FOR THE PAST 23 YEARS, Michael Franck and Art Lohsen have worked together with a dedicated and talented team of professionals as Franck & Lohsen Architects Inc. creating architecture in the realms of ecclesiastical, residential, university, and urban design.

It has been a source of great joy to have created timeless buildings enjoyed by a wide-range of people — from students to homeowners to worshippers; and fortunate to have wonderful clients who placed their trust and vision in our hands — including the peer recognition of the Arthur Ross Award for our body of work.

This September, Franck & Lohsen Architects, Inc. will transform into two new entities. Michael will assume the helm of residential, hospitality and university commissions with Michael M. Franck Architect LLC. Art will assume the helm of ecclesiastical commissions with Bella Chiesa LLC. and, as always, Michael and Art will continue to work in a collaborative spirit which has been a hallmark of their firm.

We are excited about this next chapter as we continue to create enduring architecture.

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St. Clare of Assisi

Charleston

This new Catholic church makes a significant contribution to the civic architecture in a neo-traditional community in Charleston, SC. It’s located on Seven Farms Drive on Daniel Island, which is the main street of this community and is adjacent to Etiwan Park as well as Bishop England High School.

Designed in the neo Gothic style with hints of the Romanesque the design references the Basilica of Santa Chiara in Assisi, Italy which contains the remains of St. Clare who is the patron Saint for this church.

The exterior incorporates a buff color brick combined with limestone elements referencing the local vernacular and climate of the Charleston area. Iconic towers and spires pierce the skyline and serve as a terminus to Seven Farms Drive.

The master plan calls for the church building, a two story administrative and education building and a building serving as an event space. These three buildings are connected by an exterior cloister offering a contemplative exterior courtyard space.