OTTAWA, April 13, 2021–MGA| Michael Green Architecture, based out of Vancouver BC, is the recipient of the RAIC 2021 Architectural Firm Award.
The RAIC Architectural Firm Award recognizes the achievements of a firm for its quality of architecture, service to clients and innovations in practice. It also takes into account the firm’s contribution to architectural education and professional organizations, as well as public recognition.
Notable projects from MGA include:
- North Vancouver Passive House Plus,
North Vancouver, BC
- Wood Innovation and Design Centre
Prince George, BC
- The Dock Building
Vancouver, BC
- Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon
Vancouver, BC
MGA | MICHAEL GREEN ARCHITECTURE is one of the most internationally recognized architecture firms in Canada. Beyond the four Governor General’s Medals for Architecture and the two RAIC Awards for Architectural Innovation, they are recognized for their innovation in sustainable architecture and developing carbon-neutral buildings with advanced wood construction.
The firm was founded in 2012 by Michael Green, who is known for his research, leadership, and expertise in the tall wood movement and building with timber products. Green's work in mass timber construction is evident in both the firm's practice and in academic theory, with Green authoring ‘The Case for Tall Wood Buildings’ and popularizing the phrase ‘mass timber.’ Michael continued to share his passion for the environment and the case for building with wood through his 2013 TED Talk, Why We Should Build Wooden Skyscrapers.
In 2018, Natalie Telewiak became a Principal at MGA. With an education in architecture and engineering, Natalie brings an approach rooted in material logic. Together, Michael and Natalie run MGA from the office in Vancouver, British Columbia.
MGA provides a full scope of architectural services, from pre-design through to completion. Landscape architecture, interior design, and wayfinding are integrated into their process. From the variety of their projects, clients, and staff, the firm gathers knowledge from one type of building or interior and hand it to the next, avoiding cookie-cutter solutions for the same project type each time. MGA is adept at reinvigorating existing buildings through renovation, and they pursue high-performing, environmentally sensitive buildings for their clients. Graphic design, architectural rendering, and architectural model-making round out their services. Their clients and projects engage the local community and tackle climate change.
Jury Comment:
"MGA | Michael Green Architecture deserves recognition as a leading architectural firm because of their ability to consistently deliver leading-edge timber buildings, carefully designed to a high degree of aesthetics and performance. This firm shows its passion for innovation and sustainability through its many finely crafted wood buildings— and displays its commitment to education through the design-built studio held every year to expose young architects to the design and construction of actual structures.
They have distinguished themselves for their ability to translate focused material research and technical pursuits into a notable and innovative body of work that embodies a deep commitment to sustainability.
MGA has become one of the world’s leading voices on the future of wood design through their advocacy and in doing so, carry the banner for Canadian architecture internationally. In this sense, the work of Michael Green Architecture acts as an ambassador for Canadian architecture."
The Jury for the 2021 Architectural Firm Award:
Susan Ruptash, FRAIC
BDP Quadrangle
Toronto, ON
André Perrotte, FIRAC
Saucier+Perrotte Architectes
Montreal, QC
Drew Adams, MRAIC
LGA Architectural Partners Ltd.
Toronto, ON
Marie-Odile Marceau, FIRAC
McFarland Marceau Architects Ltd.
Vancouver, BC
Susan Fitzgerald, FRAIC
Fowler Bauld & Mitchell Ltd.
Halifax, NS
About the RAIC
The Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC) is a not-for-profit, national organization that has represented architects and architecture for over 100 years, in existence since 1907. The RAIC is the leading voice for excellence in the built environment in Canada, demonstrating how design enhances the quality of life while addressing important issues of society through responsible architecture. The RAIC’s mission is to promote excellence in the built environment and to advocate for responsible architecture. The organization's national office is based in Ottawa with a growing federated chapter model. Current chapters and networks are based in British Columbia, Alberta and Nova Scotia.
