2026 Pautsch Design Group Portfolio

Unless otherwise noted, the following collection of work is composed of select projects designed while working for previous employers, MHK Architecture, DOMA Architecture, Amy Carman Design

Upstate Neoclassical Revival

Upstate Neoclassical Revival

mhk architecture

pendleton, south carolina

Set on a 216-acre property overlooking rolling pastureland and native woodland, this residence draws inspiration from historic architectural precedents throughout the Southeastern United States. Influences include the Oak Alley Plantation, the Miles Brewton House, Badham House, and Foster’s Tavern. The exterior expression is rooted in Neoclassical traditions, defined by a monumental colonnaded portico, symmetrical massing, and refined classical detailing.

While the architectural language reflects historic precedent, the plan is organized around a Georgian-inspired layout adapted for contemporary living. The 6,150-square-foot home includes six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, two half baths, a private office, library, theatre/game room, and expansive wraparound porches on both levels overlooking the surrounding landscape. Modern amenities, including a three-stop elevator, are seamlessly integrated within the traditional framework.

Josef Pautsch served as lead designer for the project, guiding the design from initial concept through construction completion and coordinating closely with the client, consultants, and builder throughout the process.

Builder - sexton griffith

interiors - panageries

2024 SOUTHERN LIVING IDEA HOUSE

2024 southern living magazine idea house

mhk architecture

johns island - kiawah river, south carolina

Located in the coastal community of Kiawah River on Johns Island, South Carolina, the 2024 Idea House for Southern Living celebrates the agrarian heritage and natural beauty of the Charleston Sea Islands. Sited beneath a mature live oak and oriented toward views of Abbapoola Creek and neighboring farmland, the design draws inspiration from traditional Sea Island farmhouses, pairing simple forms and refined detailing with expansive porches, screened outdoor living spaces, and large windows that frame the surrounding Lowcountry landscape.

The approximately 4,400-square-foot residence includes five bedrooms, five-and-a-half bathrooms, and a detached carriage house. Distinctive features include a double-height stair tower, lofted living areas, built-in entertaining spaces, a concealed scullery, and a secondary “friends entrance,” all designed to support both everyday living and larger gatherings.

Josef Pautsch collaborated closely with the firm’s principal architect and was involved from concept through construction completion, contributing to design development, construction documentation, consultant and sponsor coordination, construction administration, and post-completion marketing efforts. The home was designed and built in just over a year through the coordinated effort of numerous consultants, craftspeople, and project sponsors, and was later opened for public tours benefiting local charities.

Builder - dillard jones

interiors - allison elebash

upper level plan

UPPER LEVEL PLAN

SAINT ANDREWS COTTAGE

SAINT ANDREWS COTTAGE

pautsch design group

charleston, south carolina

Saint Andrews Cottage is a comprehensive interior renovation of a 1940s brick bungalow located in the historic Byrnes Downs neighborhood of Charleston.

The project reimagines an outdated and compartmentalized layout, transforming the home into a more open and functional living environment while preserving the scale and charm of the original cottage.

Working within the existing footprint, the design expanded the primary suite, added an additional bathroom, introduced new closet storage, and incorporated a mudroom and laundry area. Josef Pautsch served as the sole designer on the project, guiding the renovation from concept through construction completion in collaboration with a local builder and development partner.

designer - josef pautsch

contractor - concept house interiors - celadon home

Photography by The Exchange Co.

pine lake

amy carman design

nashotah, wisconsin

Originally constructed in the 1960s, this lakefront residence on a secluded Pine Lake island was comprehensively renovated to align with the owners’ modern design vision. The 4,600-square-foot home was reconfigured to highlight panoramic lake views, introducing floor-to-ceiling glazing and expansive sliding doors that extend the living spaces toward the water.

Josef Pautsch served as the project’s architectural designer under interior designer Amy Carmen, collaborating with the in-house interior design team and contractor. His role included space planning, material and furniture selection coordination, electrical planning, and consultant coordination from concept through completion.

by Elizabeth W. designer - josef pautsch contractor - carmen made interiors - amy carmen design

honey hole haven

on the boards

honey hole haven

doma architecture

johns island - kiawah river, south carolina

Honey Hole Haven is a custom residence designed within the coastal community of Kiawah River. The design draws from the architectural traditions of the South Carolina Lowcountry, referencing precedents such as the Presbyterian Manse of Edisto, the Millway House, and the William Apollos James House, while adapting these influences for a contemporary coastal lifestyle. Symmetry, restrained detailing, and climate-responsive features including deep porches, shutters, and screened outdoor rooms establish a timeless character rooted in regional vernacular architecture.

The approximately 3,500-square-foot home includes four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms and is elevated to respond to coastal flood and hurricane resilience requirements. Porches and primary living spaces are oriented toward the southeast to engage the adjacent neighborhood common space and surrounding landscape.

Josef Pautsch served as lead designer for the project, guiding the work from initial concept through construction documentation. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026 with completion projected for spring 2027.

architect - doma architecture

builder - dillard jones

interiors - tribus

Renderings by Thomas Fischer

LOWCOUNTRY FARMSTEAD

on the boards

LOWCOUNTRY FARMSTEAD

MHK ARCHITECTURE

johns island - kiawah river, south carolina

Lowcountry Farmstead is a custom residence located within the coastal community of Kiawah River. Inspired by the region’s agrarian and coastal building traditions, the design interprets the simple forms and practical detailing of historic Lowcountry farmhouses through a contemporary lens. Elevated construction, deep porches, screened outdoor rooms, and a detached garage respond to both the coastal climate and flood resilience requirements.

The approximately 3,200-square-foot home includes three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms and is located adjacent to the 2024 Southern Living Idea House. Josef Pautsch served as lead designer, guiding the project from concept through construction initiation. Construction is nearing completion with final completion anticipated in summer 2026.

builder - STRUCTURES | ALAIR interiors - STRUCTURES | ALAIR

HISTORIC BUILDING SURVEY

taliesin east, spring green wisconsin

historic building survey

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT’S - TALIESIN EAST

SPRING GREEN, WISCONSIN

Selected for a six-week residency to document Taliesin East, the historic estate of Frank Lloyd Wright, as part of the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS). Working alongside seven other fellows and adhering to federal preservation standards, the residency focused on producing measured documentation of the site for permanent archival record.

During the residency, Josef Pautsch prepared archival-quality building sections rendered in ink on mylar in accordance with HABS drafting protocols and documentation standards. The drawings were completed for inclusion in the permanent collection of the Library of Congress, contributing to the long-term national record of significant American architecture.