The aesthetics of the building are defined by the function and are a reflection of local material, culture, environment and context.
Jim Meiklejohn
Meiklejohn Architects Inc.
Story by Karen Silvar Photo by Colin Jewall
Behind the development scene there are architects. The Meiklejohn family has been leaving its mark on the Okanagan skyline since 1953.
Born and raised in Penticton, Cal and Jim Meiklejohn grew up with architects for parents. Following in their parents’ footsteps, Cal obtained his bachelor of architecture from the University of British Columbia and Jim obtained his from Washington State University. The brothers took over the family practice in Penticton in 1992, and have since opened an office in Kelowna. Today they employ 16 to 17 people.
An architect takes people’s ideas and gives them shape. For Jim the joy is in watching people respond positively to the spaces he and his team create. In Kelowna the Cannery Lofts, the Cardington Apartments and the Mode all bear their signature style, as do the Osoyoos Visitor Centre, Kelowna Secondary School and the soon to be built Kelowna Yacht Club.
Jim refers to this style of architecture as “regionally-appropriate modernism.” The aesthetics of the building he says are defined by the function and are a reflection of local material, culture, environment and context.
One of Jim’s favourite projects is the offices of Beelineweb.com in Lake Country. The post-and-beam design is reminiscent of the area’s historical rural buildings and was constructed using locally sourced timber and stone. The clients were personally committed to limiting their environmental footprint and building green, says Jim.
These days sustainability is designed into most developments, although financial and time constraints limit application in many projects. But where there’s a will there is a way. The Mode, a multi-family residence, uses the sun to pre-heat its domestic hot water. The original plan was not as simple and involved the recovery of waste heat from the neighbouring commercial buildings to pre-heat the domestic water, but the red tape involved with getting approval from the BC Utilities Commission halted the design. Without the developer’s commitment to the idea the system would never have been built. The condo building went on to win the first annual Mayor’s Environmental Achievement Award for Most Sustainable Development in 2008 from the City of Kelowna.
Jim’s environmental footprint is relatively small compared to most homeowners. He and his wife Shirley Ng choose to live in downtown Kelowna, close to the action and within walking distance of basic amenities and civic buildings. “We love it,” says Jim. Shirley is originally from Singapore and used to living in a city of five million where everything is within walking distance or can be reached by transit. Although the couple can walk to the office they usually take their car for work related reasons like attending client meetings.
When it comes to days off—not too many of those—the couple enjoys visiting with family and friends. They also like to tour cities and look at the buildings, streets and parks.
Read more of the original stories celebrated in our 30th-anniversary issue.
The Mac & the Merlot: Castoro de Oro wine marks 100 years at Fairmont hotel
Castoro de Oro’s Merlot has been named the centennial wine for the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald in downtown Edmonton. The historic Edmonton landmark will mark its 100th anniversary during a celebration on July 4. “This is a prestigious honour for our small winery,” says...
RE/MAX supports women’s national sailing championships in Kelowna
Top female sailors to race in Kelowna this Fall Sail Canada is proud to announce RE/MAX has been named the title sponsor of the 2015 Sail Canada Women’s Keelboat Championships, which will take place at the Kelowna Yacht Club, October 1 to 4, 2015. The RE/MAX Sail...
The Across the Lake Swim Society Receives Award from Doctors of BC for Funding YMCA Swim Program
During the Doctors of BC Awards Ceremony held in Vancouver earlier this month, the Across the Lake Swim Society received the Doctor of BC’s Excellence in Health Promotion Award for their commitment to funding the YMCA Okanagan Swims program. “This is a significant...
Serwa Family Supports Trades Training Complex At Okanagan College
Their family’s connection to Okanagan College goes back more than 50 years, and through a generous donation to the new Trades Training Complex at the Kelowna campus, Cliff and Lois Serwa are helping the College build for the next 50. The Serwas have given $50,000 to...
Popular Summer Art Class Series Offers Teens Creative Outlet
A stimulating series of art classes geared specifically for teens returns to the Kelowna Art Gallery this summer. The Friday for Teens Art Series will run from 9 am to 2 pm every Friday, beginning July 24 and through to August 28. During the classes, participants can...
Summer Kick-off Weekend Features New Attraction and Phenomenal Trail Conditions
North America’s first Mountain Cross Cart Course opens while warm weather bodes well for opening weekend trail conditions Summer fun is full steam ahead in the alpine village of Sun Peaks with Summer Kick-off Weekend from June 26 to 28, signifying the beginning of...