Client Comments:
I have known and worked with Thomas Hood…and have found him to be one of the most talented and dedicated architects I have worked with. His combination of design skills and construction knowledge give him the ability to produce high quality designs that can be built cost effectively that produce high performance, durable buildings that are a pleasure to look at and live in.
– Green Curmudgeon
Thomas Hood is an incredible architect who delivers great design using impeccable service. He is a true professional who listens to his clients’ needs and hopes for a new space…The whole process has been efficient and enjoyable.
– Cynthia Pillsbury
… a consummate professional, exceptional designer and hands-on architect. He will give your project the attention and care it needs, and bring to the process a unique combination of artistic nuance, technical accuracy, and old-fashioned TLC.
– Mark Flom
Thomas demonstrated outstanding design ideas taking the overall project budget and proposed building use into careful consideration. His years of experience also provided invaluable guidance through to the completion of the project in December 2012. Excellent.
– rillito
Architect Firm Profile
Thomas Hood established his private architectural practice as a design/build firm in Winnetka, Illinois after graduate studies and work with notable Chicago architects. Today, Thomas Bateman Hood Architecture (TBH) provides traditional and specialty architectural design and consulting services for a diversity of clients including private homeowners, developers, property managers, municipalities, non-profit groups, and contractors, as well as joint ventures with other design professionals.
The firm specializes in residential, small commercial and mixed-use projects. Designs acknowledge the client’s particular needs and budget, integrating sustainable construction practices, historic considerations, site constraints of the existing built context or sensitive habitat, and the necessary construction logistics. The return on investment for our clients has historically resulted in functional, beautiful designs and record sales profits in their respective markets.
Prior to relocating to Monterey in 2005, Thomas served several years on local planning boards in Marin County, including three terms as Chairman of the Larkspur Design review Board. The firm continues to design projects for repeat and new clients in Marin County. Because of the universal appeal and timelessness of Hood-designed projects, many have been chosen for photo shoot locations for Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Gap and AT&T. His work has been featured on HGTV and is widely published. Relying on relationships going back over 20 years, Thomas Bateman Hood Architecture works with the best local contractors, engineers, and landscape architects. He has been called on by other architects to design for their own residences.
Building on previous work in Chicago and Atlanta, the firm earned respect in Marin County with professional services and through public speaking about design and community engagement. In 2005, Thomas Bateman Hood Architecture opened their second office in Monterey after completing post-fire reconstruction of Marin’s famous Blue Rock Inn and being awarded commissions in Monterey.
After completing the design, approvals, construction and staging of the noted Sunset Idea House in 18 months with Time Warner Corporation in Monterey, TBH collaborated with the owners of Carmel Valley Athletic Club (CVAC) to explore the concept and design a unique spa experience later named Refuge. Simultaneously, the firm served as consulting Design Architect for CVAC’s new fitness facilities in cooperation with The Paul Davis Partnership.
Outside California, projects in Chicago, Sun Valley and Nova Scotia have demanded construction expertise and an ability to think and sketch “on your feet” – skills honed during early design-build days in Chicago. A typical day in the field can mean verification of conditions, brainstorming and on-the-spot sketches to reach concensus with the owner and the construction team.  One memorable week on a distant job resulted in 50 field drawings with the owner and his construction team looking on. They were well under construction when the call came in to “work out the details.” Have pencil will travel was the motto.
Heavily engaged in the not-for–profit arena, Thomas served as President of his local Rotary Club, children’s charity sponsor and as Board President of the Monterey History and Art Association where he was instrumental in the rebranding and re-opening of the The Museum of Monterey. His service continues as Consulting Facilities Architect and Designer/Installer of over a dozen exhibitions of historic artistic, historic, innovative and maritime focus.
Recent works include projects in Monterey, Sonoma, Plumas, and Marin Counties, where a loyal clientele continues to seek his expertise and personal attention.
Affiliations
Chairman, City of Carmel Historic Resources Board
Memberships: AIA, AIA Monterey Bay
Board President, Carmel Heritage Society
Board Member, MAARA – Monterey Area Architectural Resources Association
Board Member, Carmel Chamber of Commerce
Ambassador Board, Board Chairman, Carmel Chamber of Commerce 2019, Co-chair, Ambassadors’ Committee
Member, Carmel Art Association
Past President, Monterey History and Art Association
Past Chairman, Design Review Board, Larkspur CA in Marin County
Past President, Rotary Club of Central Marin
