We are excited to announce the promotion of Chris Lutjen, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, to Principal at Interactive Resources, Inc. As a member of the firm’s leadership team, Chris brings more than twenty-five years of experience in architecture, design, and project management across a diverse range of project types, including historic, civic, academic, commercial, and retail.
UC Berkeley Substation 8 Receives 2026 California Preservation Award
Interactive Resources, Inc. is the architect and structural engineer for Rehabilitation and Seismic Upgrade on the Historic Campus Powerhouse (Substation 8) at the University of California, Berkeley. The project is the recipient of a 2026 California Preservation Award from the California Preservation Foundation.
This prestigious award recognizes outstanding achievements in historic preservation and celebrates projects that thoughtfully restore and revitalize California’s architectural heritage. The Substation 8 project exemplifies Interactive Resources’ integrated approach to architecture, structural engineering, and historic preservation, which brings new life to a significant campus landmark while supporting critical infrastructure improvements.
Other key team members include the general contractor, Webcor and the electrical design prime P2S. The historic evaluation was performed by Architectural Resources Group.
As part of UC Berkeley’s campus-wide electrification initiative, Interactive Resources was engaged to provide architectural, historic preservation, and structural engineering services for a new high-voltage switch station. When choosing a new site for the facility proved challenging, the team proposed an innovative solution: the adaptive reuse of a nearby 1904 powerhouse building, originally designed by renowned campus architect John Galen Howard.
Previously red-tagged due to seismic risk, the building, also known as the Old Art Gallery, underwent a comprehensive feasibility assessment before UC Berkeley advanced the project. The result is a restoration that returns the structure to its original purpose as a power station, now serving as Switch Station #8.
We Are Hiring! Interactive Resources, Inc. Seeks Structural Engineer & Preservation Architect to Join Our Team
Interactive Resources, Inc. is hiring! We are seeking new team members for two full-time positions: Structural Engineer and Preservation Architect. Since 1973, our firm has provided exceptional architectural design, structural engineering and planning services, with a...
Tom Butt, Founder of Interactive Resources, Inc. and Former Richmond Mayor, Receives National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Highest Honor
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has awarded the prestigious Louise du Pont Crowninshield Award to Tom Butt, founder and President of Interactive Resources, Inc. This esteemed award, the National Trust’s highest national honor, recognizes Tom Butt’s...
Chris Lutjen Joins Interactive Resources, Inc. as Architect / Project Manager
We are pleased to announce that Chris Lutjen has joined our team in the role of architect/project manager. An enthusiastic and passionate architect, Chris is inspired by the craft of both historic and modern buildings. He is dedicated to integrated design principles and enjoys leading large teams through the design and construction of technically complex buildings.
How we’re helping UC Berkeley’s $700 million campus-wide clean energy electrification project
We’re excited to share our pivotal role in providing architectural and structural engineering services for the groundbreaking $700 million UC Berkeley Campus-Wide Clean Energy Electrification Project. This transformative initiative aims to enhance sustainability,...




