AWARDS & ACCOLADES

MKC Architects takes pride in designing spaces that inspire, empower, and stand the test of time. Industry leaders, professional organizations, and community partners have recognized our commitment to architecture and interior design excellence. These awards reflect our design excellence, dedication to innovation, and creating spaces that serve people and purpose. We are honored to be recognized for our contributions to architecture and design, and we remain committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity and functionality. Each award is a testament to the hard work and vision of our talented team, as well as the trust our clients place in us to bring their ideas to life.

RECENT AWARDS & RECOGNITION

2024 AIA Young Architect award

On April 2, 2024, Matthew Teismann was awarded the national honor of the 2024 AIA (American Institute of Architects) Young Architects Award for design excellence.

Matthew was one of only 30 architects recognized nationally, based on exceptional leadership and his significant contributions to the architecture profession.

Matthew has owned and operated MKC Architects since 2021.

For more information on AIA’s Young Architect Award, click here.

2024 James B. Recchie Design Award finalist

The James B. Recchie Design Award honors excellence in urban design reflected in historic and new buildings and places, additions to existing buildings, parks, public spaces, and public art. The award celebrates projects that add to the distinctive character and improved quality of life in Columbus, Ohio, and the designers responsible for them.

MKC was honored for the 40,000 sq. ft. Renovation and Addition to St Mary’s K-8 School in German Village. See the project here.

For more information on Columbus Landmarks James B. Recchie Design Award, click here.

2024 AIA Ohio gold medal firm award

AIA Ohio recognizes MKC Architects for their exemplary contributions and significant accomplishments in architecture and design. This award highlights MKC’s ongoing commitment to design, firm culture, and innovation, each of which contributes to the firm’s unique place as an industry leader.

The AIA Ohio Gold Medal Firm Award is the highest honor AIA Ohio can bestow on an architecture firm.

For more information on AIA Ohio Honor Awards, click here.

2024 AIA COLUMBUS architecture award winner

MKC Architects won two honor awards in 2024!

HONOR AWARD [large project]

The design for 350 elementary-age students provides updated facilities for the elementary school, as well as the entire St. Mary K-8 campus of 500 students. The design includes renovated and new classrooms, a new kitchen/food service and dining area, offices, sensory room, elevator, extended learning areas, and full HVAC/MEP improvements, among other improvements. The students’ dining hall, “Heritage Hall,” doubles as a parish hall and community center for local/community events. Extended learning areas around the classrooms and in the media center encourage students and teachers to use resources outside of the classroom for a more diversified educational experience. These include group-meet [mid-size groups], gather and display [labs and presentation], and huddle spaces [peer-to-peer]. As a response to the constrained and historic site, the addition expands the existing elementary around the rectory into the rear parking lot, with the front yard remaining relatively open to maintain its historical elevation and provide a space for children to play.

HONOR AWARD [architectural detail]

The Yellow Stair is a sculptural element within the heart of St. Mary Elementary School that provides function while also promoting immersion and creativity. Active functionality includes stairs, a bookshelf, and a workstation, while passive functionality includes immersion/experience, wayfinding, and color theory. The incorporated sculptural piece utilizes a yellow solid surface and yellow-painted walls and canopy to envelope students, faculty, and visitors.

For more information on our project at St. Mary’s School, click here.

For more information on the 2024 Architecture Award Winners, click here.

MERIT AWARD [LARGE PROJECT]

MKC Architects won a 2023 AIA Columbus Merit Award for Brightpath Learning Center. Given the rural nature of Genoa Township, nearby communities are in desperate need of child-care and educational programs. BrightPath is an affordable nature-based academic enrichment program for children aged 5-8, including full-day programs for families in need.

To fulfill the needs of the neighboring community, including making quality education available to all, keeping cost down was a primary design driver from project inception with a target cost of $200/sf. To expand the impact of the project, the building was sited to provide maximum amount of play areas, provide access to the natural woods at the rear of property, and provide views upon approach for safety and security.

For more information on the architecture of BrightPath, click here.