MKC Architects designs ecclesiastical spaces that feel alive — places where people of all ages can gather, worship, and connect. Together with parish leaders and communities, we shape spaces that are both meaningful and practical — places that reflect the spirit of the people who use them every day. Our model and mission were developed specifically to benefit small, private, and primarily Catholic institutions. It is our continuous mission to create spaces that enrich the lives of faith-based communities through architectural design. 

A parish center is more than just a building; it is the heart of a faith community, a place where worship, fellowship, ministry and service come together. Whether the goal is to renovate an existing facility or build a new one, the process of designing a church parish center requires a deep understanding of the congregation’s needs, aspirations, and traditions.

The Evolution of Makerspaces:

Makerspaces, also known as hacker spaces, or innovation labs, are collaborative workspaces where individuals gather to create, invent, and learn through hands-on experimentation. Initially rooted in STEM education, makerspaces have evolved into versatile environments that encompass a wide range of disciplines, including arts, crafts, design, and even entrepreneurship.

Traditional classrooms have long been designed to accommodate a wide range of learning needs within a single space. From lectures and group activities to independent study and technology use, these classrooms are expected to be multi-functional by default. However, this built-in redundancy often leads to inefficiencies in space utilization, resource allocation, and overall student engagement. Each classroom is expected to provide access to computers, project-based activity areas, quiet study zones, and teacher-led instruction, yet these functions often remain underutilized or even unused at different times of the day.

Higher education institutions are redefining student living by investing in state-of-the-art dormitories and mixed-use spaces that go beyond basic housing. Today’s students expect more than just a place to sleep—they seek an environment that enhances their academic, social, and personal growth. Universities and colleges are responding by creating vibrant, amenity-rich living spaces that support student success and well-being.

In the United States, there has been a noticeable missing density in urban development in many cities and metropolitan areas. The lack of density not only contributes to urban sprawl and increased traffic congestion but also exacerbates social and economic inequalities by limiting access to affordable housing options in desirable urban locations. MKC has been working with smaller local developers to help address this challenge in Columbus, Ohio. Most recently, we have completed preliminary design work for Reed-Miller Townhome Development on the ‘Granville Townhomes’ project, which are to be located in Olde Towne East.

MKC Architects has immediate openings for Project Architects at our Columbus, Ohio office. Interested candidates please send resume and portfolio to info@mkcinc.com.

We are excited to announce that the building permit was just issued for 508 State Street, and construction will start in Summer 2024!

At Thomas More University, construction is nearly complete of a hybrid-auditorium [expected completion May 2024]. This new facility will accommodate lecture, performance, and banquet functions. The main level includes a raised stage with AV technology for presentation and display. Walls flanking the stage feature displays, confidence monitors in the balcony, and a distributed sound system support this use. There is also stage depth, rigging, and lighting available for moderate productions.

MKC Architects have been working closely with Colleges and Universities across the county in the design, development, and implementation of numerous Nursing and Health Sciences programs, including multiple technical spaces for exercise science, including Exercise Science Labs, Simulation Labs, and Sports Technology Labs.

100 years ago Charles Marr founded MKC Architects [originally Office of Charles J Marr], making the firm one of the longest operating firms in Ohio. In 2024 MKC has a series of events, highlights, and surprises celebrating these 100 years of [RE]Thinking architecture.

As part of the larger Master Plan at Central State University, MKC created a complete 3d model of the entire 638 campus. The model assisted us in developing more accurate and appropriate urban design strategies for building organization, pathways and connections, and most importantly, student wellness through experience. Click to view video

Tonight is the opening night reception of the Orange Line Exhibit at the Center for Architecture Columbus. Join us to view our lego model that explores the enhancement of Columbus streets - mass transit and the pedestrian. Over 5,600 lego were used to create this utopic futuristic vision of a better Cbus!

Architecture frames public space, exteriors are the framework in which architecture lives.

The Plaza Level of our speculative project, Carbon-City: Seoul contains a new metro station along Subway Line 4, as well as a large open spaces for public gathering and elevator access. Carbon City is designed to

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.

The new residence hall at Calumet College of St. Joseph marked a historic milestone as the school’s inaugural on-campus housing project. The first of four planned buildings for phased development, the residence hall creates an anchor for a student residence node as the college continues to see increased enrollment….

Not 1, Not 2, Not 3! MKC has been selected to present 3 different presentations in the break-out sessions at the Annual AIA Ohio Conference in September 2023.

We are so excited to announce that our speculative project to capture and re-utilize carbon won an honorable mention Top 10 Award for the Impact Skylines Competition!