Skip to content
Contact Latest News

So Far in 2026!

We’re thrilled to share that McKinney York Architects has been recognized as a Longhorn 100 company, an award that celebrates the fastest-growing businesses owned by alumni of the University of Texas at Austin around the world.

This recognition reflects the dedication of our incredible team, the trust of our clients, and the support of our collaborators. It is even more special as we are proud to be part of the Longhorn entrepreneurial community and maintain strong ties to the UT family, including many proud alumni within our firm. We are honored to share this milestone with everyone who makes our work possible and look forward to the rankings reveal on April 24!

McKinney York Architects is thrilled to announce the elevation of Navvab Taylor, AIA, RID, LEED AP BD+C to Principal and Partner. Promotion to Principal recognizes individuals who have developed the expertise to lead key aspects of the practice. Principals demonstrate leadership in combination with a shared vision for firm success, as well as exceptional performance in design, management, and project execution. As Partner, Navvab will join the McKinney York leadership team, where her expertise in sustainability and passion for community engagement will be an undoubted asset to the fulfillment of our firm’s mission.

Navvab represents the very best of McKinney York: design excellence, clear communication, and a deep commitment to collaboration and community. As our Sustainability Leader, she has consistently pushed our projects to meet higher environmental standards and has reshaped how we think about our responsibility as designers. She works collaboratively with clients to develop environmentally responsible solutions with award-winning designs, including the Austin ISD Sánchez Elementary School Modernization. Working on a range of new construction and renovation projects in the education and civic market sectors, she approaches architecture not only as a design discipline, but as a form of communication—one where materials, light, and space express a sense of place, energy, and calm.

A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture, Navvab joined McKinney York in 2010 after working in Boston, New Haven, and London, England. With over twenty years of experience as a project architect, she has led some of our most meaningful and impactful projects—most recently Comedor, Austin ISD’s Allison Elementary School, and the Texas Facilities Commission’s Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Outside of the office, she has served as chair of AIA Austin’s Architecture: K-12 Committee that hosts Architecture In Schools in collaboration with AISD’s afterschool programs. Navvab also facilitates a service-focused youth group through Baha’i Faith of Austin.

In her new role as Principal and Partner, Navvab will lead the thoughtful, sustainable design of civic and educational projects. Her leadership, grounded in thoughtful listening and a strong respect for diverse perspectives, will continue to shape the future of McKinney York Architects. Please join us in congratulating Navvab Taylor on this significant and well-earned milestone.

McKinney York Architects is proud to announce the elevation of Aaron Taylor, AIA to Associate Principal.

Over the course of his fifteen years with McKinney York, Aaron’s work across civic, educational, and residential projects consistently reflects a commitment to meeting the needs of unique and underserved user groups while balancing strong ideas with real-world constraints. As an Associate Principal, his expertise in “Design for All” methodologies will continue to foster a sense of equity, dignity, and belonging in our work. Aaron will also maintain his role as co-chair for McKinney York’s design committee, working collaboratively to blend practicality with compelling designs that are thoughtfully rooted in the communities they serve. Aaron received a Bachelor of Architecture from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Architecture from Yale University. He worked in Boston, Los Angeles, and London, England before joining McKinney York in 2010. Since then, he has played a significant role in shaping both our work and our culture. Projects such as the City of Austin Women and Children’s Shelter, Community First! Micro House, and our ongoing work for the Texas School for the Deaf speak to his ability to pair clarity of design with social responsibility. Outside of the office, he has been a member of the AIA Austin Homes Tour Committee and consistently serves as a guest critic at The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture. Aaron represents so much of what we value as a firm; his thoughtful and empathetic design approach treats architecture as both a craft and a responsibility. We are grateful to have him on our team and look forward to his future with McKinney York. Congratulations, Aaron!

We’re excited to recognize Lu Zhang, AIA and Paul Holmes, AIA on being named Associates at McKinney York Architects.

Lu joined McKinney York with eight years of experience as a design lead on flagship institutional projects recognized with AIA New England design awards. Her recent work for the College of Natural Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin intertwines with our ongoing work at the school, making her a perfect fit for our firm. She approaches her projects with creativity, technical rigor, sustainability, and contextual sensitivity. Her current role on the Texas Facilities Commission’s Texas State Library and Archives Commission design team highlights her ability to consistently arrive at thoughtful, well-resolved solutions. In just a short time, her technical skills, detailing, and rendering abilities have already made a meaningful impact on our work. Drawing inspiration from her hometown of Chongqing, China, Lu strongly believes that architecture can shape the chaos and beauty of everyday life.

Paul joined our firm in 2024, bringing over five years of experience across single-family, commercial, and adaptive reuse projects. His current work in the educational and civic sectors is grounded in collaborative design thinking and community-oriented design. Paul’s reliability, thoughtfulness, and eye for design make him a valued leader on public projects such as Austin ISD’s Allison Elementary School and the Texas Facilities Commission’s Texas State Library and Archives Commission. He maintains an interest in always learning more—whether through his involvement with the AIA BEC, exploring evolving tools in the profession, or lessons learned in the field.

