HEATHER H. MCKINNEY
McKinney York Architects
SAY IT LOUD - TEXAS Exhibitor
Texas Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Frank Harmon. Brigitte Shim… and this past year dozens of other amazing women architects featured in a daily postings by Al York. One of my favorites is Souzana Antonakaki.
HEATHER H. MCKINNEY
Bio:
The great architect, Heather McKinney, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, RID is the Founder of McKinney York Architects, which she started in Austin in 1983. A guiding force behind the firm's design voice, her work focuses on combining vernacular forms with contemporary detailing while allowing the specific needs and desires of the client to create unique design solutions. Heather's ability to listen critically and tease out the underlying and unspoken needs of clients has shaped the firm's collaborative design process.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
When I was 10, my parents had a house designed by the local architect in my home town and I was hooked.
What do you do?
I spend most of my time in design, visioning/listening sessions and mentoring.
What excites you in the work you do?
Toss up on this answer: Turning something ephemeral into something real and bringing joy to the people who will inhabit the spaces that I help to create.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
Frank Harmon. Brigitte Shim… and this past year dozens of other amazing women architects featured in a daily postings by Al York. One of my favorites is Souzana Antonakaki.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Founding McKinney York Architects
Featured Project Name:
City Loft
Featured Project Location:
Austin, Texas
Featured Project Completion Date:
2004
Role in Featured Project:
Project Architect
Featured Project Description:
Transitioning to this simple space was seen as an opportunity for the owners to winnow possessions and highlight their art and book collections. A 21-foot-tall egg-crate wall of books with a catwalk defines the dramatic space. True to loft living rooms open to each other to capture light and views. The occasional need for privacy is met by large sliding panels of pale green glass and a pair of floating colored walls.
