Bruce McKenzie was honoured with the 2024 Tom Sutherland Award by the Alberta Association of Architects (AAA). The award for volunteer achievement, created in Tom Sutherland’s honour, is presented annually to one AAA registrant who demonstrates emphatic leadership and dedication to positively impacting architecture and design.

McKenzie is a strategic advisor at NORR focusing on residential projects. He joined NORR in 2007 and pulls upon his 40 plus years in the architecture industry to shape the landscape of Calgary, where he started his career, as well as many other communities in Alberta.

He believes that connecting with the client is the most important building block to success. He fosters deep client relationships and is an expert at distilling the complexities of architecture to his clientele.

His designs reflect understanding of context, culture, and human experience, resulting in spaces that are aesthetically appealing, functionally efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Some of his signature projects include the Calgary Courts Centre and the McMahon Stadium Renovation. One of his most recent projects is the Hat @ Elbow River, the largest single mixed-use residential project ever approved in Calgary, as well as the city’s tallest residential complex.

Beyond professional accomplishments, McKenzie is a talented painter and illustrator, keen to share his work with friends, family and colleagues.

In addition to supervising around 50 intern architects over his years as a volunteer, McKenzie also gives his time, expertise and knowledge to future generations of architects and designers by providing guest critiques and talks at both the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University.

Over and above his industry volunteerism, he has also dedicated his time to many community projects including the Lions Festival of Lights, Meals on Wheels, Habitat for Humanity, and the Jack Long Foundation for Affordable Housing.