Architecture Alum Inducted Into AIA’s College of Fellows

Al York, FAIA, Auburn University graduate and Principal of Austin-based McKinney York Architects, is now elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). This is an honor bestowed selectively upon AIA members who have made significant contributions over time to the profession, to their local communities and to society on a national level. The selection process is rigorous, and represents the highest honor the AIA can confer upon an individual licensed-architect member. The 2016 AIA Fellows from around the country will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the AIA Convention in Philadelphia in May.

Al York, graduated from Auburn University in 1988 with a Bachelor of Architecture, magna cum laude. At Auburn, he was the recipient of the AIA Scholastic Award Certificate of Merit from the Henry Adams Fund for Excellence in the Study of Architecture, and the Tau Sigma Delta (Architecture Honor Society) Bronze Medal recipient. He then went on to earn a Master of Architecture degree from Cornell University.

This award serves to recognize Al York for achieving a standard of professional excellence in his work and via contributions in the community. Heather McKinney, FAIA, business partner and founding principal of McKinney York Architects, says “Al and I have worked together for 20 years, building a design firm based on creating beautiful, responsible architecture in a culture of curiosity and collaboration. Al’s exceptional design expertise and mentorship is the backbone of our office and the key to the success of our work.” Al York designs with a purpose. He is known among influential clients for his expertise in tackling complex, unusual and often unprecedented design-project challenges. Restoration and adaptive re-use of the iconic McGarrah Jessee Building in downtown Austin, the African-American Culture and Heritage Facility in East Austin, and public commissions such as the Austin MetroRapid bus stations are just a few recent projects of import and broad public appeal. Michelle Rossomando, AIA, and principal partner at the firm says, “This award very much affirms Al’s design and analytical talent. It also speaks to the strong culture of collaboration in our studio that he influences in an important way—a professional environment that nurtures creativity, contribution and a steadfast commitment to producing good architecture.” Al York has earned this honor of AIA Fellow also in part for his work as a teacher and lecturer, a role for which he is equally well regarded. He has taught architecture at Texas Tech University and the University of Texas at Austin, and is sought after as a design juror and speaker.

McKinney York Architects is an award-winning firm in Austin, known for both its commercial and residential commissions. The firm works actively with public and private-sectors, institutions, and with developers. It is the 2013 recipient of the Firm Achievement Award from the Texas Society of Architects for its notable works of architecture and long-term contributions to the profession and community.

Established in Austin in 1983, as Heather H. McKinney Architects, the firm is celebrating its third decade. Today with fellow principals Al York, AIA, and Michelle Rossomando, AIA, and partners Will Wood, AIA, and Brian Carlson, AIA, McKinney York Architects is regarded as one of the leading firms in Texas—and a favorite among influential clients. McKinney York is published widely in magazines as diverse as Wired and Texas Highways, and in shelter and trade magazines from House Beautiful and Houzz to Architectural Record. Visit mckinneyyork.com and houzz.com to see more of the firm’s work. You may also follow them on Twitter. [Courtesy of Austin Yessayan + Co]