When architect Michael Chen, principal of MKCA, got a call about designing a 600-square foot apartment, the project brief was straightforward enough: renovate a 2-bedroom summer vacation home with multifunctional furniture. However, this wasn’t East Hampton or Miami Beach. In fact, there wasn’t an address at allーthe apartment floats on a luxury residential yacht that spends 365 days a year at sea.

Michael discovered that designing for constant motion meant rethinking everything he knew about residential architecture. Bronze dining tables now required a piston system to fold safely into walls. Murphy beds replaced traditional frames to optimize space and showcase ocean views. Every material choice had to account for salt spray, UV exposure, and oxidation.

Working with Austrian shipbuilders, Michael and his team developed prefabrication techniques that compressed a typical two-year renovation timeline into brief month-long dry dock periods. The results merge modernist design principles with maritime engineering requirements, creating spaces that feel both grounded and dream-like.

Our conversation reveals Michael’s approach to craft as something that encompasses community engagement, sustainability, and social responsibility. He shares insights from teaching architecture thesis studios, the evolution of MKCA’s practice philosophy, and the founding of Design Advocatesーa nonprofit that has participated in 100+ projects serving the public good over the past five years.

Episode Outline

(07:48) Teaching thesis studios and the dozen student projects that shaped MKCA's approach

(15:58) The client request that led to designing aboard MS The World

(18:53) Construction challenges at sea and developing prefabrication solutions with Austrian partners

(21:42) Engineering elegant and multifunctional furniture for life in constant motion

(33:55) Material choices that embrace patina and the fingerprint of global travel

(40:29) Navigating maritime building codes and the importance of expert collaborators

(44:31) Design Advocates and the mission to promote equality in the built environment

Additional Resources

Learn more about MS The World

Learn more about Pied-à-mer

Connect with Michael

Connect on LinkedIn

Learn more on MKCA’s website

Follow on Instagram

Support and get involved with Design Advocates on their website

Follow Design Advocates on Instagram

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