Peter MacKenzie

Peter MacKenzie AIA Peter died March 21, 2012 at Stanford Hospital, surrounded in the comfort and love of his wife, Nina, his daughter, Paige, and close family. Peter had been receiving intermittent treatment at Stanford for brain cancer, yet his death was unexpected and swift. His ferocious strength and courage throughout treatment and especially on his final day was a testament to his splendid life. Peter, 50, was born August 30, 1961 and spent a happy childhood in Long Beach, California. He was blessed to be the sixth of eight children in his family of Scottish and Irish descent. His childhood home on the golf course of the Virginia Country Club afforded many happy years honing his golf and tennis game. His youth was also well spent on beaches, basketball courts, cycling widely and cliff diving in Laguna Beach. Peter studied architecture at the UC Berkeley, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1983. Peter first met Nina Kim during the many long hours at Wurster Hall. Peter is predeceased by his father, Ronald J. MacKenzie, MD, and his eldest brother, Hugh, who resided in Paris. He is survived by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Davies; his wife, Nina Kim MacKenzie; his daughter, Paige Josephine MacKenzie; along with his siblings Chrissie (Joe Naspini), John Forrest (Greg Vega), Kore (Leah Benson), Carole Pierce (Steve), Thomas (Emalee), Michael (Maria); his brother Hugh's widow, Mae; and brother-in-laws George Kim and Thomas Kim. Peter took great joy and pride in his 19 nieces and nephews: Keith and Stacey Ochoa, Anna Naspini; Clara MacKenzie; Bryan, MC, Eric and Kelley Pierce; Kory Peter, Madelynn, Samantha MacKenzie; Roxanne and Melissa MacKenzie; Lillian, Elizabeth, Isabel, Adrien Kim; Melanie and Eric Kim. Peter began a student internship in 1983 with David Baker FAIA, leading to his position as the firm's third employee. Peter spent his full career at this firm. He earned his architectural license in 1988 and was made Partner of the firm, now known as David Baker + Partners, in early 2001. Peter designed more than 2,500 new homes throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The projects he headed garnered more than 60 local and national design awards. In total his built work exceeds $500M in construction value. Peter took quiet pride in the firm's selection as the 2012 Distinguished Practice by the AIA California Council. His most recent completed project, Richardson Apartments, providing 120 green homes for formerly homeless residents in SF, just received a 2012 National AIA Housing Award. Peter valued his trusted long-term relationships with partners David Baker FAIA and Kevin Wilcock AIA as well as clients, such as Holliday Development, BRIDGE Housing, Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Co, MidPen Housing and Mercy Housing California. Many of his clients grew into his close friends. Peter and Nina had been inseparable since 1987. Sharing their commitment to architecture and a joy in travel, they spent many years of happy companionship. After marrying in the Berkeley Rose Garden, they eased into a quiet life with the birth of their only child, Paige Josephine, in 1993. Peter's adoration and devotion to his family was no secret. Peter started Paige off in golf, tennis and skiing well before her third birthday. He nurtured and supported Paige's academic pursuits, fencing, love of debate, and all interests. Peter MacKenzie passes on his proud lineage to Paige and leaves a wide legacy of handsome architecture. Distinguished by his integrity, gentleness, and gentlemanliness, he will be remembered well. The name of Peter translates to "rock" and Peter's character reflected qualities of stability, fidelity and reliability: he held one job, owned one home, married one wife, and fathered one child. A public memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 1pm, at the Julia Morgan designed Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland where Peter will later be interred. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to support Peter's long-time client Mercy Housing California www.mercyhousingcalifornia.org. Please share your own images and memories of Peter at www.dbarchitect.com/PeterMacKenzie.