to be in TV journalism and studied international politics and economy in college. She was later hired by CNN’s Tokyo bureau chief, John Lewis (who would later become her husband) to be as an assistant producer. John was a start-up member of CNN’s Asia division, and helped to establish all Asian CNN bureaus.
Reiko traveled throughout Asia to cover major news as one of CNN Asia’s few original members. She covered many global news events, including Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.,'s assassination and People Power Revolution (1983-1986, Philippines), the Korean Airlines Flight 007 that was shot down by the Soviet Union (1983), the Japan Airlines crash in Osutaka mountain (1985, Japan), the Ohmu Cult Group Sarin gas attack and their arrests (1995, Japan), the Kobe Earthquake (1995, Japan), Japanese Imperial household events, US presidential and state secretary’s visits to Asia, and many daily life and events in Japan.
Though she became the senior producer of CNN Tokyo and found her work very fulfilling, she started feeling she was missing something in her life. She decided to terminate her 16-year career at CNN and explore something new and different. After John was transferred to CNN’s headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, she decided to enroll in interior design school. She realized a “house” is not just a shelter from rain and wind but a place of mental relaxation and invigoration; and she wanted to help people by creating a functional and comfortable interior space. Though Atlanta was the first time Reiko was attending school outside of Japan, she adapted well and graduated with top honors.
Award-winning Hawaii interior designer
Reiko was quickly hired by the world’s leading hospitality design firm, Hirsch Bedner and Associates, where she designed many 4- and 5-star hotel projects on all continents. A few years later, John left CNN, and they decided to fulfill their dreams and move to Hawai‘i. Reiko was hired by Wimberly Allison Tong and Goo (WATG), a high end hospitality design and architectural firm. There, she started working with the ownerships of several major hotel chains and resorts, including JW Marriott and many other hotels in Asia.
Reiko’s design talents and skills are highly regarded by her peers. Shortly before she lost her beloved husband, she established Ventus Design in 2010. Though devastated by her loss, she decided to continue her firm Ventus (Latin for “wind") because she saw that through her design, she was able to bring fresh air and perspective into homes, visitor accommodations, workspaces, and the many places in which we experience life.
Reiko is a nationally certified interior designer; she holds certification in LEED AP BD + C (environmental design) and in Aging-in-Place (senior residence design). She is fully aware that smart construction methods contribute greatly for sustainability. People stay indoors 90% of their lifetime, so it is her passion to improve interior conditions for optimal health, and physical and emotional happiness.
After her husband passed away, Reiko’s mother moved from Japan to live with her. Encountering the design needs of the elderly, Reiko realized that most housing conditions are not suitable from a universal design standpoint and wanted to contribute to the needs of aging Americans. She saw firsthand how important both her certifications were for conducting future social issues.
Reiko was the first Japanese president of the American Society of Interior Designer of Hawai‘i Chapter (ASID Hawai‘i) and is active in many local charities and events. Leading a busy life, she is an instructor in the Japanese Art of Tea and she also conducts lectures at universities in Hawai‘i and Japan through interior design lectures. She is inspiring many young students by her life stories and passions in the industry. She still finds time to be a contributing writer for local publications and newspapers, as well.
International Professional Accomplishments and Awards
2021-22 | The Marquis Who's Who publications board certifies that Reiko Lewis has been approved as a subject of biographical record in Who's Who in America
2020 | The NAHB California's Remodelers Homes for Two-Story Award and the finalist for Overall Best Award
2019 | Building Industry AssociationHawaii: Design and Construction Grand Award/Aging-In-Place Remodeling
2017 | Pacific Edge Magazine (“Hawaii’s Business and Lifestyle Magazine”): Featured as one of the Top 10 leaders in the architectural field
2015 | ASID Hawaii (American Society of Interior Designers Hawaii Chapter): People’s Choice Award
For the design of “O’s Residence”2013 | Smart Choice Award, California
For the design concept of “Your Home for Life” (Senior Residence Design)2010 | AIA Hawaii Award (Hawaii Home Remodeling Magazine Award) BIA Hawaii Award, ASID Hawaii Award (AIA is the American Institute of Architects; BIA is the Building Industry Association)
For the design of “Residence at Paiko Ridge” (Ventus Design’s first project); Ventus won three awards in Hawaii. The project was highly publicized in many national and international magazines and websites.2004 | Furniture and Carpet design for Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC: Featured at the Hospitality Design Show in Las Vegas and publicized in many trade magazines
2003 | International God Key Award Grand Bretagne Presidential Suite was nominated for the “Gold Key Award for Excellence in Hospitality Design,” one of the most prestigious awards in the field.
“We are very pleased not only with Reiko’s design skills, but also with her sincere services…the outcome was very sophisticated.”
— Kazuhiro K.
