Today we’d like to introduce you to Joseph Michael Kelly, Architect And Engineer.
Hi Joseph Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up immersed in a love of design, engineering, and adventure, which naturally drew me to architecture and technical problem solving. My professional journey began with a strong foundation in architectural engineering and structural design. I earned degrees in Architectural Engineering Technology, Engineering, Building Services Engineering, and Building Conservation, and I also studied Naval Architecture. Over the years, I’ve taught architecture and engineering at several institutions, including Temple University and the American College of Building Arts. 
I’ve lead my own studio for the past 36 years, which has roots dating back to 1961 when my father, John William Kelly, established what became Kelly Architects in Greenville, South Carolina. Today the studio is a geographically diverse practice delivering projects in a wide range of sectors, from residential and commercial design to historic preservation and engineering-integrated architectural work. What drives my approach is a deep belief in the Master Builder ethos, that architect, engineer, and builder are interconnected roles that benefit from seamless collaboration. 
Parallel to my architectural career, I have always been drawn to the sea. I am a Merchant Mariner, holding a 100-ton Master license and Able Seaman certification with the U.S. Coast Guard, and since 2005 I have sailed thousands of nautical miles aboard my vessel, Beauty, which also serves as my offshore studio. Life at sea has taught me lessons that translate directly into architecture: patience, adaptability, and the courage to navigate uncertainty. Integrating sailing with professional practice has allowed me to work remotely on projects across the country and beyond, while fueling my curiosity, inspiring creative solutions, and reminding me that the horizon is always a place to explore. 
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Building a practice that blends architecture, engineering, teaching, and life at sea meant stepping outside conventional career paths, which often brings uncertainty and risk. I have spent long periods away from home, sometimes for several years, moving between different geographical areas, managing multiple departments, and navigating diverse cultures and client expectations. Balancing professional responsibility with independence, maintaining high standards across varied projects, and integrating into the communities where I work, especially in building conservation or hurricane restoration, have all been constant challenges. Often, I become part of the local community, where people take a genuine interest in the work and its lasting impact. Those struggles, however, sharpened my discipline, resilience, and problem-solving skills, ultimately shaping a practice grounded in adaptability, self-reliance, and earned experience rather than shortcuts. Through it all, I have learned that perseverance, courage, and staying true to your own path are what allow a life and career to be truly meaningful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work sits at the intersection of architecture, engineering, and craftsmanship. I specialize in integrated design where structure, systems, constructability, and long-term performance are considered from the very beginning. My projects range from residential and commercial work to historic preservation, conservation, and technically complex renovations, often requiring hands-on problem solving rather than formulaic solutions.
I’m best known for a master builder approach: bridging design and engineering, working closely with builders, and staying deeply involved through construction. I’m most proud of projects that endure, buildings that perform well, respect their context, and improve with age. What sets me apart is a nontraditional path shaped by teaching, field experience, and even offshore sailing, all of which demand discipline, adaptability, and accountability. That perspective allows me to design with clarity, resilience, and respect for both craft and environment.
Today, I balance hands-on design and construction management with conservation projects, sustainable design, and maritime service, including active involvement with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, VFW Auxiliary, and Merchant Marine Veterans. This integrated approach reflects a commitment to service, stewardship, and practical leadership across both land and sea.
I bring interdisciplinary collaborators into each project early, fostering innovative solutions that respect context, function, and long-term performance. This collaborative process ensures outcomes that thoughtfully balance environmental responsibility with social and cultural value.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Learn by doing, and do not be afraid of unconventional paths. Some of my most important lessons came not only from studios and job sites, but from sailing offshore and serving as a Merchant Mariner, where heavy weather, long nights, and real risk sharpen judgment quickly. Offshore sailing and service in the Merchant Marine are not for the faint-hearted. Mistakes are exposed fast, and preparation, discipline, and sound decisions made early often determine the outcome. If you want to pursue work that is truly fulfilling, I highly recommend joining the Merchant Marine, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, or a heritage-based preservation organization. It is an extraordinary way to serve, learn, and grow.
I have always cherished freedom and independence, whether running an architectural practice or standing watch at sea. Both demand self-reliance, accountability, and respect for consequences. Build real skills, learn from those who work with their hands, stay curious, and measure success by work that endures. The same principles that keep a vessel safe in heavy weather lead to architecture that is resilient, thoughtful, and built to last.
Above all, never give up on the life you feel called to live. Do not allow others to convince you to abandon your dream or take a safer course that leaves you unfulfilled. We are given one life, and it deserves to be lived fully, with intention and courage, even when the seas are uncertain. Hold your course, trust your compass, and know that persistence and integrity will carry you farther than comfort ever could.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jmkellyarchitect.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmkellyarchitect/
- Twitter: Josep Michael Kelly@jmkellyarchitect
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@singlehandsailor
