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.
Readers nominate Kelowna musicians for Best of the Okanagan
Voting has opened for Best of the Okanagan 2014. Vote now for your favourite Kelowna musicians. Here are some of the early nominees: The Young'uns, Jimmy LeGuilloux, Gorden James, Devon Coyote, Sherman (Tank) Doucette, The Trips, Dreamband and Jordan Dean What have...
Author Yam Cooper presents the voice of anti-bullying during Culture Days in Penticton
Local Anti-bullying author and illustrator Yam Cooper introduces a grass-headed outcast inventor in his first book, The Story of Bill and His House of the Hill. Inspired in part by his experiences with bullying and war when growing up, the book explores the essence of...
Vintage Celebrations & Local Festivals: Party Time in British Columbia
While temperatures may be on the decline in Canada's westernmost province, don't expect appetites for tasty exploration to cool. Here, every season is worthy of celebration, and there are plenty of festive gatherings to prove it. Just bring your sense of adventure —...
Kelowna Startup Raises the Bar in Health App Space
UBC Study shows 200% increase in commitment to health goals using new motivation-based fitness and nutrition app UpwardHealth, a startup from Kelowna, BC, has recently launched MotivationEngine, a health app and online service. By connecting customers to a real-live...
Lara Johnston to open for The Doobie Brothers in Penticton
The Doobie Brothers with special guest Lara Johnston will rock the South Okanagan this coming October with all the classic hits you know and love. The Doobie Brothers’ concert is set for Monday, October 27 at the South Okanagan Events Centre (SOEC). Lara Johnston is...
Kelowna begins daily non-stop flights to San Francisco
Kelowna International Airport became San Francisco International Airport’s seventh Canadian destination when United Airlines commenced its daily year-round, non-stop United Express service on Saturday, Sept. 20. San Francisco is the seventh largest airport in the...