Spencer Hutchinson, Robyn Rogers Named Firm Principals at Quackenbush Architects + Planners

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COLUMBIA, SC – Spencer Hutchinson, AIA, and Robyn Rogers, AIA, architects at Quackenbush Architects + Planners, were recently named principals of the firm.

CEO and founder Doug Quackenbush, AIA, says the decision to make Hutchinson and Rogers members of the firm’s leadership team, which includes principal Barb Haller, AIA, recognizes their achievements and his confidence in them as future decision makers in the direction of the firm.

“Robyn and Spencer are incredibly talented architects,” he says. “They’re good with staff, clients, and colleagues, and their values align with the firm’s shared values in advancing design integrity and client collaboration for positive community impact.”

“There is also a need to bring in new leadership to fulfill our expanding commitments and opportunities, which enables us to be more nimble and reflects the increased market share in the Midlands and across the state,” he says.

Rogers, who joined the firm in 2014, says she’s excited to be in this partnership. “I’m eager to continue learning from Doug and Barb, while also contributing fresh perspectives,” she says. “I also take pride in our efforts within the K-12 realm. Having been educated in South Carolina’s public schools, being in a leadership role with a firm that values impactful, high-quality design for students is truly empowering,” she says.

Hutchinson, who joined the firm in 2016, appreciates how collaborative the staff is as a team. “I view this as a chance to collaborate with Robyn, Doug, and Barb, to further expand our current initiatives and amplify the positive influence we’ve had on the community,” he says. And he adds, the new role is personal. “This is where I grew up and returned to after school, hoping to make an impact in the local community. So, this is a special opportunity to do that in a significant way.”

Both architects have led award-winning projects and were voted as one of Columbia’s Best & Brightest 35 and Under by Columbia Business Monthly.

Rogers has served as project lead on the design of the Rosewood Elementary School Library Addition and Renovation in Richland County School District One. The project won the 2022 AIA Columbia Section Honor Award in New Construction and the 2022 AIA South Carolina Merit Award in New Construction. She has also had significant project roles with the firm’s design of the University of South Carolina (USC) Football Operations Center, the USC Center for Health and Well-being, the Lexington County Baseball Stadium, and as project team leader on the Charleston County School’s James Island Charter High School CTE and Competition Gym Additions.

Rogers is also president of the South Carolina chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), working to support the professional growth of architects across the state and to advance the highest standards for creating vibrant and safe spaces to live, learn, work and play. She serves as a trustee on the Clemson Architectural Foundation as well as a board member on the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital Board. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Clemson University and her Master of Architecture from North Carolina State University.

Hutchinson has taken on a number of lead responsibilities with the firm’s projects involving new construction and renovation in the K-12, higher education, and community arenas. His work with the Q+ team to renovate the Columbia Museum of Art’s Boyd Plaza, was recognized with a design award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Columbia chapter in November 2020. He also served as the design lead for the culinary arts addition at Richland One’s Heyward Career & Technology Center, which won a 2021 American Institute of Architects South Carolina (AIASC) Honor Award for New Construction. Hutchinson is the current president of the Columbia Chapter of AIA and has served as a board member since 2017. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from Clemson University.

“I couldn’t feel more highly about and proud of Robyn and Spencer,” Quackenbush says. “They are very talented people who already make extraordinary contributions. This is a new step that will unlock even more potential.”

Quackenbush Architects + Planners is a full-service architecture and planning firm located in Columbia, SC. The firm specializes in educational, institutional, and community-based projects. Its services span from building design to land planning to interior design. The firm’s portfolio includes projects for universities, colleges, school districts, government agencies, and private clients. The team’s work reflects commitment to innovation, sensitivity to our regional context, and the richness that comes from collaboration with our clients and the community.