2023 Mackin Architects
About
Mackin Architects, founded by Dr. Nancy Mackin Architect AIBC AIA, is an internationally recognized firm based in Vancouver BC with extensive experience in the architecture of public buildings. We attribute the success of our projects to community participation in the design process and to a deep awareness of the influence of every building on the environment.
The firm has received many design awards. The 2022 award from Wood Design and Building Council recognizes the firm's "vinsionary uses of wood". The two awards in 2021 illustrate our approach to architecture and landscapes: every project respects culture and treats people equitably, and every project respects the ecosystem and the plants and animals sustained within.
Team
Dr. Nancy Mackin
PhD, Architect AIBC, LEED AP
Dr. Nancy Mackin has a Ph.D. in Architecture and Landscape Architecture focusing on community-based design and integrating landscape and architectural design. Her thoughtful and practical architecture brings together the shared vision of clients, stakeholders, and communities, resulting in environmentally excellent solutions that are suited to their location and occupants. Awarded the AIBC medal for community service in architecture and the 2021 Canada Green Building Award, Nancy is known for listening to the client team while designing buildings that have the lowest feasible carbon footprint. She is skilled at building consensus at community meetings, a result achieved by listening and responding to the client team. Nancy was certified in 2021 as an Advanced Code Specialist. Nancy’s architectural and landscape work has been presented internationally, including New Zealand, Denmark, Iceland, Northern Norway, Finland, Portugal, USA, and Italy. She has also made international presentations on rapidly built structures as a way to minimize construction costs.
Professional & Community Service
Architecture Foundation of BC
– 2015 AFBC Chair
North Vancouver District, First Shaughnessy, West Vancouver, New Westminster
– Design Panels
St. Peter Hospital Family Practice
– Co-winner 2007 Triathalon
Women in Architecture BC
– Vice President
West Vancouver Community Arts Council
– Past Vice President
Retaw (Shijia) Liu
Intern Architect AIBC, LEED GA, M.Arch
Retaw Liu has a Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia. Retaw also trained as a traffic engineer and has exceptional skills in photo-realistic renderings and architectural photography. Retaw is a key member of the Mackin Architects team, bringing a creative spirit alongside his commitment to technological excellence.
Yang Yu
Intern Architect AIBC, M.Arch
Yang graduated with a Master of Architecture from The University of British Columbia, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture where her thesis won the 2022 John Gaitanakis Prize in Architecture. She has a background in industrial design, with a B.Des from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Yang is currently an Intern Architect AIBC. She has experience working as a designer both in architecture and product design firms in Vancouver and Beijing. She is passionate about forming interactions, narratives, and community through design and architecture.
Parker Albanese
Intern Architect AIBC, CPHD, M.ARC
Parker is an intern architect, AIBC and a Certified Passive House Designer. He has completed a Master in Architecture degree at the University of British Columbia, School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture in January 2021, where he focused his research on how architecture may become more inclusive and welcoming towards otherness. His work has received many awards including the AIA Henry Adams Medal and was part of the RAIC Honour Roll. Parker is committed to creating spaces that foster community-building and become entangled to the cultures of the site.
Natalie Nguyen
Intern Architect AIBC, M.arc
Natalie is an intern architect, graduated from University of British Columbia with a Master of Architecture. She has worked on a diverse range of local and international projects across housing, industrial, and civic sectors. Natalie gained valuable insights working with different cultures and contexts and knowledge on alternative building methods such as prefabricated modular construction. Natalie strongly believes the built environment can positively enhance both people's and the planet’s well-being. Committed to this vision, she strives to create spaces that are inclusive, socially, and environmentally responsible.
Mary Kopfensteiner
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