Hutton & Hutton Architects & Engineers

Architecture firms grow or shrink based on several factors; current state of the economy and some faze-out due to the principals moving to their twilight era. Architect and Engineering firms are constantly targeted with ‘not good at business’ and Succession plays right into that narrative. Even with all the research and data easily accessible, it is quite hard to find the exact number of firms that have been serving communities for over three centuries, and five (5) generations. Hutton & Hutton Architects & Engineers (HHAE) was founded in 1895, with its primary office located in Hammond, Indiana. We are honored to have our Succession on solid ground. The firm was under the leadership of its fourth-generation principal, William ‘Bill’ Hutton, who recently celebrated his birthday at the office! Clients and Employees look for stability and stability means Succession. HHAE has its succession in place with Bill Hutton – fourth generation and Justin Hutton – fifth generation, who currently leads the day-to-day operations.

In Bill’s words, “...

Independence Day has been a federal holiday in the US since 1870, and long celebrated prior to that. The most suitable embodiment of human valor, courage, and ode to everyone who sacrificed their lives for independence was architecturally expressed using various forms of neoclassical buildings for many years. Some historic buildings that were constructed true to the style were the Capitol Building and the White House in Washington DC, began in the late 1700’s. This neoclassical architecture not only has the capacity to provide a feeling of shelter, security, and protection but also provides an experience that emboldens the emotions and the feelings with which this nation was born and continues to strive for the betterment of humanity. Over the years, neoclassical was influenced by various art movements and revival of Greek-style that we see throughout the United States, for example, Art Institute of Chicago, in Illinois and Thomas Jefferson Building in DC.

The buildings that were influenced by various social movements are a testament to the endeavors and labor of all those...

The first client meeting is not a discussion about a project. It is a compatibility interview that pushes the question, ‘is this a Good Architect and / or is this a Good Project’? Often times, the conversation is directed towards ‘how much will this cost’? And ‘how fast can it be completed’? The client seeks the appropriate professional, sometimes unknowingly, to carry out a specific job – 'His or Her Vision'. An impressive portfolio might drive a client to your doorstep, but only a good architect that responds to the client’s needs and reciprocates with dialogue that alleviate overwhelming anxiety, keeps the meeting focused on the pressing issues, and make it comfortable for the client, both expressive and emotional. This will bridge the trust and bring the client back repeatedly. We hear all too frequently, why us, and the Client answers ‘because we listen’. Our mantra of listening first while generating ideas for our clients has been the ingredient to successful projects and relationships. Any architect can generate plans, but a good architect needs to execute the final...

HHAE, going into its 128th year in architectural practice, has of course designed numerous building types in the residential market; single-family homes, apartment buildings, condominiums, etc. A Good Architect researches many factors pre-design, such as the client, location, demographic and economic factors to name a few. Therefore, it may seem like a no-brainer to design a seventy-seven (77) unit mixed-use building in the heart of Downtown Whiting, Indiana. Yet, staying true to the good architectural practices and researching project needs, our design strategy was adapted due to the drastic changes in people’s living and work environments. The solution was a simple one: to demonstrate flexibility, responsive, and iterative design process.

One of the most important steps in any design process is ideation. Ideation directly leads to development of solutions, which in our case, led to the design of nine (9) different one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts for condominiums in the developing city of Whiting. During this process, providing flexibility to the...

Early October 2020, rain delay and all, the Hanover Central Boys Tennis Team won their first ever Sectional Championship. For the last two (2) seasons they won their conference going undefeated, an impressive feat. Only a few years ago, the boy’s soccer team had only one (1) win for the season; the boys and girls now compete for Sectional Championships on a regular basis. So, what does this have to do with Architecture or being a Good Architect? Approximately four (4) years ago a project was completed at Hanover Central High School, transforming their Athletic environment for Tennis and Soccer.

HHAE used an innovative design for the Tennis courts creating clear practice walls for Tennis courts, with a coach’s box directly behind to be able to observe technique, film, etc. with a clear line of sight. Championship tennis courts were centered and staggered with new bleachers, scorebox building, masonry columns, bottle fill stations, scoreboards, lighting, and more for the players, coaches and public. The Soccer fields were redesigned...

