Hilton-VanderHorn Architects

Hilton-VanderHorn Architects was founded by Charles F. Hilton and Douglas A. VanderHorn based on the partners’ mutual appreciation of the timeless relevance of traditional architecture and a deeply held belief that thoughtfully considered architectural design can meaningfully improve the daily lives of its inhabitants. Since its founding in 1991, the firm has strived to create buildings of enduring character that function effectively for their users and seamlessly incorporate and exploit the benefits of modern building technologies. Although the firm now has over 240 successfully completed projects that stretch across the country, its focus continues to be beautifully crafted traditional residences in Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York.

Hilton-VanderHorn’s designs exhibit a variety of well crafted traditional architectural expressions. The firm’s broad repertoire of work is the result of attention to several key architectural influences. The first of which is the personality of the client. Rather than pursuing a signature style, the firm actively seeks to understand the distinct personal experiences, passions and dreams of every patron as unique inspiration for each new design. The second is a deep understanding and thorough application of time-tested traditional design principals. Years of working on numerous fine traditional residences, and the continued development of an extensive reference library, has given the firm a comprehensive understanding of traditional design methods and materials. The firm draws on this experience and an appreciation of often subtle regional architectural influences when designing each new commission. A third critical influence is the project setting. The firm aims to understand the opportunities and limitations inherent in each specific site, seeking to maximize views, daylight and integration with the surrounding neighborhood.

Our goal is to produce beautiful, timeless designs that harmoniously address these guiding influences in an imaginative and simple built form. Our projects seek to provide a human scale with balanced proportions, efficient planning, memorable compositions, and the use of fine materials expertly crafted.

HVA’s work has been recognized in numerous of professional, trade associations and regional design competitions including the 2011 AIA-Connecticut Alice Washburn Competition (recognizing outstanding traditional design work) and Period Homes - 2011 Palladio Award competition. Mr. Hilton is a lecturer on traditional architectural design and the firm has been featured in 2011 in two new TV series, in a pilot for The Architects of Modern Living and in Homes and Estates – Today & Tomorrow airing on Cablevision in March of 2012.