Profile

hughesumbanhowar architects is an architectural firm with studios in South Florida and Los Angeles. We create buildings, objects and projects for discriminating and engaged clients. The work we do is a reflection of our interest in craft, form and building technology in response to the contemporary condition. Guided by curiosity and intelligence, we excel in translating state-of-the-art technology into practical, unique and solution oriented projects to the benefit of clients and the broader community.




Scott Hughes, AIA, is the founding principal of hughesumbanhowar (huum). Hughes is recognized for his transformative vision that blends form with program and utilizes the unique qualities of each project to create a practical yet concept-driven solution. He was the first designer certified under the Foreign Missions Act of 1982 soon after opening his own firm in 1981. Scott has practiced as a principal in several architectural firms, accumulating over 30 years of experience. During those years he has been recognized over thirteen times for “design excellence” by his peers in the American Institute of Architects. Those award winning projects include the pine school and the widely published river road and beach road 2 residences. In 1995 Scott took a 2 year educational sabbatical in Los Angeles which culminated in a Masters of Architecture degree from the Southern California Institute of Architecture /SCI-ARC. Spending time on both coasts, in Los Angeles Mr. Hughes is a Trustee of The Southern California Institute of Architecture /SCI-ARC and presently serves as the Chair of the Trustee’s Governance Committee. On the east coast, Scott serves as a member of the Land Planning Agency for the Town of Jupiter Island Florida

Licensed Architect, California, Florida
Master of Architecture, SCI-Arc, Southern California Institute of Architecture
Undergraduate Architectural Studies, University of Virginia

John Umbanhowar, AIA, LEED AP is the Los Angeles based principal of hughesumbanhowar. His design process initiates in compelling ideas and his solutions are derived through cross-field investigations in materials, technology, the natural and social sciences. John oversees huum work and projects from beginning to end, directing the tempo of the offices and acting as its central hub for communications. His hands-on involvement runs from schematic design through completion of construction and post-occupancy. John has been integral in several historically significant Los Angeles building projects during his career including renovation of the Troxell House by Richard Neutra and EastWest Recording Studios in collaboration with Philippe Starck. He has been the recipient of multiple AIA awards and furniture design awards. John speaks frequently on architecture and design in Los Angeles. He serves on the governing board for Ocean Charter School. John received his Master of Architecture degree from the Southern California Institute of Architecture/SCI-Arc.

Licensed Architect, California
LEED AP
Member, USGBC
Master of Architecture, SCI-Arc, Southern California Institute of Architecture 1997
Bachelor of Arts, Art History/French, Carleton College 1992


Architectural Team
The diversity and experience of our team enhances our continuously expanding ability to enrich the environment with thoughtful, daring and precise concepts and designs.
In addition to the principals, there are two licensed architects on staff.


Kayleigh Carlisle (Bachelor of Architecture, University of Florida)
Chris Craver, Architect (BS Environmental Design, University of Colorado)
Daniel Feig (Bachelor of Architecture, University of California, Berkeley)
Jacqueline Hernandez (Master of Architecture Design ULC, UK The Bartlett)
Hadley Hughes (BA, University of Virginia)
Clint Larkan, Architect (Master of Architecture, University of Florida)

Past Collaborators: John Benavente, Ted Butcher, Haan Chau, Thierry Garzotto, Daniel Huh, Steven Knudsen, Michael Knopoff, Andrew Lindley, Lauren Mishkind, Ayako Mizushiro, David Montalba, Kyle Pfister, Louann Prestegard, Lorna Turner, Bryan Winters