Lyle Hutson, Architect, NCARB
Principal

Lyle Hutson, Architect, NCARB, is a Principal at AO and leads the firm’s Automotive Studio specializing in automotive facility design, branded retail environments, and complex commercial projects nationwide. A licensed architect for over three decades, Hutson brings deep technical expertise across the full project lifecycle, including design leadership, construction documentation, quality control, financial modeling, and construction administration. His portfolio spans ground-up developments, rebrands, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects for leading automotive brands such as BMW, Porsche, Lexus, Audi, Ford, Honda, Toyota, and Kia. Notable projects include BMW and MINI of Escondido, Maserati of Anaheim Hills, and the Porsche and Audi studios in San Diego, each reflecting a strong focus on brand expression, customer experience, and operational performance.

In addition to project delivery, Hutson has led automotive design operations at both regional and national levels, establishing design standards, training programs, and best practices tailored to the automotive sector. Based in AO’s Orange, California headquarters, he collaborates closely with the firm’s retail, hospitality, mixed-use, residential, sci + tech, placemaking, and interior design studios to deliver integrated, brand-forward automotive and mobility solutions.