Philip Trammell Shutze (1890-1982) was born in Columbus, Georgia, to Sarah Lee (nee Erwin) (1865-1919) and Philip Trammell Shutze (1861-1900). He had two sisters, Harriet Campbell Shutze (1889-1890) and Fay Shutze Cates (1887-1969). After his father died, his mother moved the family to Atlanta and then to West Point, Georgia. Shutze graduated from West Point High School as valedictorian in 1908 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in architecture in 1912 from the Georgia School of Technology. Shutze worked as a draftsman for the Atlanta-based architectural firm, Hentz & Reid. In 1913, he continued his education by earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Columbia University.

Shutze returned to Atlanta and rejoined the architectural firm Hentz, Reid & Adler, while also teaching at Georgia School of Technology. Shutze was awarded the Prix de Rome for architecture and studied at the American Academy in Rome from 1915-1920. Among the other Fellows participating in the academy were landscape architect, Edward Lawson, and artist, Allyn Cox. His studies were interrupted in 1918 during World War I and in 1919 when his mother died.

Upon his return to the United States, Shutze worked with other architectural firms, including F. Burrall Hoffman, Jr. and Matt Schmidt of New York. He rejoined Hentz, Reid & Adler where he became a partner in 1927 after Reid's death. The firm's name became Hentz, Adler & Shutze. Hentz retired in 1944 and William Armistead became a partner. The firm was then known as Shutze, Armistead & Adler until Adler's death one year later. The partnership of Shutze & Armistead continued until 1950. Although Shutze officially retired in 1958, he held an architectural license until 1980.

Shutze was also interested in interior design, collecting antiques, and raising camellias. Along with the architectural designs for his clients, he also provided advice on furnishings and decor. His personal collection of antiques included porcelain, silver, furniture, and artwork. Shutze died in October 1982 in Atlanta, Georgia.