Practising between 1950 and 1999 and working primarily in the Ottawa area, Strutt is noted for his role in the development of modern architecture in Canada following World War II.

James William Strutt was born in Pembroke, Ontario, and grew up in Ottawa in the Glebe neighbourhood.

After graduating from Ottawa Technical High School in 1942, he enlisted into the Royal Canadian Air Force, becoming a pilot.

Following the War, through the Veterans Charter, Strutt enrolled at the University of Toronto to study mechanical engineering.

After falling into abeyance in the years following Strutt's death, in 2010 the National Capital Commission purchased the house and is in the process of restoring it to original condition.

[2] During the same period, Strutt and Gilleland also received two commissions as part of the Department of Transportation's post-war airport construction programme.