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.
Mackin Architects supports clients in grant writing and funding applications, with more than $30 million in grants awarded to our projects to date.
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
Yang Yu
Architect AIBC, M.Arch, B.Des.
Yang is an Architect AIBC with experience in both architecture and product design firms in Vancouver and Beijing. She has managed and led a wide range of cultural, community, educational, and residential projects from early design phases through construction administration and project close-out. Her expertise also extends to business development and marketing, including recruitment, RFP proposal writing, and social media management.
She holds a Master of Architecture from UBC, where her thesis Fenghuo: From Bloom to Harvest received the John Gaitanakis Prize in Architecture. With a background in industrial design, Yang is passionate about creating meaningful interactions, narratives, and community connections through the built environment. Her design respect culture, land and people.
Parker Albanese
Architect AIBC, CPHD, M.ARC
Parker is an 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.
Patrick Fung
Intern Architect AIBC, M.arc
Patrick is an Intern Architect AIBC and has worked in architectural offices in Vancouver and Yellowknife. He has an interest in remote sites and exploring the histories of their architecture. Patrick brings experience working with design teams to bring complex housing and community projects to life and is also a skilled architectural model-maker.
Mary Kopfensteiner
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