Studio W Spotlight: Scott Hunter

Chico, CA—We are pleased to introduce Scott Hunter, Project Designer at our Chico Studio, as September’s Studio W Spotlight team member. Scott is a Bay Area native that moved away from all the hustle and bustle to a slightly quieter and slower pace of living in Chico. He was introduced to architecture in college, and since then, has found inspiration in how light, shadow and texture can be used to capture time and invoke an emotion. With a commitment to continuous learning and innovation, Scott constantly seeks new opportunities to expand his knowledge and refine his skills. In his role as Project Designer, he takes on a range of responsibilities, including design computations, architectural drawings and renderings, consulting with manufacturers and evaluating materials. Among his notable projects are the Greenville Rancheria Replacement Clinic, the Walker Elementary School Modernization and Chicken Ranch Rancheria Administration Building.

Beyond architecture, Scott draws inspiration from his parents’ determination to work toward a common goal and is an avid fan of all things sci-fi. His first job in the field remains a memorable milestone that significantly shaped his approach to design. Learn more about Scott…

 

What is your hometown, or where do you live currently and what do you like about it?

I grew up in the Bay Area, but I currently live in Chico, CA. I like Chico’s location. It’s close enough to the Bay, that I can visit my family, but far enough away that I can focus on myself. The cost of living is easier to manage and, due to the smaller population, so is the traffic. The temperature here is much warmer too, which I prefer.

What is your favorite restaurant or food?

My current favorite restaurant is this place called Tasty Pot. A chain of Chinese restaurants found all over the Bay. It’s my go-to spot when I visit my parents or friends. They have a unique and humorous way of presenting their food. Basically, each person gets their own personal bowl of hot soup delivered to you on a podium.

 

What is your favorite song, movie or book?

My favorite song is from the group Infected Mushroom. My brother first introduced them to me decades ago and I still listen to their creations today. I like to put on surround sound earphones and blast away. Their songs are generally long with a nice build up and a great amount of bass, which makes them great to listen to while relaxing at home or on a long drive. “Bust a Move” is my all-time favorite song.

I’m a huge fan of sci-fi. One of my earlier introductions to the genre is the movie Starship Troopers. I have seen it dozens of times. It’s littered with great lines and non-stop action.

I don’t have a favorite book, but I am currently reading book #2 of The Expanse. It’s sci-fi and I really enjoyed the TV series.

What is a typical weekend for you?

On weekends, I like to start my days off at the gym. After peeling myself off the floor at the gym, I prefer to run errands before relaxing at home. Typically, I enjoy watching shows, playing games, listening to music, learning new recipes and on occasion cleaning my apartment. If circumstances allow, I enjoy exploring new horizons, building computers or learning something new.

Who is your hero or a person that inspires you?

My heroes are my parents. It would be difficult for me to choose one without the other since they complement each other so well. I see them as a single unit. I have never seen them give up or stop moving towards a common goal. There may be speed bumps or detours, but there is always a way forward. It has inspired me to never give up, and to keep moving forward regardless of any hiccups.

How did you find architecture?

I knew from an early age that this was what I wanted to be when I got older, but getting here was not a direct path. I studied mathematics as an undergrad student. During that time, I decided to take an introductory architecture course at a local community college. I enjoyed the class so much that I changed my degree and the rest is history.

 

What is a building and/or destination that inspires you and why?

I’ve always been attracted to how light, shadow and texture can be used to capture a time or invoke an emotion. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go to Japan. There, I visited a number of temples and museums, including the Chichu Art Museum by Tadao Ando. It is a concrete structure sunk into the earth. The quality of light filtering into each of the spaces creates a unique feel. Since most of the light comes from the sun, you can expect a different experience depending on when you enter each space.

 

What is your most memorable project and why?

My most memorable project was the first house I ever worked on. It was my first job out of college and I was put onto this team thanks to my knowledge of Revit. The client was a multi-billionaire, who hired a yacht designer from France to design him a home near San Francisco, but they needed a local firm to complete the drawings. I was fresh out of school and I was very confident I knew what I was doing. After they gave me the foundation plan, however, I was overwhelmed. Turns out, we were the third firm to be hired, so what I saw was overlapping grid lines, grade changes, footings and who knows what else. The project was also being built as we finished each drawing. It was chaotic. I learned a lot about design and what is possible in this field, but also, I learned that if you have enough money, that size and warranties do not matter. It was a lot of fun and I got to experience a unique level of design mixed with technologies and innovations I didn’t know were possible.

What is your favorite aspect of working at Studio W Architects?

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Studio W Architects since April 1st of 2024. Everyone I’ve had the opportunity to engage with has been spectacular. When I have questions or concerns about a project, I am informed in a way that inspires me to work better. Being in such a positive work environment has been a breath of fresh air and I look forward to all future opportunities here.

What project have you worked on at Studio W that made you grow the most professionally? Why?

The Greenville Rancheria Replacement Clinic. The original facility burned down in a fire that destroyed most of the town of Greenville. It was nice to have the opportunity to be part of the revitalization effort. The building is a medical and dental clinic with other supporting functions and a behavioral health wing. Time and manpower were a huge constraint throughout the course of the project, but it provided unique opportunities for growth I hadn’t experienced before. I can’t wait for the building to be functional and to serve the community.