Congratulations, Lu and Paul! We can’t wait to see what you do in 2026.

It is with deep sadness that McKinney York Architects shares the news of the passing of our Principal, Al York, FAIA, RID. Over the course of three decades, Al’s leadership has had a profound impact on the growth and identity of McKinney York Architects. His simple, thought-provoking approach to architecture exposes the underlying grace of the ordinary, revealing beauty within familiar situations. As a distinguished leader and advocate in the design community, Al was a celebrated architect, cherished friend, and beloved mentor.

Al’s loss is felt profoundly by the countless lives he has touched. He spent his career pushing others forward, offering calm wisdom and unwavering generosity to all. Al leaves behind a lasting legacy of design that reflects his belief in architecture’s power to engage the mind, touch the heart, and elevate the human experience. He will be sincerely missed.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rawson Saunders School Al York Fund, or the McKinney York Architects Scholarship at The University of Texas at Austin.

Photo: Al seated in the iconic breezeway of one of his recently completed works, Inks Lake State Park Headquarters Building for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

___________________________________________________

Hogg Memorial Auditorium wins 2025 American Architecture Awards for Restoration/Renovation!

McKinney York Architects is honored to be recognized by the Austin Business Journal as one of Austin’s Top 30 Fastest-Growing Companies.

Hogg Memorial Auditorium wins Preservation Texas 2025 Honor Award for Historic Rehabilitation!

 

McKinney York Architects is honored to be included in the Austin Business Journal’s list of the Women-Owned Businesses.

McKinney York Architects and Landmarks celebrate the groundbreaking of the College of Education Entry Renovation & Art Installation!

McKinney York Architects joins SOM-led Team to Design New Arrivals and Departures Hall at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

Photograph of existing facilities by © Ken Griffith

Photograph of existing facilities by © Ken Griffith

McKinney York Architects is recognized by the Zweig Group as one of the Best Firms to Work For 2025!

 

Austin ISD Sánchez Elementary School featured on America ByDesign!

Writer’s Retreat wins HBA Max Award for Custom Home/Project Design, 2025!

Bookshelf's surrounding the central window of a white room.

Texas Facilities Commission, Groundbreaking for a new Archival and Records Storage Facility

St. Julian of Norwich Parish Hall wins Outstanding Construction Award, Associated General Contractors’, 2024!

We are excited to announce the elevation of Navvab Taylor, AIA, RID, LEED AP BD+C to Associate Principal and Lauren Gamboa to Associate. Navvab exhibits design excellence and employs strong communication and project management skills to build and maintain rewarding client relationships. She is a champion for sustainable design and will serve as the firm’s Sustainability Leader, working collaboratively with clients to develop environmentally responsible solutions and ensuring the firm’s practices align with rigorous standards. Lauren demonstrates skillful management of the marketing department and a remarkable ability to execute with precision, creativity, and efficiency. Her expertise and attention to detail has driven successful campaigns and streamlined the firm’s marketing processes. We value the leadership and knowledge of these team members and are thrilled to spotlight their advancement!

Looking Back at 2024…

AIA Austin WiA Profiles 2024 featuring our Associate Navvab Taylor!

Hogg Memorial Auditorium achieves LEED Platinum Certification!

View along curved rows of seats in an auditorium, facing a series of windows.

AISD Sánchez Elementary School wins TxA Design Award 2024!

straight on view of stairway that also functions as a social gathering space in elementary school, books are displayed on the levels and children and teachers are in the foreground

Comedor wins AIA Austin Design Award of Merit 2024!

People seated at bar and high tables of a nice restaurant.

River Ranch County Park wins a Texas Travel Award  and gets featured in Parks and Recreation Business Magazine! Have you been there yet?

Outdoor pavilion in a field of wildflowers.

 

Back to Top

Design Elements that Engage & Inspire

Create a sense of belonging and reinforce brand identity through thoughtful furnishings and finishes

Thoughtfully designed spaces draw people to them, encourage them to spend their time there, support human productivity, and create connections that deepen our relationships. In higher education and workplace environments, integrating brand identity into the architectural design and furnishing selections creates a strong sense of place by reinforcing organizational culture and values. Likewise, the design concept and benefits to the users can be made more powerful and effective when the furnishings and architecture work in harmony. While the spaces in which we work and learn continue to evolve, there are four common elements that we seek to incorporate into successful spaces across these project types:

 

Welcoming environments that set the tone

Visitors’ impressions of an organization or business are shaped upon entering the building, often in the lobby or reception area. The design of these spaces can provide visual cues to visitors and users about what’s important to the organization, help communicate its values, and tell a story about inclusivity and belonging.

The University of Texas at Austin Admissions Welcome Center is the ‘front door’ for prospective students and visitors. The Center seeks to create a memorable experience from the moment you open the door, drawing visitors in toward a reception desk that evokes the UT Tower. Vibrant hits of the University’s iconic burnt orange color are incorporated throughout the furniture and displays. Brand identity is further expressed through the integration of the Longhorns logo into the oak cladding around the central theater, where guests learn about the University. A range of seating around the lobby provides a comfortable place to briefly wait for an appointment with an admission counselor or tour guide.

