Advancing the art of dwelling

Hutker Architects is excited to announce the launch of the Ontic Initiative with a mission of advancing the art of dwelling through intentional alignment with branches of the natural, behavioral, and physical sciences that overlap with residential space making.

Our goal is to positively impact health, ease, and happiness through quantitative research into the impact of the environments we create for human dwelling. Building on thirty-five years of experience in innovative residential design, our vision is to create a new standard for custom homes to be both passive in their demands on their environment and community and active in their influence on the well-being of their inhabitants.

OUR MISSION

FOCUS AREAS

Beyond the formal ideals that are typically within the architect and designer’s purview (beauty, balance proportion), we are committed to exploring and optimizing the many non-aesthetic attributes that impact our physical health, support desired activities (both individual and communal) and foster a greater sense of contentment and well-being.

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REST +

Humans seek safe sleeping places. A fact that has evolved out of the need for protection against potential threats and nighttime predation. Providing a stress-free and calming environment is a basic factor in achieving quality sleep.

NATURE +

Biophilic design reconnects people to nature evidenced by humans’ innate desire to engage the earth. Creating a connection to nature reduces stress, improves cognitive functions, creativity, and promotes healing.

MOVEMENT +

The act or process of changing place, position, or posture. Spaces that provide movement opportunities can improve brain health, weight management, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles while promoting calmness and mindfulness.

NOURISHMENT +

Sustenance — necessary for life, health, and growth. Creating spaces to prepare healthy fuel and hydration.

COMMUNITY +

Creating spaces that promote human interaction, relationship development and influence happiness.

The Ontic Initiative will offer research grants to individuals, studios in accredited schools of architecture, industrial design and interiors supporting exploration in one or more of five areas – Rest, Nature, Movement, Nourishment, and Community. This research will directly inform our work at Hutker Architects, prompting a deeper connection between the diary inquiries we conduct at the outset of each project and the design strategies, big and small, in home designs. The research produced will be open source and searchable for any future student or professional.

RESEARCH GRANTS

We invite partners to join the Ontic Initiative in the research and funding research to consider factual existence issues and the effects on residential design.

OUR PARTNERS

Connect with us

OUR TEAM

The Ontic Initiative team is a group of individuals aligned in their thinking and passion for advancing the art of dwelling; we collaborate to push the boundaries of residential design and quality of life. This endeavor seeks to blend innovative architectural practices with technology, sustainable solutions, and beauty. Our team actively seeks to collaborate across various disciplines, recognizing that the evolution of living spaces requires insights and expertise beyond the traditional practice of architecture, such as psychology, environmental science, anthropology and digital technologies.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mark A. Hutker, FAIA

President

Tom McNeill, AIA

Vice President

Nancy Swensson

Executive Director

COMMITTEE

Julie Bangert

Whitney Bickford

Danielle Raciti

Weston Halkyard