Every aspect of bringing a project from client vision to completion. Debbie interfaces with clients and users to understand their needs and dreams and how those relate to client resources and land or structures they may currently own or are seeking. She continues to interact and communicate with clients through completion of the project. Specific responsibilities include: preparing proposals and RFP’s, designing structures, interior design services (i.e. detailing, color and material selection), preparing drawings, procuring permits and other governmental approvals, construction administration, preparing budgets and timelines, and overall project management.
Beyond delivering top-notch architectural services, Debbie’s most important contributions to Hutter Architects include high organization and outstanding and efficient communication with clients and co-workers. If I Debbie says she will do something, it will be done! This mentality keeps Hutter Architects’ clients happy and on schedule. Additionally Debbie’s dual experience as a mom and an Architect brings a unique and highly valuable viewpoint to Hutter Architects’ residential projects. Many young couples/families aren’t clear what they want or need for their future homes. Debbie can offer her valuable perspective to help guide them through the design process.
Debbie graduated Rice University in Houston Texas with a BA-Architecture and Art History in 1986, and a Bachelor of Architecture in 1988. Debbie has worked with Pam Hutter for 15 years, and for Hutter Architects since 2001. Debbie has received several professional awards including being a Finalist for the Steedman Fellowship Competition, and Honorable Mention for the Burnham Prize.
“I chose a career in architecture because I love designing and I enjoy working with people. The field of architecture takes my best traits and allows me to use them to create great places for our clients. I believe that if you are in a beautiful environment it will affect how you feel, work, live! And I love that change for the better is something I get to do every day!”
Oak Park, Illinois
The goal of this project was to make the entrance of the Pilgrim Congregational Church ADA accessible by adding a wheelchair lift. Extra attention was paid to match the materiality and style of the original 1989 building and create a seamless transition between the old and new.
Chicago Public Schools: Zenos Colman Regional Offices and Training Center
Chicago, Illinois
The Colman Regional Offices and Training Center received an addition and renovations after the building was repurposed as an administration building from a former CPS elementary school. The addition consisted of a new elevator shaft and machine room. Other renovations included a new interior ramp and to meet ADA requirements, improvements to the newly designated ADA entrance, and painting and restoration of the existing auditorium.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Living Room with Fireplace: The design’s boldness comes from removing the walls around the existing, which greatly expanded the kitchen and elevated it to the heart of the home.
Living Room and Kitchen: A tall bar area provides visual separation between the living and cooking areas, while still allowing the cook to be part of the main event.
Living Room and Kitchen: A tall bar area provides visual separation between the living and cooking areas, while still allowing the cook to be part of the main event.
Bathrooms: A warm, inviting and original color palette that avoids the tired and cliché southwest color scheme.
Front Entryway: The ambience, character and spirit of place drive a design that flows with color that is bold and warm, with correct proportions and with attention to texture and shadow.
Back Yard Living Space: The homeowners like to cook and entertain and with the spectacular outdoor setting, the indoor and outdoor living spaces are now seamlessly joined.
Bin 36 Restaurant: Chicago, Illinois
Elevator modernization to bring elevator to rooftop deck included re-support of elevator equipment room and extension of existing elevator shaft. This project was challenging due to existing structural parameters in the vintage building.
Sewickly, PA
This residential addition included a new front entry foyer and wrap-around porch that completely changed the circulation pattern of the house. The elements were carefully designed to complement the character of the original Georgian style home and to provide space to hang out.
Oak Park, Illinois
Hutter Architects received the Village of Oak Park’s 2012 Green Award, presented by the Environment and Energy Commission for the design of a residential garage rooftop vegetable garden. The awards recognize individuals, groups, and organizations that have demonstrated leadership as stewards of the Oak Park environment.
Highland Park, Illinois
Exterior: The building was crafted to be warm, inviting, and of the high quality synonymous with the programs for which JCYS is known.
Outdoor Recreation Space: From many competing goals, a versatile and vital space is created.
Interior: The building was designed to capture a camp’s rustic, woodsy, kinesthetic experience and so it mimics an exterior space with shingled siding on the walls and a concrete floor that is easily cared for.
Chicago, Illinois
Photography by Mike Kaskal
The new owners of this Lincoln Park home wanted a total remodel of this historic home which required gutting and an addition commensurate with the historic qualities of the original home. The owners also wanted a connection to yard and decks to increase the entertainment area. The plan was opened, light in the home was increased, and significant attention was paid to the new and substantial trim and casework that reinforce the historic roots of this modern home. Niches and cabinetry abound in this home where each space is designed to be a special place.
On the first floor, the Living Room, Family Room, and Kitchen are arranged enfilade or open to each other in a classic line. In summer the view to the yard is reinforced by this axis that includes the island. Cased openings between each room remind you that you are in an older home and that there is the sanctity of smaller spaces making up the large. The kitchen with cabinetry and detailing designed by de Giulio adds to the modern look. The north stair halls provide areas for closets, powder rooms, and piano niche where you would not expect. A bridge for outdoor dining connects to a garage top deck.
The second floor also has a complete new floor plan with Master Suite, daughter’s suite, and Boy’s bedrooms and bath. Skylights bring more light and the north side of the home continues as the circulation and utility side of the home.
The Lower level includes a walkout to the yard, Mud Room, Family Room, Exercise Room, and Guest Suite. All the systems in the home are new and the master control area for these systems is on the north side of the home.
