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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A classical approach with modern sensibilities.

RESPECT, APPRECIATION, INNOVATION

This common thread runs through the work of Franck & Lohsen. The firm’s deep appreciation and understanding of listed buildings and historically sensitive sites strongly influences its overall design philosophy.

While Franck & Lohsen draws inspiration from the designs of renowned classical architects throughout time and from the region, its designs don’t merely copy other architecture. The firm uses its contemplative imagination to envision new possibilities while maintaining the project’s historical roots. Upon completion, each work looks as if it has always been there — and can remain so for generations to come.

The firm executes each project with a holistic approach, keeping the entire project team focused on the client’s unique needs. Its comprehensive services can guide the project from the initial research, design, and planning stages, through the approval and construction phases, to the moment the ceremonial ribbon is cut and the work is put into full use and enjoyment.

The firm’s work has been cited in such publications as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Country Life, City Journal, The Washington Post, Architecture Magazine, Metropolis, and Southern Living.

Michael Franck

AIA, NCARB

Principal
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Michael Franck

AIA, NCARB

Principal

Establishing his career in 1993, Michael Franck has consistently put his expertise to use in delivering world-class traditional design. Since founding Franck & Lohsen Architects, he has earned distinction for his timeless and elegant designs, often with buildings or regions that are highly sensitive to their historic nature.

Franck has a particular talent for sketching, and keeps a design sketchbook for each project. In meetings with clients and the team, he can rapidly depict differing proposals as three-dimensional drawings, thus ensuring that everyone understands each facet of the project before proceeding to the next step.

Knowing that an exquisite, thoughtful design does not automatically come to fruition simply because the project moves into the building phase, Franck takes a hands-on approach. He monitors the construction process to verify that it faithfully maintains the design intent.

Education

  • Master of Architecture, University of Notre Dame; 1991 – 1993
  • Summer Program, Centre d’Etudes du Patrimoine en l’Italianite de l’Architecture, Clisson, France; 1993 – 1993
  • Rome Studies Program, University of Notre Dame; 1992
  • The Prince of Wales’s Summer School in Civil Architecture, Oxford and Rome;
  • Courses in Traditional and Classical Architecture and Urban Design; 1990
  • Bachelor of Architecture, Auburn University; 1981 – 1987

Profession

Franck & Lohsen, Architects; Washington, DC
Founding Principal; 2001 – Present

Fairfax & Simmons, Architects; New York, New York
Architect, Senior Designer; 1999-2001

Cooper Robertson + Partners; New York, New York
Architect, Senior Designer; 1997 – 1999

Allan Greenberg, Architect; Washington, DC
Architect; 1995 – 1997

CHK, Architects & Planners; Silver Spring, Maryland
Architect, Town Planner; 1994 – 1995

Andres Duany & Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, Architects & Town Planners; Kentlands, Maryland
Intern Architect and Town Planner; 1989 – 1990

REGISTRATION

Registered Architect: Maryland, New York, Florida, Louisiana, Michigan,
New Jersey, South Carolina, Alabama, AIA, NCARB certified

Arthur Lohsen

AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Principal
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Arthur Lohsen

AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Principal

Since 1995, much of Arthur Lohsen’s experience as an architect has been spent working with historic buildings and within historic districts. As a founding partner of Franck & Lohsen Architects, he supervises the firm’s project management, construction documentation, specification writing, and construction administration services.

Lohsen has a particular skill in integrating new technologies into the practice of architecture, both in the production of architectural designs and in the construction of cutting-edge projects. He continually evaluates new methods and products, seeking ones that can deliver higher quality and better value to Franck & Lohsen’s clients.

As the firm’s managing director, Lohsen oversees its financial management and ensures that the business relationships between their clients and consultants are carried out in a consistent and respectful manner.

Education

  • Master of Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, 1996
  • Bachelor of Science in Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, 1990
  • Studies in Electrical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ., 1985−1986

Profession

Franck & Lohsen, Architects; Washington, DC
Founding Partner; 2000 – Present

Fairfax & Simmons, Architects; New York, New York
Architect, Senior Designer; 1999-2001

Allan Greenberg, Architect; Washington, DC
Architect; 1995 – 2000

Einhorn Yaffee Prescott, Architecture and Engineering; Washington, DC
CAD Production Architect; 1992 – 1995

WTW Architects; Washington, DC
Intern Architect, Town Planner; 1991 – 1992

META Engineers, PC; Washington, DC
Summer Intern; Summer 1985, Summer 1986 

REGISTRATION

Registered Architect: DC, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, llinois,
Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oklahoma,
Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, AIA, NCARB certified