The church’s grand, faceted gold dome, stained-glass windows depicting the 12 Apostles, and marble altarpiece of the Last Supper are moving examples of liturgical art and design in the region.
Focus on Architecture: Thoughtful Restoration of a 1960s Armenian Church
By Laurie Hughet-Hiller, AIA
St. John Armenian Church (SJAC) in Southfield, Michigan, exemplifies the rich Armenian-American history of the Detroit area. Originally designed and constructed in the 1960s, the church complex consists of a sanctuary (with an iconic gold dome) connected to a cultural building that houses a large banquet hall, meeting rooms, offices, classrooms, library, and museum. The congregation uses its buildings to promote music and the fine arts and provides supportive spaces for youth and families in the community. But like many historic and older religious properties, the buildings needed restoration. McIntosh Poris Architects, the firm where I work as an architect and principal, was chosen to take on the renovation, and I became the project lead
The McIntosh Poris staff brought our passion for preserving and renovating historic buildings to this endeavor. Our design process was informed by research of the church’s rich history, artifacts, textiles, and printed materials, as well as by consultation with the church priests, who provided insights into Armenian religious symbolism and cultural motifs. Our team worked closely with the congregation to integrate these elements throughout the complex. This collaborative approach extended throughout the church community.
Through our research and conversations, the vision for SJAC’s renovation became clear: heritage meets modernity. We aimed to create a timeless elegance infused with Armenian patterns to foster a sense of belonging for members and welcome for visitors. The renovation was designed to be inclusive. We integrated ornate woodwork, Armenian motifs, and gold accents to pay homage to the church’s rich heritage and the beauty of the existing sanctuary.
With our lighting consultant, Illuminart, we undertook an extensive renovation to the cultural building and improved architectural lighting in the sanctuary. Our goal was to connect congregants to their building, ensuring its legacy and continued use. We sought to engage the senses and invoke spirituality throughout. Collaborating with SJAC to renew this sacred space ensures future generations of parishioners will have a beautiful place to worship, and the wider community will benefit as well.
In the lobby we incorporated a glowing architectural ceiling and prominent art wall. The illuminated, continuous sawtooth ceiling inspires a sense of lightness and extends the triangular architectural motif of the entry canopy, cultural hall curtain wall, and sanctuary roof. The 26-foot-long panelized mural by Armenian artist Arev Petrosyan features doves, an important Armenian symbol also found on the altar artwork in the sanctuary. The inset rug in the lobby was custom made by local flooring company Hagopian after the design of one of the original Armenian rugs found in the church museum. Additionally, a new alcove created in the lobby houses an Armenian bookstore.
The architects commissioned a 26-foot-long mural from an Armenian artist for the lobby. The mural adds a moving element to the space, complementing the custom-dyed area run and redesigned ceiling.
We redesigned the 900-person Cultural Hall to create a feeling of polish and brightness. The transformation incorporated the triangular geometry of the curtain wall and Armenian motifs into the new ceiling design. By pulling back the lower portion of the ceiling plane, we allowed in more natural light and expanded sight lines, better showcasing the original midcentury sawtooth curtain wall design. The elongated hexagon motif in the coffers of the new ceiling, the hall doors, and the carpet was inspired by the shape in the sanctuary at the altar.
Located off the lobby, the Tahlij room, a reception room that doubles as an extension of the sanctuary, features wood paneling and a wallcovering with subtle Armenian symbols. We reconfigured and renovated the first-floor restrooms and added a new family restroom, all with satin brass hardware, dark wood molding, and mosaic wall tile in Armenian geometric motifs. To create a blend of tradition and modernity, we echoed the building’s iconic golden dome with gold-toned accents throughout.
To address programmatic needs, we made changes within the existing building footprint, focusing on economy and reusing elements where possible. We designed a new ground-floor choir room that includes robe storage closets and a changing room, updated the existing second floor Sunday school classrooms with bright and colorful interiors, and reconfigured church office areas to enhance productivity. Throughout the project, we worked with the congregation and the construction manager to maximize the impact of the church’s funds.
McIntosh Poris’ renovation at SJAC aimed to honor the past while building for the future—a delicate balance that required meticulous attention to detail and collaboration with clergy and community members. The result is a space that serves as a place of worship and stands as a testament to the vibrant Armenian community in the Detroit area.
Originally built in the 1965, St. John Armenian Church is a beloved gathering place for the community.
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Laurie Hughet-Hiller, AIA, is a Principal at McIntosh Poris Architects in Detroit, where she specializes in experience-driven design and leads projects from concept to completion. She began her career in Los Angeles before returning to Detroit in 2009 to aid in the city’s revitalization and joined McIntosh Poris in 2012. Hughet-Hiller holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture with High Distinction from the University of Michigan and has worked on various award-winning projects across housing, hospitality, retail, education, and corporate sectors. She has received the AIA Michigan Young Architect Award in 2017 and the AIA Detroit Young Architect Award in 2020, and has served on the boards of CREW Detroit, AIA Michigan, and AIA Detroit.
