--- title: "Hutch Johnson WHJ Design — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hutch-johnson-whj-design-pfvwus-pf~2013269591 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~2013269591.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Hutch Johnson WHJ Design" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/1e937d90032d9f3f_8815-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "PO BOX 52015, Durham, North Carolina 27717, United States" latitude: 36.0512 longitude: -78.8577 phone: "(919) 810-6029" website: http://www.hutchjohnson.com/ rating: 5 review_count: 37 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 171 last_updated: 2026-08-27 --- # Hutch Johnson WHJ Design Original Houzz profile: [Hutch Johnson WHJ Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hutch-johnson-whj-design-pfvwus-pf~2013269591) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Durham, NC - **Serves:** Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, New Bern, Atlanta Beach, Bahama, Moorehead City, Watauga County - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (37 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2017), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - References available - 32 years in business Hutch Johnson has had a passion for design since he was 5 years old. Drawing inspiration from everything and everyone around him, he decided to make a career of it. Hutch graduated cum laude from the School of Design at North Carolina State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture. He went on to complete a professional degree with a Bachelor of Architecture from the School of Design in 1984. He established WHJ Design, Inc., in 1988. Specializing in Residential Design, Hutch’s approach to any project is client-centered. He makes it a priority to listen to individual wants and needs, and finds a way to best incorporate them into an immensely creative, practical and aesthetically pleasing design. Always happy to offer advice, Hutch makes sure he’s meeting the goals of his client rather than his own. While the majority of work he does is in North Carolina, Hutch has also worked on many projects up and down the east coast, from Florida to the coast of Maine. He’s always willing to work on projects at any location, on any terrain — from the mountains to the coast and the flatland in between. Custom-tailored residential design of utmost quality. Projects of all sizes from small to large scale new construction, additions, and renovations. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - Space Planning - Drafting - Home Restoration - Construction Drawings - Remodeling ### Areas Served - Raleigh - Durham - Chapel Hill - New Bern - Atlanta Beach - Bahama - Moorehead City - Watauga County ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 15 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Hutch Johnson WHJ Design | | Address | PO BOX 52015, Durham, North Carolina 27717, United States | | Phone | (919) 810-6029 | | Website | http://www.hutchjohnson.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 171 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hutch-Johnson-WHJ-Design-Inc/243422192397403 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/Hutch\_Johnson - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/pub/hutch-johnson/26/b16/a65 ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Hutch Johnson WHJ Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hutch-johnson-whj-design-pfvwus-pf~2013269591) - **Website:** http://www.hutchjohnson.com/ - **Phone:** (919) 810-6029 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Featured in From House to Home August/September 2008Featured in Durham Magazine April 2012 - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2015–2017), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 37 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Rob & Sara Euler, Jan. 2019** > We bought a home in Chapel Hill, NC after living in Chicago for 35 years. The home was built in 1928 near the campus on a beautiful property, but needed (we thought) a small addition. We hired Hutch Johnson as our architect at the suggestion of our builder and after seeing some of his work. Hutch not only answered our desire for a family room addition, but transformed the home in creative ways we had not imagined and helped to create outdoor spaces that we will enjoy for many years, all while maintaining the character of the vintage home. Hutch was very creative, thoughtful, and responsive to our preferences. We completed the project while still living in Chicago, making periodic trips to Chapel Hill for project meetings. Doing such a large project long distance could have been stressful, but it was not - we were kept up to date, the project was completed on time, and we had a team we completely trusted. We are happy with the end result and the value of his services. **★★★★★ — Jeremy Bertrand, Jan. 2019** > My company, Capehart & Washburn, LLC, is nearing completion of a large build for a client who hired