About Mark Canada

Mark Canada graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Blacksburg, Virginia, with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1977. After a brief internship working for former professors Harold Hill in Blacksburg, Virginia and Donald Chandler in McLean, Virginia, in 1978 he began his professional career in Austin, Texas, working for the Shiflet Group, Architects. In 1983 he formed the partnership, which became The Austin Group, Architects. In 1984 he founded the firm of Mark W. Canada, Architect, AIA. Shortly thereafter the firm’s name was changed to Canada + Associates, Architecture to more closely represent the range of architectural and engineering services the firm provides as well as the collaborative partnerships it would enter.

With forty years of professional experience in the discipline of architecture Canada brings a great variety of expertise to the firm. He has worked intensely on various commercial projects ranging from speculative office buildings and multi-family housing projects to user specific facilities, sports and fitness centers and institutional-type projects.

With a concentration on custom residential work he has become recognized as one of the finest architects of custom residences in the community. He possesses exemplary skills at maneuvering the difficult and complex problems of challenging Texas Hill Country sites. From Canada + Associates, Architecture founding, passive solar design has been elemental in the firm’s design philosophy. Green/Sustainable architecture is further encouraged through the firm’s work with a holistic approach to active solar photo voltaic electricity production, geo-thermal heating/ventilation/air conditioning systems, rain water harvesting and utilizing a comprehensive radiant barrier/vapor barrier/insulation construction specification.

His work is well known for utilizing site view orientation, creative use of passive solar and green building techniques. An intuitive Feng Shui friendly approach towards design is integrated into all of the firm’s work. Furthermore, he has had opportunities to develop knowledge regarding sustainable building materials affecting environmentally sensitive clients.

Philosophically, he ascribes to the principle that the professional service of architecture is responsible for instilling value within its product. Professionally, he sets the criterion within the office for a client responsive approach to design which has resulted in a service oriented standard of uncommon success within the industry. He has written and published in various industry related publications on the role of the architect within the building and development process.

The firm’s work has been recognized with numerous awards, among them an Austin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects Award for Excellence in Design, award of selection on six annual Austin AIA Homes Tours and was selected as one of thirty exceptional design firms in Texas with it’s nomination to the Small Firms-Great Projects display at the Texas Society of Architects Convention.

Canada is registered with the Texas Board of Architectural Examiners, the Austin Chapter of the AIA, the Texas Society of Architects, the National American Institute of Architects, as well as, being certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.