Northern values guide design firm: Award-winning Mitchell Jensen Architects recognized for health unit building.

AuthorKelly, Lindsay
PositionDesign-Build

National and provincial accolades earned by a North Bay architecture firm are shining a spotlight on Northern Ontario design as a reflection of the region's unique attributes.

Last summer, Mitchell Jensen Architects' design of the North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit, in collaboration with Ottawa's Carlyle Design Associates, was recognized by Canadian Interiors Magazine as Best in Canada, in the institutional category.

Then, in November, the same project won the Northern Ontario Excellence Award from Ontario WoodWORKS!, an initiative of the Canadian Wood Council.

Opened this past June, the two-storey, 58,000-square-foot facility was lauded for its use of natural materials, including Douglas fir and limestone; the inclusion of plenty of windows to let in natural light; and its proximity to public transportation, walking trails, Lake Nipissing and other recreational activities, which is in keeping with the health unit's mandate to promote healthy lifestyles. More than 30 works of art by local artists are showcased throughout the building.

Consulting architect Paul Mitchell said the awards are a memorable distinction to cap off a project that held special meaning for the firm.

"I think being more intimately aware of the values that community holds dear, which we share, and our friends and colleagues that we work with share, helps us to be more reflective and more supportive of the communities that we serve," he said. "We like to be very consultative and we like to become very engaged with our clients."

Some of the firm's other projects of note include the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body building on the Nipissing First Nation; the Jack Garland Airport terminal in North Bay; and One Kids Place, a North Bay treatment centre for children with disabilities. The latter was also a design award winner, earning the Project of the Year Award from the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario, as well as another Ontario WoodWORKS! award.

Formed in 1964, Mitchell Jensen Architects has designed buildings across industries--commercial, community, education, health, Indigenous and residential. Currently led by five shareholders, the firm has 12 staff members, two of whom operate out of a satellite site in Huntsville, which serves the Muskoka region. And with a portfolio full of upcoming projects, the firm is hiring.

"We're always anxious to find talented people to join our team," Mitchell said. "Our team is what we can offer the market, so...

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