About Us

HT Design strives to listen attentively to our clients to create design solutions that align with their unique goals and aspirations.

Our Story

Welcome to HT Design, where architectural design meets a passion for creating exceptional spaces that reflect your dreams and aspirations. We specialize in residential design—including historic preservation, renovation, and new construction—making your home truly remarkable. Our expertise extends beyond residential projects to encompass healthcare facilities, churches, restaurants, recreational spaces, and community development, showcasing our versatility and dedication to transforming spaces.

At HT Design, our unique approach is centered on the client’s experience. We believe in the power of listening, putting your needs, goals, and vision at the forefront of our creative process. Our commitment is to surpass your expectations by delivering exceptional design solutions that not only meet your specifications but also respect your schedule and budget.

With HT Design, your architectural journey is more than just a project; it’s a collaboration that respects your individuality and realizes your dreams. Explore our portfolio, meet our team, and discover how we can transform your vision into a stunning reality.

Welcome to HT Design, where innovation and integrity converge to craft exceptional spaces.

Our Excellent Team

With HT Design, your architectural journey is more than just a project; it’s a collaboration that respects your individuality and realizes your dreams. Explore our portfolio, meet our team, and discover how we can transform your vision into a stunning reality.

Duane Thompson

RA - Principal

Carolyn Shannon

Office Administrator

Djuan Jackson

RA - Project Arcitect

Tony Perkins

Architectual Designer

Xiaosheng Lu

Designer

HOW WE STARTED

HT Design is the sister company to Histime LLC, a construction administration and general contracting company established by Zachary Hamilton and Duane Thompson in 2001. Founded with a vision to be the unwavering advocate for design and construction endeavors, especially in the heart of North City St. Louis, Histime is here to redefine the building experience. When many, including cherished institutions like churches, find themselves overcharged and underserved, Histime is committed to changing this narrative. Zac and Duane believe that everyone deserves a voice in their construction journey, and with Histime, they are on a mission to serve clients with transparency, expertise, and a friendly touch that makes the process as enjoyable as the outcome. Their goal is to empower clients with the information needed, right from the design stage through the construction stage, ensuring that every decision is informed, every step is deliberate, and the client’s vision is brought to life. Histime’s first four clients were all churches located in North St. Louis City, including their home church of Friendly Temple M. B.Church. Since then, services have been expanded to a wide range of clients, including commercial and residential projects.

Tell Us About Your Project

Ready to transform your architectural vision into reality? Our team at HT DESIGN Architect Firm is here to make it happen. Get in touch today for a customized quote and let’s start building your dream space together

Our Markets

HT Design is a multidisciplinary firm working in the following markets:

Custom Residential Design

Multi-family Housing

Healthcare Design

Church Design

Single Family Residential

Commercial Design

Hospitality Design

Our Services

We are proud of our work and our impact on the city. We have completed several successful projects in North City and have received recognition and awards from various organizations including the Landmarks Association of St. Louis.

Architectual

We work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and aspirations, translating these into innovative and practical design solutions. This service typically includes site analysis, concept development, detailed planning, and project management. We also facilitate the regulatory approval process and coordinate with other professionals, such as engineers and contractors, to bring the project to fruition. In essence, we ensure that your construction or renovation project is not only visually appealing but also safe, sustainable, and efficient, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those who use the spaces they create.

We work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and aspirations, translating these into innovative and practical design solutions.

Master Planning

We employ a comprehensive and strategic approach with careful coordination of various elements like land use, infrastructure, transportation, and aesthetics to create a cohesive vision for a specific area or development. Our goal is to foster vibrant, sustainable, and well-integrated spaces that enhance the quality of life and the built environment.

We employ a comprehensive and strategic approach with careful coordination of various elements like land use, infrastructure, transportation, and aesthetics

Programming & Feasibility Studies

As an essential first step in any successful architectural project, we thoroughly assess the potential of a construction endeavor, considering various factors like design, cost, and regulatory compliance. This careful planning and analysis not only ensures that the project aligns with the client’s vision but also helps avoid potential issues down the road.

As an essential first step in any successful architectural project, we thoroughly assess the potential of a construction endeavor, considering

Interior Design

We bring creativity and a deep understanding of design principles to every project. We work closely with clients to capture their vision, considering elements like color, texture, furniture, lighting, and layout to craft spaces that inspire and enhance daily life. From residential homes to commercial spaces, our interior design services add a layer of sophistication, practicality, and style to any interior setting.

