OUR PHILOSOPHY

PRACTICE-BASED ETHOS

MKC believes in practiced-based research, which enforces our core values that date back to Greek thinking: diálogos // poiesis // alētheia. Diálogos is manifesting reason through conversation // poiesis is the activity in making that which does not exist // alētheia is revealing truth. We achieve these goals through direct interaction with clients, which affords an altogether new approach derivative of the interaction itself. Architecture deserves a detailed study not only as an object, but also as a component participant of an exceedingly diverse place through time. Architecture, along with the humans who cohabitate it, form a larger environment distinct from mere world. Buildings are the object, the stone, brick, mortar: architecture is the place of experience within the larger social context of the environment. This is practice-based research.

ROOTED IN HISTORY

The history of MKC Architects dates to 1924 when Charles J. Marr arrived in Ohio and began to practice architecture in New Philadelphia. Prior to starting his own practice, Charlie graduated from Sorbonne in Paris and received his Master’s in Architecture from Columbia University. Founder Charles Marr was instrumental in the elevation of the practice of architecture. In 1932 he wrote the basis of the legislation which would require registration, and eventually licensing, for Ohio’s architects. In 1938 Marr laid the foundation for The Architects Society of Ohio, which subsequently became the AIA Ohio. In 1924 Marr founded the Office of Charles J. Marr, and continued to practice under this name until 1953 when he welcomed partners James Knapp and James Crawfis. In a return to our roots – the practice of architecture - the firm officially became known as MKC Architects in 2016. MKC has been serving communities around the country for 100 years - and has produced work in over 125+ school districts, 50+ colleges and universities, 50+ townships and municipalities, 20+ public library districts, and produced over 75 healthcare/wellness centers.

EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN

At MKC, design excellence is central to who we are and what we do. We believe that great design enhances lives and our community, and gives joy and meaning to our culture and civilization. We believe design is a multifaceted endeavor, touching most if not all aspects of our studio’s practice. Our approach to design engages and deploys the many tools and modes at our disposal as architects - the visual, the beautiful, the experiential, the spatial. We believe underlying each great design is a thoughtful conceptual framework - sometimes a ‘big idea’, sometimes a compelling diagram, or sometimes, as appropriate, just a graphic or visual intervention. We seek to use all the tools at our disposal, where appropriate, but also being strategic about how and where to deploy these. We go beyond the mere image, rigorously interrogating the tectonic, through materials research, careful study of architectural details, selection of finishes, colors and textures; we analyze the spatial through understanding of plan, section and volume; and we critically examine the sequencing and understand of the project through its experience in time and space. We look to history, the urban or other context, and how we connect to the noble and professional discipline of architecture.

SPATIAL OPTIMIZATION

With changing expectations of a 21st-century generation, we begin our exploration with the most fundamental building blocks of the domestic experience: space and furniture. One of the more common inadequacies of design is disinterested furniture and spatial organization, in which traditionally furniture frequently impedes their optimal use of the space.

ARCHITECTURE

In collaboration with our clients, we create buildings that are modern, environmentally responsible, and in harmony with their surroundings. We view the practice of architecture as a means to positively impact people’s lives, as well as shape our shared future. We believe in an interactive design process that engages all facility stakeholders. The results are designs that blend creativity and technology to create buildings that welcome us; embrace, educate, excite, and even entertain us. We design to cultivate pride, sooth and heal, protect and comfort.

INTERIOR DESIGN

Throughout the design process we weaving the texture of furnishings and finishes that project our client’s image while providing a functional, pleasing atmosphere, leading to interior spaces that harmonize with the architecture as a whole.

Our services include: Space Planning, Signage and Branding, Wayfinding, Interior Materials and Finishes, Fixed and Loose Equipment Design, and Furniture and Finishings

PLANNING

Every great project starts with a great plan. With the focus on K-12 education / higher education / and campus planning, MKC Architects balances thoughtful planning and purposeful design to transform environments.

Previous Plans: Catholic Diocese of Columbus, St. Mary School German Village, BrightPath Active Learning, Central State University, Tiffin University, St. Thomas University, Thomas More University, St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, Rosemont University, Madonna University, Belmont Abbey College, Rockhurst University