Architect Charles 'Ty' Sutton, 76

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

SUTTON

Charles "Ty" Sutton, a noted architect whose projects included the renovation of the historic Lahaina Hotel and the Aloha Tower redevelopment, died May 13 at his Kane'ohe home. He was 76.

In his more than 50-year career in Hawai'i, Sutton had a major influence on architecture in the state. His projects also included the Kukui Market Place, Wailea Golf Clubhouse and Hawai'i State Capitol.

Sutton was the project overseer for the art at the Hawai'i Convention Center. His portfolio ranged between preservation and restoration work and modern design, and from public structures to private residences.

In 1999 he was awarded the Hawai'i State Council/American Institute of Architects' Medal of Honor, which is given to an architect who has significantly advanced the profession of architecture and whose leadership has inspired colleagues.

Sutton was born on June 25, 1927, in Sand Springs, Okla. He graduated from Oklahoma A&M college in 1950, and received a master's degree in architecture from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

He joined the San Francisco firm John Carl Warnecke Associates, and in 1962 moved to Hawai'i to work for Warnecke on the State Capitol project.

In addition to his architectural work, Sutton was a lecturer in design and planning at Columbia University in New York and the University of Hawai'i. He also was president of the Hawai'i chapter of the American Institute of Architects and a staff commodore of the Waikiki Yacht Club.

He is survived by his wife, Jean; sons, John and Adam; four grandchildren; brothers, Jim and Ramon; and sister, Joyce Vieth.

Services will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday at St. Andrew's Cathedral. There will be a celebration of life and scattering of ashes at sea at the Waikiki Yacht Club at 5 p.m. next Sunday.

Reach Curtis Lum at 525-8025 or at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.