Architecture That Connects: A Woman’s Community-Driven Vision
In celebration of Women's History Month, CPE spoke with JA’s Megan McKay about the intersection of thoughtful design and inclusive leadership.
Goodsell, courtesy of Johnston Architects
As cities evolve, so too does the role of architects in shaping their future. Thoughtful urban design goes beyond aesthetics—it fosters connectivity, supports local businesses and reflects the character of a community. Few understand this better than Megan McKay, partner at Seattle-based Johnston Architects, whose work focuses on creating spaces that not only enhance the built environment, but also the lives of those who inhabit it.
With a deep connection to Mercer Island, Wash., where she both lives and works, McKay is leading the transformation of the island’s commercial hub, Town Center. Her Xing Hua mixed-use project, spanning 234,000 square feet, introduces much-desired restaurant and retail space to the area, while also expanding housing options for the locals.
In honor of Women’s History Month, Commercial Property Executive spoke with McKay about her professional journey, her work and the evolving role of women in architecture.
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What inspired you to become an architect and how has your design philosophy evolved over the years?
McKay: The opportunity to be both creative and rigorously technical attracted me to architecture and still does. There is always more to learn. Building science, codes and aesthetic preferences are perpetually evolving, so this industry keeps you on your toes! Over the years, I have found joy in the pursuit of perfecting the process, so there is a greater interest in the specifics rather than just the macro result.
There is also an arc from school, where you design largely by yourself, to the more collaborative nature of a full studio and larger teams of specialist experts. I am perpetually amazed by expert subconsultants and learn the most from including them on design teams.
As a female leader in architecture, what challenges have you faced, and how have they influenced your approach to urban design?
McKay: This is diminishing as I get older, but I often feel underestimated by people who first meet me. I think there is an instant feeling of safety in the deeply ingrained cultural image of an ‘architect’ as an older man who has built up a lifetime of knowledge and, therefore, understands this field completely.
When you fall outside of that image, it can take time and effort to build rapport and trust with clients. I make it my mission to surprise them! This has influenced my approach to urban design through a focus on conveying very clearly and completely design solutions.
Johnston Architects is a woman-owned firm. How has that shaped the company culture and its approach to commercial projects?
McKay: The culture of collaboration at JA would not be possible without the women in its leadership, starting with founding partner Mary Johnston. Speaking in hugely general terms—the reality is more nuanced, of course—women in design are team players and put ego aside more readily for the good of the design solution. Design at JA is at its best when done collectively and collaboratively.
As culturally conditioned caregivers, women also consider inclusively the full breadth of humanity: How do children and people of different ages, abilities and perspectives experience space and feel welcome and comfortable? This collaborative and thoughtful culture is self-fulfilling, attracting like-minded designers of all genders.
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How have opportunities for women in architecture evolved throughout your career, and where do you see the industry still needing improvement?
McKay: I am seeing a lot more women on construction teams, which is great for the industry! While women have made gains, the industry could improve by encouraging more minorities to enter the field. The field of architecture still doesn’t feel reflective of the overall diversity of the population. The best idea for a project can come from anywhere—the more varied the perspectives that contribute to a design solution, the higher the likelihood of a creative result.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to leadership roles in architecture and commercial real estate?
McKay: My advice is to focus on the process and learn as much as you can. You can never and will never know everything, so embrace this. People struggle when they believe they know all and therefore shut out new perspectives and stagnate. The best way to keep learning and growing is to collaborate. Make space for all ideas, as the best can come from truly anyone on the project team.
Speaking of projects, as a Mercer Island resident and the lead designer on the Xing Hua project, how has your personal connection to the area influenced its design?
McKay: Creating a new development that is fully reflective of its context and community’s values is always a guiding principle of JA’s design, but being a resident has afforded additional insight into what makes this community unique and special.
My favorite part of the Island is its strong network of small parks and pocket areas of lush forested landscape. This strongly shaped Xing Hua’s urban design concept, which is a building set in a series of small urban parks. Every frontage of the building has a public plaza along the sidewalk, anchored by large feature trees. It brings Mercer Island’s residential community ethos into the heart of Town Center.
What makes this project stand out?
McKay: There simply are not a lot of new, large developments on Mercer Island. Fewer still contribute meaningful landscaped areas to the sidewalk realm. The Xing Hua project replaces an outdated surface-parked lot with very little connection to the street, transforming it into a vibrant urban design that actively engages with passersby and becomes the new heart of Town Center.
Mixed-use developments are evolving to meet changing community and business needs. What strategies did you employ to ensure the project enhances the Town Center’s commercial vibrancy?
McKay: Encouraging and supporting new businesses on Mercer Island is a focus as the community has weathered several restaurant and business failures recently. Town Center needs to strengthen itself as a worthy destination to sustain a healthy and vibrant business community. Encouraging people to park their cars, walk around and stay a while is critical to achieving this goal.
The Xing Hua project will greatly improve the quality of pedestrian circulation throughout Town Center by contributing a landscaped through-block walking connection between two previously very long, unbroken blocks. It brings retail and restaurant spaces up to the sidewalk, creating a much more engaging and vibrant pedestrian experience. Xing Hua will transform a previously inward-focused strip commercial lot and redirect the focus outward to the street, contributing to its surrounding community.
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