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About Us

about

In January 2003, Karen A. Hutchinson and Thomas W. Hutchinson, AIA, CSI, and RRC established the Hutchinson Design Group, Ltd., a full service architectural firm specializing in roof system design, forensic investigation, roof system failure expert witness work, building envelope and moisture intrusion concerns. The firm offers roof inspection, due diligence surveys, roof system design, contract document preparation, peer review, expert witness and general roof consulting services.

All our employees are knowledgeable of roof system materials and the various roof system materials, components, their limitations and characteristics. The firm has been recognized several times by the RCI (Institute of Roofing, Waterproofing and Building Envelope Professionals) for excellence in design and contract document preparation, most recently for the City of Milwaukee 809 Building Garden Roof, dedicated by Mayor Tom Barrett.

Mr. Thomas Hutchinson, AIA, CSI, FRCI, RRC is the principal of the firm, and while being a renowned expert on roofing, contributes pro bono in code and standard development with ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers), ASTM (American Society of Testing and Materials), The International Building Code (IBC), EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and RICOWI (Roofing Industry Committee on Weather Issues). Mr. Hutchinson currently also serves on an industry committee discussing garden roof testing for fire and wind performance.

Staff Bios

Karen A. Hutchinson

Karen Hutchinson started the Hutchinson Design Group, Ltd. in 2003. Her belief in providing quality
work the first time around for clients has allowed the Hutchinson Design Group to grow. HDG’s repeat client service, to clients with multiple buildings, has been a testament to HDG’s success. She manages the daily operations of Hutchinson Design Group with the guiding hand of “Do the best, with the best, and you will get the best”.

Thomas W. Hutchinson, AIA, CSI, FRCI, RRC, RRP - Principal / Vice President

Thomas W. Hutchinson has over 30 years of experience in roof system design and masonry restoration.Tom is a licensed architect and registered roof consultant. His work is noted for its comprehensiveness in design, detailing and specification, and construction administration. Tom believes that the complete integration of all building components into a roof system design is vital to the longevity of the roof’s service life. Tom is past President of The Institute of Roofing, Waterproofing and Building Envelope Professionals (RCI, Inc.), current Technical Consultant for ERA (EPDM Roofing Association), Certified Energy Professional in the City of Chicago, RoofPoint Registered Professional (RRP) with the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing (CEIR), Secretary for CIB/RILEM International Joint Committee on “Roof Materials and Systems”; as well as a highly respected player in the industry. As roof system designs are changing with the advancement of sustainable ideals, energy consciousness, thermal performance, garden and cool roofing; having his level of expertise factor in the building’s actual components is fundamental in this changing “climate”. Tom has made numerous presentations around the world to help educate on the importance of proper building envelope design, and has penned many
articles on the same.

Doreen - Office Manager / Administrative

Doreen’s advance knowledge of masonry restoration and roof system installation allows her to effectively assist in the coordination of projects from start to finish. Her skills include assisting with preparing construction specifications, and AIA contract documents, ROE (Regional Office of Education) construction permits and Life Safety Amendment Fund procurement for Illinois elementary and high school educational institutions, including use of the IWAS (IL State Board of Education Web Application
Security) system.

Travis Ohland - Associate

Travis Ohland is an integral part of the Hutchinson Design Group team. Travis has an extensive background on how buildings are laid out on the inside so his progression to working with the Building Envelop systems was a natural advancement.

Travis’s role at HDG includes onsite verification and photo documentation of existing construction conditions, construction drawing preparation to effectively communicate the required design intent of masonry restoration and roof system installations.


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