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
Daichi Yamashita
Architect AIBC, M.Arch
Daichi Yamashita Architect AIBC graduated in 2016 with a Master of Architecture from the University of British Columbia on the Royal Institute of Canada Honour Roll for outstanding academic achievement. He also received the Architectural Institute of British Columbia medal upon graduation for excellence in academic work and design, and for the promise of contributing to the profession of architecture. He won the “Think Space” competition with the City of Vancouver Parks. Daichi has worked with Mackin Architects for over 4 years and is an expert in BIM modeling, design, and construction documentation and administration.
Pengfei Du
Intern Landscape Architect BCsla, M.Larc
Pengfei Du completed her Masters in Landscape Architecture at the University of British Columbia in 2016, where she received the Faculty Book Prize upon graduation. During her time at UBC, she was actively engaged in several research and teaching assistant positions that exposed her to a wide array of captivating design challenges. Having worked at HAPA Collaborative for several years, she has experience in landscape projects of all sizes and types, with particular expertise in ecological design, and design with culturally valued native plants.
Retaw (Shijia) Liu
Intern Architect AIBC
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
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.
Bobo
Architecturally Trained Jack Russell
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