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.
Knifewear: When you’re addicted to sharp
Canada’s awesomest knife shop, Knifewear has become a destination/hang-out for those who love Japanese steel and are addicted to sharp. Most of the knives can’t be found in any other shop in Canada. The Kelowna shop in South Pandosy also carries some of the hottest...
Jane Hoffman Group: The Value of Experience
Specializing in luxury homes and waterfront properties, Coldwell Banker Jane Hoffman Group provides top-notch service, along with a first class website and marketing program. Whether you’re looking at getting into the market, finding an investment property, or...
Hottest stretch of sand in the Okanagan – Walnut Beach Resort
Walnut Beach offers the only licensed beach service in the country. At Walnut Beach Resort, sun, suites and spectacular views from 112 carefully crafted designer hotel suites gives the luxurious comforts of home and then some. One- and two-bedroom options plus elegant...
Now selling home sites: Skaha Hills launches first phase on the southwest hills of Penticton
Skaha Hills, Penticton’s newest development, winery and vineyard has opened the doors to its Discovery Centre. The 550-acre site on the South Okanagan hillsides and bench lands will be a $250 million mixed residential/commercial community. “Greyback has completed...
Resorts wrap up ski season in the Okanagan
Spring is in the air and for Okanagan ski resorts it's time to wrap up the winter season. However, they can’t possibly say goodbye to the snow without a good send off. Silver Star Mountain Resort will launch its inaugural couch race on April 6 as teams will race a...
Best Okanagan Golf Courses – 2013 Awards
Looking for a great Okanagan Valley golf course? Here’s the results from our readers’ choice awards, Best of the Okanagan 2013. Best Golf Course 1. North Okanagan: Predator Ridge Golf Resort 1. Central Okanagan: The Harvest Golf Club 1. South Okanagan: Penticton...