Portland, ME East Brown Cow has hired Michael Hutchins as project architect.

In this role, Hutchins will support the firm’s development efforts and assist with the management of all East Brown Cow development-related projects from conceptualization and planning to design, permitting, and construction. The project architect role is new to East Brown Cow and represents an ongoing commitment to design excellence within the area’s urban landscape. A licensed architect, Hutchins will offer design guidance on a project-by-project basis and act as in-house designer for smaller renovation and improvement projects.

“Michael stepping into this new role expands the capacity and depth of our development team. Having an in-house architect is a strategic expansion for us as we continue to actively acquire and redevelop several properties in Portland’s fast-changing downtown area,” said Jacob Soley, director of development for East Brown Cow. “His experience leading historic preservation and rehabilitation projects and his lifelong connection to Portland will be invaluable as we continue to tackle projects of increasing size and complexity.”

With over 20 years of experience, Hutchins brings a deep knowledge of both commercial and residential design to East Brown Cow. Hutchins has a BFA in Architecture from Massachusetts College of Art & Design. Prior to joining East Brown Cow, he spent 10 years at Archetype Architects. Over the course of his career, his focus has been on developing a holistic approach to design.

Hutchins views the expansion of the East Brown Cow development team as an exciting opportunity to apply this holistic approach to complex and unique developments in a non-traditional setting. “My work as an architect is heavily influenced by my experiences with other disciplines of the build process,” he said. “I’ve worked with general contractors and in millwork shops. Knowing how something is built unlocks a more intuitive and creative approach to its design. I appreciate that East Brown Cow approaches projects with a willingness to push the envelope.”