Hutch to draw their plans. From the very beginning, Hutch exemplifies professionalism and is truly a joy to work with. The builder / architect relationship can be challenging, but not with Hutch. His ability to work with all parties to quickly, politely and efficiently solve problems is wonderful...everyone moves forward positively to get the job done. He has been 100% accessible to answer questions throughout the process. He is an advocate not only for his clients, but for all parties working to complete a quality home. > > In my experience with many architects over the years, Hutch is easily the best to work with. **★★★★★ — Linda Hylander, Nov. 2017** > We hired Hutch Johnson @ WHJ Design to create a new porch on our historic farm house, with extended seating and dining space. The design WHJ produced was perfect, respecting the existing roof line and incorporating the outside lines of the original house (1870's). I recommend him highly not only for his design skills and ability to respect the lines of an older house, but also for his professional manner, and respect for his clients desires. I should also note that our builder appreciated the care taken in preparing the design details, and was able to move ahead with the project without any "surprises." **★★★★★ — Laura lvirkler@me.com, Nov. 2017** > My husband and I worked with Hutch to renovate our current home and he couldn't have made it a more relaxed and exciting experience. His thoughts on room layouts, views, sunlight, and current trends all helped us create our dream home. Hutch helped explain his recommendations clearly and met us at the house numerous times to help step through what each potential change would do to a space and the pros and cons of each decision. Without his input, we would have spent a great deal of money and ended up with a home that didn't suit all of our needs. His years of experience and expertise in the industry were a huge asset as we redesigned our home! **Comment from Hutch Johnson WHJ Design:** > Thank you Laura for you kind words. It was so much fun working with you on all the stages of your renovations. It was especially fulfilling as you were a 3rd generation client for me! **★★★★★ — New Leaf Homes NC LLC, Dec. 2016** > New Leaf Homes NC is a semi-custom home builder in the the Boone / Blowing Rock Region of Western North Carolina. We have had the opportunity to build 4 of Hutch Johnson's designs in the last 2 years. Hutch is an innovative designer that has provided functioning home designs to very unique and challenging homesites. He has worked with us on solutions to provide maximum usable square footage, very functioning outdoor living, while still considering budget without sacrifice of aesthetic appeal. We have enjoyed working with him as he emits a very professional and enjoyable disposition. I would highly recommend his services to anyone. **★★★★★ — J. Patrick Warren, PE, Nov. 2016** > I am a Professional Civil Engineer that has worked with WHJ Design on approximately 20 homesites in the mountains of North Carolina. I have found Hutch to be a consummate professional with his knowledge of architecture and design. His quality of work is excellent and I extremely enjoy working with him on projects. **★★★★★ — Grau Building Company, Nov. 2016** > Aligning yourself with the right architect is critical to the success of your project whether you are a homeowner or a builder. Speaking as a builder, Hutch is a great partner and we have worked successfully together on projects of various sizes over the years. He brings his passion for design and architecture to every job and is very hands on during the course of the project. He is always available to field questions from our team during the project and we often run into him doing impromptu site visits to ensure the project is turning out the way he envisioned. WHJ Design comes with our highest recommendation. **★★★★★ — The Waters, Nov. 2016** > Although not professional house flippers, we have started to feel that way after three major renovations and new constructions in the last five years. Our latest project started with a 1960s single-story ranch with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths; the end result will be a completely renovated main level and new second floor with a total of 5 bedrooms and 5.5 baths. > > Although we had a basic idea of what we wanted to do, Hutch Johnson was instrumental in helping us think through each and every detail based on how we want the house to “live.” (I will admit I’ve always taken for granted which way doors swing, where drawers open, how light comes into a room, sight lines in hallways and between rooms, etc.) Hutch’s prior knowledge of the house was a factor in our initial consultation, and this history proved very helpful at multiple times during the project. He also leveraged this information to help contain costs in areas that could have otherwise been even more expensive. > > Overall, working with Hutch was an absolutely fantastic experience. Beyond being a very gifted and talented architect, he