We bring creativity and a deep understanding of design principles to every project. We work closely with clients to capture their vision, considering elements like color, texture, furniture,

Construction Administration

Construction administration is a pivotal phase in the architectural process, ensuring that the design vision is executed well during the construction of a project. Our team takes on the responsibility of overseeing and coordinating every aspect of the construction, from the initial groundbreaking to the final touches. We work closely with contractors to ensure that the project stays on track, on budget, and up to the highest quality standards. This includes regular site visits, quality control, addressing any unforeseen issues, and making sure the design intent is faithfully realized.

Construction administration is a pivotal phase in the architectural process, ensuring that the design vision is executed well during the construction of a project. Our team takes on the responsibility of

Rendering

Renderings are powerful visual tools that bridge the gap between imagination and reality in the world of architecture. They bring architectural designs to life with stunning, life-like depictions of buildings, interiors, and landscapes before construction even begins. Our skilled team uses cutting-edge technology to create detailed and captivating renderings. These visualizations enable our clients to fully comprehend and engage with the proposed designs, making it easier to make informed decisions and adjustments as well as share their vision with key constituents.

Renderings are powerful visual tools that bridge the gap between imagination and reality in the world of architecture. They bring architectural designs to life with stunning, life-like

Duane Thompson

RA –  Principal

Duane is a licensed architect with over 25 years of architectural experience working in the St. Louis Metropolitan area with projects in various states. He has successfully managed and designed large-scale projects in the healthcare, senior living, residential and church markets. He has also managed the design and provided construction oversight for over $200 million worth of healthcare and church facilities, multi-family housing and townhomes including senior living.

Duane easily gains the trust of his clients and colleagues because of his warmth, honesty, patience, resourcefulness, and respectfulness. Although highly experienced and successful as an architect, he never shows up as “the expert” on a client’s needs and goals. Instead, he engages as a “resource,” eager to listen and understand client’s needs and goals and offer creative solutions that most often exceed expectations.

Duane earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana and a Master’s in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. He is currently a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Board and is a registered architect in Missouri, Illinois and Georgia.

Duane is an avid gardener. He also loves cooking, listening to music, singing, watching comedy, and spending time with his family.

Carolyn Shannon

Office Administrator

Carolyn Shannon is a highly experienced Office Administrator at HT Design known for her attention to detail, her commitment to customer service, and her ability to get things done. Her diverse educational and professional background gives her a unique understanding of the needs of HT Design and its clients. She is passionate about using her skills and knowledge to help the company succeed and to create a positive and productive work environment. Carolyn is a graduate of Columbia College with a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Business Management. Additionally, she has training and certifications in interior decorating and design, religious studies, and over 40 years of corporate experience.

In her free time, Carolyn enjoys spending time with family and friends, decorating her home, reading and writing books, traveling, and exploring new cultures.

Djuan Jackson

RA – Project Architect

Djuan Jackson is a licensed architect who is passionate about using architecture to solve problems and serve clients and communities, especially in underserved areas to shape their desired experience where they live, work, and recreate. He is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Technology in Architectural Technology. He also has a Construction Document Technologist (CDT) Certification and is registered as an architect in the State of Missouri.

In his free time, Djuan enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and experiencing new cities, food, and cultures.

Tony Perkins

Architectual Designer

Tony Perkins is a highly skilled and experienced architectural designer with a passion for creating innovative and sustainable spaces. His commitment to excellence has driven his success in the field, where he has made notable contributions to major projects such as the beloved St. Louis Science Center, the iconic Georgia Aquarium, and the captivating Hotel Far West in Spain, to name a few. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with a Bachelor’s of Architecture and a Master’s of Science in Architecture.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Tony is also active in his community and believes in giving back. He enjoys volunteering at a few local churches, where he assists in the planning and execution of design projects. He unwinds and practices fitness by bicycling and engaging in light weight training.

Xiaosheng Lu

Designer

Xiaosheng holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Architecture from Jilin Jianzhu University, a Bachelor of Architecture from Pacific National University, and a Master of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis.

His diverse background provides him with a unique blend of architectural perspectives and skills on various projects in China, Russia, and the United States.

Recognized with several awards, Xiaosheng is celebrated for his dedication to architectural excellence. He remains committed to pushing design boundaries and contributing meaningfully to the built environment.