Timeless creations, specifically Architecture in this post, have several factors that play a role in the historical nature of a building. A Good Architect is consciously and sub-consciously evaluating several of these factors when designing and only a limited few ever really have the opportunity and/or ability to execute a timeless piece of Architecture. Honesty, materiality, geometry and spatial relationships, adaptability, quality, belonging, are some of the qualities we may see in Good Design. HHAE was recently honored for a historic building, checking the boxes for Timeless Architecture; the Boone County Courthouse, located in Lebanon, Indiana and erected 1912, with a Tiger statue named “Hutton”. Natural proportions, thoughtful site placement, lasting materials, spatial volume, functionality, all played a part in the timeless design and the society role the building plays.

Standing the test of time, for over a century, a neo-classical architectural style building that sits in the town center as a prominent structure balancing the surrounding storefronts on each...

Hutton & Hutton (HHAE) is celebrating their firm’s 125th anniversary in 2020. Established in 1895 with our main office located in Hammond, Indiana and satellite office in Chicago, Illinois with a lineage of 5 generations, William Hutton (4th Generation) and Justin Hutton (5th Generation) as leading Principals. The firm has enjoyed a long history of Architectural and Engineering success serving their Clients and working with renowned Professionals in their field. HHAE has several landmarks in the State of Indiana alone, one being the Boone County Courthouse, erected 1912, with the largest monolithic limestone columns in the United States.

Currently, we work across 9 states in various fields of design and our approach to providing solutions has resulted to substantial growth over the last decade. Specializing in healthcare, education, municipal, commercial and other areas, HHAE has acquired multiple awards in the field in the past few years; notably the ‘ENR Midwest Healthcare Best Project’ and design technology ‘Ones to Watch in the USA’.

We believe in the...

A Good Architect can bring value to a multitude of scenarios. Our secret, which is not a surprise to most of our Clients, WE CARE. At some point in your life, you may have heard or even said the ‘we want something great, but economical’ in some shape or form. An Architect’s role can assist in generating revenue and/or other forms of return with Clients when needs arise that is of proven value that more than just good design.

Numerous healthcare buildings over the last 20+ years, have transitioned licenses with our assistance and expertise. Accounting for millions of dollars of increased revenue, per facility, depending on patient census. To date, with the CMS guidelines, we are continuing to assist facilities in planning for and upgrades to meet the current guidelines for hospital licensure. Along with that, review and solutions for any Authority having Jurisdiction (AHJ), such as JACHO, HFAP and other’s findings. Our code review and planning have given us the leverage required when helping Owners achieve success.

Making a Difference

We are excited to...

Hearing catch phrases like ROI or Life Cycle has limited use if the design and building management opportunities do not coincide. Design costs are ~2% of the 30 year cost of a building, 2016, Whole Building Design Guide. Life-Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA). Facility management assets and maintenance are typically the 2nd highest cost to a building, behind staff. The ability for Owners to capitalize on building data is here now and accessible, if you look in the right locations and ask the right questions. Over the past few years, we have had the privilege to speak at national conventions regarding technology and BIM utilization in the industry for better results. Our firm is driven to address these issues on the front end with Clients. BIM utilization can be addressed before, during or after a project; what we are saying is, it can be done during routine maintenance and does not have to coexist with a building project.

It is a tough sale though, as the new car smell of the catch-phrase ‘we use BIM…’ has worn off on the industry and can be quite a big bite to...

In todays world of Design, being engaged is just as important as style. Setting the “standard for Hybrid Operating Room Suites that will be used for future Projects” was a big accomplishment for the Project and users. Implementing the first Hybrid Operating Room at a Hospital for optimal functionality for current Doctors / Staff and to recruit future Doctors / Staff takes full engagement between the entire Project Team. Surgery and Imaging can be some of the most challenging spaces to contend with, especially in existing conditions. A Hybrid Operating Suite includes both of these functions, allowing Surgeons to perform procedures in a more collaborative setting, efficiently less invasive, setting the patient up for better results and quicker recovery times.

Holistic approach.

Several areas can set up a Team for failure; isocenter positioning, clearances for all equipment movement, air, vision, infection control, structure, accounting for users across multiple scenarios among naming a few…and trust us, there are a lot of other pitfalls that need to be accounted...