was thoughtful, patient and maintained a wonderful sense of humor throughout the process. We made a number of changes on the fly (including the addition of a 400+ sq ft screened porch and outdoor fireplace well after construction was underway). At every turn Hutch provided advice, counsel and invaluable suggestions that went well-beyond the structure itself. He has a keen attention to detail for lighting, symmetry, flow and consistency-of-style both within and outside of our home. From raising windows to tying together myriad fascia lines, he was masterful in bringing the home together. He managed to preserved the charm of the home we bought (which was very important to us) while elevating it into the space we need. Most of all, he was with us every step of the way and worked seamlessly with our contractor to ensure our concepts, his design and the end product are one in the same. He was on site regularly (and sometimes on very short notice) and frequently pointed out design/construction discrepancies we hadn't even noticed to ensure every detail was addressed. It is our pleasure to offer Hutch our highest and unqualified recommendation. **★★★★★ — Charles WOODS, Nov. 2016** > I am Charles Woods of Charles Woods Builder, Located in the Triangle Area. Hillsborough NC. I have worked with Hutch for 25 + years. His designs always make for a great product for a builder to have in his portfolio. The most important attribute that Hutch brings to the project is "TEAM building". There is always the TEAM of the customer/property owner, Hutch & the contractor and others as they are needed. Hutch will often ask TEAM members for their thoughts and especially the contractor to just make sure his designs will work. His eye for design is "top shelf". I highly recommend Hutch for the design of your up coming project. **★★★★★ — Kevin Ellis, March 2016** > This was my first time building a new home and Hutch was very respectful of my "rookie" questions and helpful in stepping me through the process and making recommendations. We took an existing design and he made many significant design changes to accommodate just what I was looking for and within my budget. On some custom features that I had questions about, he even sent me photos of similar projects to help me in the decision making. He was always quick to answer questions or turn around new design ideas. In the end, I couldn't be happier than how it all turned out. **★★★★★ — Barry Stowe, Nov. 2015** > Hutch was amazing to work with. This was our first experience with building a home and it couldn't have gone easier. Hutch listened to our thoughts and visions and made it a reality. We gave him direction with my wife's Pintrest account and he took it from there. He came up with 2 sets of plans -- we chose one and really didn't need to make many changes. The whole process took only a few months and he made it incredibly easy and stress free. We would work with him again without hesitation. **★★★★★ — kazambetti, Oct. 2015** > We had never designed or built a house before but Hutch made the process enjoyable and fun. We had strong opinions but he was great at challenging us to avoid "rookie" mistakes. Another thing that we loved about Hutch was his ability to visualize our idea or concept and incorporate it into the final design. We wanted a medium size house with big house features, zero wasted space and room for 8....not an easy task but he delivered an awesome design. We would work with Hutch again for sure. ## Selected projects - [STONES THROW](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stones-throw-pj-vj~2023841) - Location: Boone, NC - Photos: 28 - Description: "STONES THROW" at Blue Ridge Mountain Club was designed as a family's second home retreat, but could easily become the full-time home in years to come. Perched atop a knoll on a private lane, this house has the convenience of being just off Reynolds Parkway, yet the privacy of being totally secluded at the same time. It has Main Floor Living for the owners, complete with open planned Living, Dining & Kitchen, as well as Master Suite, Home Office and Laundry. Downstairs has a second Living space,… - [CLIFFDWELLER](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cliffdweller-pj-vj~5494816) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [YADKIN POINT - COTTAGE 10](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/yadkin-point-cottage-10-pj-vj~1798523) - Location: Boone, NC - Photos: 15 - Description: Built in the Yadkin Point section of the Blue Ridge Mountain Club, this home was designed as a Spec home for the developer. The design goal was to create an open flowing floor plan that would allow freedom of movement between the living spaces and also the interior and exterior spaces. Whether bought by someone as a vacation home or as a primary residence, this home has all the quality touches of a high-end custom home. This house is a place any family would love to all home. - [OWL'S NEST](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/owl-s-nest-pj-vj~5327713) - Location: Deep Gap, NC - Photos: 25 - [WINTERGREEN FARMS](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wintergreen-farms-pj-vj~5327781) - Location: Hillsborough, NC - Photos: 27 - [TWIN POPLARS](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/twin-poplars-pj-vj~506224) - Location: Chapel Hill, NC - Photos: 3 - [BERRYWOOD](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/berrywood-pj-vj~1037980) - Location: Chapel Hill, NC - Photos: 24 - Description: Designed for a couple as their "empty-nester" home, Berrywood is set on acreage filled with woods, hills and streams. The owners wanted to enjoy the outside from multiple vantage points, as each takes advantage of the site. On the interior they wanted a high quality home that would allow them to live on the First Floor, and visitors to occupy the upper level. Having an open floor plan, where each space had it's own identity was a key concern. They did not want it to feel like one big room, but r… - [FARMINGTON](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmington-pj-vj~506195) - Location: Chapel Hill, NC - Photos: 9 - [LAUREL HILL](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/laurel-hill-pj-vj~1035747) - Location: Chapel Hill, NC - Photos: 41 - Description: An iconic Greek Revival home on a majestic site, I’ve had the pleasure of working on Laurel Hill for 2 different owners. The house was originally built in the 1920’s. I designed the renovation for a prior client in 1988 and Leon Meyers, with L E Meyers Builders was the contractor and David Swanson was the Landscape architect. During that renovation we mainly worked on the Kitchen / Family spaces and the Master Bedroom. A few years ago the new owner approached me about doing a major renovation /… - [LONGVIEW - Addition / Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/longview-addition-renovation-pj-vj~505954) - Location: Hillsborough, NC - Photos: 3 - [HILLCREST](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hillcrest-pj-vj~853918) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 17 - [WATER'S EDGE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/water-s-edge-pj-vj~506245) - Location: Morehead City, NC - Photos: 12 - [COASTAL COTTAGE](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/coastal-cottage-pj-vj~506240) - Location: Pine Knoll Shores, NC - Photos: 7 - [WHITEHALL - Addition / Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whitehall-addition-renovation-pj-vj~507355) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 12 - [GREENWICH](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/greenwich-pj-vj~506229) - Location: Chapel Hill, NC - Photos: 3 - [TWIN CHIMNEYS - Addition / Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/twin-chimneys-addition-renovation-pj-vj~506233) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 11 - [DK-USA STABLES](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dk-usa-stables-pj-vj~506219) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 17 - [HILLTOP VILLA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hilltop-villa-pj-vj~506204) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 12 - [TWIN WINGS - Additions](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/twin-wings-additions-pj-vj~506174) - Location: Durham, NC - Photos: 7 - [STONEWALLS](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stonewalls-pj-vj~506163) - Location: Raleigh, NC - Photos: 3 [See all 43 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/hutch-johnson-whj-design-pfvwus-pf~2013269591) ## Community Q&A **Q: Exterior color scheme** *(in Photo Questions)* I love the color scheme.... do you have the paint information? A: I'm sorry but I don't have those paint colors any more. Thanks for asking, Hutch Johnson **Q: What brand is the fireplace?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I'm afraid it's been a while since I designed this project, so I am not positive. I can tell you that I like the ASTRIA line of fireplaces for lots of locations and they make a see-thru fireplace called the MARIN **Q: What is the color of the paint on the walls?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: I'm sorry, but I don' know what color is on those walls **Q: Are these retractable screens? Brand?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: These are not retractable screens, but rather fixed in place **Q: Exterior paint color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: It is just classic White paint on the brick, with matching color on the trim **Q: Great rustic look from siding materials used!** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me the brands, colors also include information about stone. Would also like to know about the roofing materials including the metal roofing. Please do not forget trim and soffit. Thank you. A: This house was designed as a "spec" home for a builder. He and his wife, who is an interior designer, made all the final selections of materials and colors. Thanks for asking. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-27.*