Simon McKenzie

Q: Where are you from?

I am from Calgary, Canada! Though I have had an interesting journey before my arrival here in San Francisco. Previously, I worked and studied at a few spots in Europe, India, NYC, and finally Montreal, before moving to the West Coast.

Q: Where did you go to school?

I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo. While located in a small town in Ontario, its coop program allowed me to experience several great cities. For grad school, I followed in the footsteps of my mom, grandfather, and great grandfather at McGill University in beautiful Montreal.

Q: Tell me about your family.

All my direct relatives remain in Canada. I connect with my parents and brother pretty regularly via Facetime…however Facetime does not cut it when it comes to my adorable niece, nephew, and two pups. It’s so much more fun to connect with them in person!

Q: What is the most interesting aspect of architecture to you?

I used to act in theater and film – similar to acting, I love how architecture gives you the opportunity inhabit the minds of other people and live vicariously through them in the buildings you design. It requires you to research and learn about the client’s personality and what inspires them or brings them joy. In a similar vein, I have had the privilege to work on several projects in other countries - it’s always exciting to learn about those cultures and to discover how to capture their unique qualities in architectural designs.

Q: What is the last show you binge watched?

I’ve been on a bit of a sci-fi binge with Altered Carbon and Love, Death + Robots.

Q: What kinds of projects do you most enjoy working on?

This answer has continuously evolved, but a constant is projects that offer a lot of learning opportunities. I am very excited to be working on smaller projects where I can really focus on craft and detail to form an experience that resonates with the client and reveals latent beauty from the site.

Q: Favorite SF hidden gem?

Slightly outside SF, but I love hiking in the Elk Sanctuary at Point Reyes. It’s one of my favorites for when friends or family come to visit.

Q: What are five features you would include in your dream home?

I would definitely need a large yet cozy library. It should have a floor-to-ceiling wall of books, a comfortable reading chair, and a nice fireplace. A lane pool would also be included in my dream home, as well as an art studio, lots of natural light, and a great view!

Q: Where are you most excited to travel next?

I am hoping for Japan in the Fall. I grew up doing Martial Arts competitively and gained an admiration for Japanese culture. And of course their architecture (both new and old) is a source of great inspiration!