Michael Franck

AIA, NCARB

Principal
Read CV

Michael Franck

AIA, NCARB

Principal
Profile

Establishing his career in 1993, Michael Franck has consistently put his expertise to use in delivering world-class traditional architecture. In 2023 Michael began his current venture, Michael M Franck Architect. His previous firm, Franck & Lohsen Architects, earned distinction for creating timeless and elegant designs, often with buildings or regions that are highly sensitive to their historic nature. Michael continues that legacy.

Michael has a particular talent for sketching and keeps a design sketchbook for most every 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, Michael 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

Michael M Franck Architect; Washington, DC
Founding Principal; 2023 – Present

Franck & Lohsen, Architects; Washington, DC
Founding Principal; 2001 – 2023

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: Virginia, Maryland, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, AIA, NCARB certified

A classical approach with modern sensibilities.

This common thread runs through the work of Michael M Franck Architect. His deep appreciation and love of timeless, classical buildings strongly influences his overall design philosophy. His aim is to seek beauty, and to create beauty.

While Michael draws inspiration from the designs of renowned classical architects throughout time and from various regions, his designs don’t merely copy other architecture. Michael uses his 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.

Michael executes each project with a holistic approach, keeping the entire project team focused on the client’s unique needs. His 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.

Michael’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.