Need inspiration on your next planning project? We believe that your project experience and ROI are enhanced with a resourceful and imaginative design team. That’s another reason that we started 2016 by announcing our exciting merger with INSITE strategy + architecture. Founded in 2012 as a boutique firm, INSITE became well-known for its creative and fresh approach to developer-driven commercial projects. The merger is now complete and the combined team continues to do business as McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture.
Chad Cousins, COO for McMillan Pazdan Smith, credits the synergies between the two firms as a primary driver behind the merger. Tom Hund, Nathan Schutte, and their team from INSITE have a strong connection to the Charleston development community and a keen understanding of that market’s unique needs and perspectives. Their firm’s success was built around a combination of client-centered design, value-generating advance planning, and a willingness to explore multiple options to determine feasibility and achieve best-case ROIs — values that fit seamlessly into the MPS philosophy of client service paired with strategic innovation.
The merger follows a strong 2015 performance for McMillan Pazdan Smith, as they moved up to #33 on Architect Magazine’s 2015 ARCHITECT 50 list of best U.S. architecture firms in the Business Category and ranked nationally at #13 in the Architecture Category of the Zweig Group’s 2015 Best Firms to Work For Award.
Pictured: (left to right) Tom and Nathan are known for their collaborative approach to strategic planning.
Tom Hund, AIA
Tom is now a firm Principal at McMillan Pazdan Smith and Director of the Charleston office. He has been practicing planning and architecture for more than 30 years, working very closely with both public and private sector clients. Over the course of his career, Tom has been instrumental in the development and redevelopment of communities throughout the Southeast. His strength in advanced planning strategies and urban design complement his ability to implement details that bring a uniquely responsive architectural theme and scale to each project.
Tom has been actively involved in leadership roles with both the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the American Institute of Architects and is currently serving as the Founding Chair of the Rethinking Southern Cities regional council. Additionally, he serves the community and the industry through service on the Board of Governors for the Charleston Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, as a trustee for Clemson University’s Real Estate Program, and as a Member of the Tri-County Council of Government’s Regional Land Use Committee.
Nathan Schutte, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, ND, CDT
Nathan’s talents as an architect are driven by his passion for working with clients to design projects that are distinctive and sustainable. Over the course of his 15 year career, he has provided design leadership and project management for projects ranging from community planning and urban design to the architecture of new construction and existing building makeovers. Nathan keeps a finger on the pulse of the latest trends in product design, technology and industry best-practices. He is currently the only LEED for Neighborhood Development Accredited Professional in South Carolina. His goal is not only to create outstanding architecture, but also to deliver well executed projects.
Nathan’s professional activities include leadership in the SC Sustain Conference 2010, Mentor and Guest Lecturer of Professional Practice at Clemson Architecture Center Charleston, Advisory Committee for School of Drafting and Design at ITT Technical Institue, Leadership Charleston class of 2009, and ULI’s Sustainable Leadership class of 2013.