At MHK Architecture’s Charleston studio, Director Kirsten Schoettelkotte brings a thoughtful and deeply contextual approach to residential design, creating homes that feel both timeless and personal to the families who inhabit them. Guided by collaboration, craftsmanship, and a strong connection to place, Kirsten’s work reflects the unique character of the Lowcountry.
For Kirsten, residential architecture is rooted in the relationship between people, nature, and the spaces they call home. “At its core, residential design should be deeply personal, functional, and even transformative—quietly enriching how we live,” she says. “When successful, it reflects its surroundings, evokes an emotional response, and enhances daily life in subtle but meaningful ways.”
Her design process is heavily inspired by the individuality of both clients and the natural environment. From the light and landscape of a property to the lifestyle and vision of the homeowner, Kirsten approaches each project with curiosity and intentionality, striving to create homes that feel authentic to both their setting and the people within them.
One particularly meaningful project for Kirsten was the completion of the Southern Living Idea House, a collaborative effort completed under a tight timeline and complex conditions. “Celebrating its completion and witnessing the pride and joy of everyone involved was unforgettable,” she says. “It was a powerful reminder of what teamwork can accomplish under pressure.”
At the center of Kirsten’s approach is building strong relationships with clients through listening, collaboration, and trust. By understanding how clients want to live and experience their homes, she creates spaces that feel comfortable, timeless, and uniquely their own.
Outside of the studio, Kirsten finds inspiration through travel, hiking, nature, and art, experiences that continue to shape her perspective on design and creativity.
