History and Fate: The Goodwins and the 1960s

So Far in 2026!

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.

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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

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!