Talking Shop with Stephen Balut and Matthew Kragh of MHK Architecture

What can you tell us about MHK Architecture and your team?

MHK started in 2009 and was the true birth of a recession. We have proudly now grown to 9 locations from Islamorada to Aspen, with a 10th studio opening in Sanibel later this year. Each is headed by talented individuals with expertise in each location. We have proudly created a firm that is highly creative, technical, efficient and big on collaboration. We know how to put together a great set of drawings and work with permitting!

How did you come to recently open a studio in Sarasota?

Opening an office in Sarasota January 2022 was an organic path based on demand for our services in the area, and we are also great celebrators of the Sarasota School of Architecture. The residential division is headed up by Stephen, Residential Studio Director, who relocated from Virginia where he had his own practice. Our SRQ team is currently working on six projects right now, including two for Murray Homes. We also have a commercial studio here working on multi-story condominium buildings as well as mixed-use projects.

Can you talk about the projects that you are currently partnering on with us?

The partnership with Murray Homes has resulted in two of the most astounding residences that we have ever crafted. They are each a blend of beautiful, luxuriously designed coastal contemporary architecture with historic Florida influences. The focus is on open light-filled spaces that are sympathetic to architecture, achieving timeless elegance with natural open flows, volume ceilings, drawing the views in and focusing on the water. We integrate the outdoors with the indoors; creating a personalized harmony of house, hardscape, landscape, light, shade and views which all unite to become our client’s dream homes.

How do you find working with Murray Homes?

From the moment that we met Steve Murray we knew that he was a team player with like-minded values, and the core objective of just wanting his clients to be happy. Steve commands respect, is honest, likable and friendly, and most importantly has the expertise and prowess to pull off the job - and he can make us laugh!

ART BY STEPHEN BALUT

RESIDENTIAL STUDIO DIRECTOR , MHKARCHITECTURE

MHK Residential Studio Director, Stephen Balut, is also a talented artist. His paintings are about beauty, complexity, mystery and scalelessness.

To learn more, visit stephenbalut.com