ARCHITECTURE
AO, a leading full-service architecture, planning, and design firm, is pleased to announce the launch of its Automotive Studio and the addition of Lyle Hutson, Architect. NCARB, as Principal and leader of this new practice. Hutson brings more than 35 years of experience specializing in automotive facility design, branded retail environments, and complex commercial projects across the United States.
While the Automotive Studio represents a new chapter for AO, automotive design itself is not new to the firm. AO has been designing car dealerships, showrooms, and automotive-related facilities for decades, including Mercedes-Benz of Encino and most recently completing the flagship dealership for Kia in Los Angeles. The formal launch of the Automotive Studio reflects both the depth of that experience and the growing need for a focused, tailored approach to a sector that continues to rapidly evolve.
A licensed architect for more than three decades, Hutson brings deep technical expertise across the full project lifecycle, including design leadership, construction documentation, financial modeling, quality control, and construction administration. His portfolio includes ground-up, rebrands, renovations, and adaptive reuse projects for leading brands such as BMW, Porsche, Lexus, Audi, Ford, Honda, Toyota, and Kia. Notable projects include BMW and MINI of Escondido, Maserati of Anaheim Hills, Studios for Porsche San Diego and Audi San Diego, each reflecting a strong emphasis on brand expression, customer experience, and long-term operational performance.
In addition to project delivery, Hutson has led automotive design operations at both regional and national levels, helping establish design standards, internal training programs, and best practices tailored specifically to the automotive sector. As Principal, he will lead AO’s Automotive Studio from the firm’s Orange, California headquarters, expanding AO’s automotive and mobility portfolio while collaborating closely with the firm’s established retail, hospitality, mixed-use, residential, sci + tech, placemaking, and interior design studios to deliver integrated, brand-forward solutions.
“Cars may be the product, but experience is the brand,” said Hutson. “Dealerships have evolved into brand flagships and experience-driven destinations, and I’m excited to join AO and lead a studio purpose-built for this new era of automotive design and collaboration.”
As consumer expectations continue to change, automotive environments must tell a brand story, guide the customer journey, and operate seamlessly behind the scenes. AO’s Automotive Studio brings together architecture, interiors, planning, and experience design to create spaces that are immersive, efficient, and distinctly human.
The launch of the Automotive Studio aligns with AO’s broader evolution as a multidisciplinary firm focused on experience-driven, destination-oriented design. Through AO’s unified approach, the studio leverages cross-disciplinary expertise to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the automotive space.
“Formalizing our Automotive Studio is a natural evolution for AO,” said Tom Bergerson, Partner. “We’ve been designing automotive environments for decades. What’s changed is the role these spaces play. This studio brings focus, leadership, and a dedicated client approach to an area where AO is already well positioned.”
With Hutson’s leadership, AO’s Automotive Studio reinforces the firm’s commitment to specialized expertise, strong client partnerships, and future-ready environments where brands and people connect.
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