Rutt did his articles with architect Philip Claridge 1933–1938, and in 1939 graduated with an Associate Diploma in Architecture from the South Australian School of Mines and Industries.
[9] As a young man Rutt had many social and sporting interests: rifle shooting, motor racing, amateur theatre, and supported several organisations as honorary secretary;[10][11][12] his father had early inculcated in him a sense of civic responsibility.
[13] In 1940 the Sporting Car Club of South Australia (SCCSA), of which he was an active member, and the Apex club of Adelaide joined forces to conduct a car rally as a fundraiser for the Children's Hospital and the Crippled Children's Home, both of which had been starved of funds due to the War.
[22] In 1955, shortly before he turned 40, the mandatory retirement age for Apexians, he was made honorary life member of the Association.
[9] In 1957 he was invited to join the foundation committee of the Guide Dogs Association (South Australian branch), and was appointed hon.
To fulfil this office he found it necessary to relinquish, reluctantly, his position on the national Guide Dogs committee.
[28][29] He also served at various times on the boards of: He was a member of St Peter's Masonic Lodge, and the Commonwealth Club of Adelaide[1] Rutt was awarded an OBE "for services to the community" in 1969.