MKC Turns 100!!!

SOME THINGS GET BETTER WITH AGE

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.

The history of MKC Architects dates to 1924 when Charles J. Marr arrived in Ohio and began to practice architecture in New Philadelphia. Charlie was creative, energetic and with an attitude that there was nothing he couldn’t do. Prior to starting his own practice, Charlie graduated from Sorbonne in Paris and received his Master’s in Architecture from Columbia University. In 1915 Marr had joined the prestigious firm of McKim, Mead & White where his name soon appeared on projects such as the Racquet & Tennis Club and Columbia Trust Company Downtown Building in New York, NY. 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, and went through a comprehensive rebranding and shift in projects and process shortly after in 2017 under the leadership of current President Matthew Teismann. Teismann represents the fifth generation of continuous ownership of the firm, and he is the 10th President of MKC Architects and its storied history.