our studio
Our mission is to design unique, modern spaces by skillfully navigating complex environments AND building relationships through trust AND reputability.
34-TEN is a Chicago-based architecture firm known for its hands-on, creative approach to residential and commercial design. From gut renovations to ground-up construction, we design with an eye toward functionality, character, and long-term value—always grounded in the real-world constraints of budget and site.
Our mission is to create meaningful spaces with integrity, resourcefulness, and a respect for how things really get built. We thrive on helping clients make the most of what they have—whether transforming a historic building, reimagining a space for daily life, or starting fresh on a vacant lot. Honest collaboration, clear communication, and a design-build spirit guide everything we do.
ABOUT
Josh Hutchison founded 34-TEN in 2015 in the wake of the Great Recession—at a time when the only way back into architecture was to build something of his own. What began as a side project in the early 2010s quickly grew into a full-fledged practice, grounded in adaptive reuse, hands-on renovation, and deep knowledge of Chicago’s building stock.
With a background in real estate as well as architecture, Josh brings a practical, value-driven lens to every project. He understands how thoughtful design can elevate a property’s potential—functionally, financially, and aesthetically. That perspective continues to shape how 34-TEN approaches both residential and commercial work today.
Our team designs to solve problems, work within real-world constraints, and create spaces that support the lives people actually lead. Whether we’re helping a family invest in a forever home or a business owner rethink their space, we bring care, intention, and creativity to every project.
story
josh hutchison
Josh Hutchison founded 34-TEN in 2015 with an intention to make as big an impact as possible for his clients. His innate DIY ethos brings value and resourcefulness to his projects, ensuring that incredible outcomes happen with the amount of resources available. He is committed to solving design problems and pushing a project through its natural evolution.
Before starting the firm, Josh worked on high-rise residential design projects at Solomon Coldwell Buenz and Adrian Smith+Gordon Gill, and cut his teeth working on historic buildings and rehabilitations while working for developers Friedman Properties and Shapack Development. He has experience in all scales of residential projects and commercial tenant improvement work, including office space, retail, and restaurants.
His experience working as a licensed real estate broker for four years also gave him useful insight into how to find value through design and work within the constraints of a clients’ budgets. Josh holds a Master of Architecture degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and a BA in Architectural Studies from the University of Washington in Seattle.
In his free time, Josh chases his two young daughters around, and experiments with homemade spirit infusions and tinctures in search of the perfect cocktail.
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Licensed Architect – State of Illinois
Licensed Architect – State of Michigan
Enrolled in the City of Chicago’s Self-Certification Program
NCARB certified
Member – American Institute of Architects
LEED Accredited Professional – U.S. Green Building Council
jarrett jespersen
Jarrett Jespersen is an experienced designer focused on Chicago-area residential renovations, de-conversions, and new construction. He uses his responsive design sensibility and technical understanding of the construction process to help projects successfully move from the initial design phase through construction.
Fortunately for 34-TEN and our clients, Jarrett has become intimately familiar with the quirks of early 1900s Chicago 2-flats, their rear wood-frame additions and common brick exterior, bay windows, and bearing walls over the past ten years. He brings this experience and his time in the trades to the firm, where he enjoys designing thoughtful solutions that listen to these old buildings while meeting our clients’ needs for today.
A Chicago native, Jarrett previously worked at Studio Gang Architects on projects ranging from luxury, residential towers to urban plans, and a small firm where he focused on designing sustainable strategies in an urban fabric. He holds a B.Arch degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology and is currently working on his architecture licensure.
In his spare time, Jarrett enjoys being outside as much as he can, whether that’s biking or hiking through the Daniel Burnham-designed park system or drinking beer and chatting with friends on a local bar patio.
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Member – American Institute of Architects
fanny hothan
Fanny Hothan is a French-born and Chicago-based architect with more than 15 years of experience in seamlessly guiding projects from concept to construction. With a deep appreciation for the balance between old and new, she specializes in residential renovations and new construction, creating spaces that feel both timeless and effortlessly functional.
Before joining 34-TEN, Fanny spent more than a decade at Vladimir Radutny Architects, where she worked on award-winning projects that challenged conventional notions of space, materiality, and function. Her architectural career began in Paris, where she contributed to institutional and cultural projects at renowned firms before relocating to the U.S.
With a Master’s degree in the History of Architecture and Urban Morphology, Fanny approaches design as storytelling—honoring the past while refining and simplifying spaces for modern living. She believes that great design should challenge expectations, gently pushing clients beyond their comfort zones to create homes that feel calm, intentional, and beautifully resolved.
Outside of work, Fanny enjoys traveling with her three children and indulging in long, laughter-filled dinners with friends. A lifelong musician, she still appreciates playing the viola in local orchestras and is always exploring new creative outlets—pottery being next on her list.
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Member – American Institute of Architects
Diplome d’Etat d’Architecte, France