The motto of the Texas School for the Deaf is ‘Learn. Grow. Belong.’ The lobby at the School’s new Administration Building and Early Learning Center creates a sense of belonging by incorporating principles of DeafSpace in the design – clear sight lines, spatial connection between floor levels, and wider circulation spaces for signing while walking. Inclusive, curved forms are found throughout the serpentine lobby furniture, reception desk, and sweeping balcony, the railing of which hosts the motto itself.

 

Opportunities for collaboration

The best work and academic spaces provide opportunities for people to come together and connect with one another. The formal and informal interactions these spaces foster can inspire ideas, solutions, and friendships.

At the heart of the Texas Restaurant Association Headquarters sits a large table which can be viewed from nearly anywhere in the suite. Glassy shared offices and workstations with low partitions look onto this central space, reinforcing the idea that decisions and policy are best made in collaboration–befittingly, with everyone gathered around the table. Smaller, informal team huddles are held at a nearby round table in lounge chairs adorned with cocktail shaker upholstery, a nod to the foodservice industry.

The huddle rooms for the University of Texas at Austin College of Education provide space for faculty, staff, and students to collaborate. Integrated videoconferencing technology facilitates a seamless connection between colleagues, even when they’re meeting remotely. Custom glazing manifestation on the rooms’ glass partitions preserve transparency and connectivity, while also screening incoming views to provide a degree of privacy. The word cloud graphics feature bilingual messaging which communicates the College’s core values in both English & Spanish. To aid wayfinding, one wall of each huddle room is painted a different color, and in recognition of the teaching profession, is adorned with an oversized letter of the alphabet. The huddle room colors are also reflected in the upholstery selections of the chairs. Rounded corners encourage gathering around the meeting table.

 

Places for focused productivity

While interaction and collaboration are often beneficial, sometimes all that’s needed is a quiet space for focused individual work where students or employees can touch down while on campus or in the office.

At the Texas Health & Human Services North Austin Complex, unassigned hoteling stations provide temporary spots for staff who normally operate elsewhere to plug-in and connect. As this agency’s focus is on health, the workplace design sought to promote health and well-being; these workstations have lower height partitions to reinforce the feeling of connection to the rest of the office and provide mood-boosting views of the exterior and access to natural daylighting, while still providing a degree of visual privacy. These biophilic design elements extend to the nature-inspired blues, greens, wood tones, and vegetal patterns and textures of the upholstery and finish selections.

Similarly, in the lobby of the Jesse H. Jones Communications Building, a bank of semi-enclosed individual workstations creates visual separation and provides students with places for deep focus even in a public setting. In campus and university environments in particular, this type of amenity is especially beneficial as students often do not have a dedicated, private space of their own to retreat to during downtime between classes.

 

Spaces that connect to nature

In Austin, we are fortunate to live in a climate where we can spend time outside in relative comfort for much of the year. We’ve found that outdoor patio spaces or indoor spaces with a strong connection to the outdoors are perennial favorites in both academic and workplace settings. These spaces satisfy our innate need to engage with the natural environment. This need was underscored by the pandemic, which reinforced how valuable these outdoor spaces are to our wellbeing.

Our project at the William C. Powers, Jr. Student Activity Center Courtyard reinvigorated an underused green space by creating a series of outdoor rooms that is arguably one of the most sought-after places to be on campus. We utilized a range of seating types–café tables and chairs, wood benches, rocking chairs, and hammocks–and created a variety of microclimate-like spaces for relaxing, socializing, lunch breaks, and studying. Plants and flowing water provide natural sensory experiences to help students recharge in the midst of a bustling campus environment.

We designed the Holland Family Student Center at UT’s Jackson School of Geosciences as a casual study space with ample natural daylight and views of a tree-shaded courtyard. We utilized several types of stone in the design to create an inspiring student-centered space for lovers of rocks. A custom mosaic in the terrazzo floor appears to flow from inside to outside, where it emerges as rock garden featuring specimens from the school’s collection. Indoor lounge seating in warm, natural tones provides a softening effect in contrast to the hard stone surfaces. Casual, café-style seating is dispersed among the rocks throughout the courtyard, creating a popular study and break space near an active pedestrian promenade.

With recruitment competition, real estate prices and construction costs all posing challenges for commercial and higher education enterprises, property owners require spaces which will attract and retain users while supporting their diverse needs. Spaces need to be hardworking, versatile, and flexible. Thoughtful, fully integrated branding and furnishings can maximize user performance and satisfaction while creating places with unique, engaging, and marketable identities.

If you or your organization would like more information on this topic, please email us.

You Are Exiting Our Website

McKinney York Architects is committed to making our website accessible to all individuals with disabilities. Our website may link to or incorporate third-party websites and resources which are not owned or controlled by McKinney York Architects. McKinney York Architects is not responsible for the accessibility of third-party content, and we shall not be liable if the content is inaccessible to individuals with disabilities.

Proceed to External Website Return to MckinneyYork.com