Jeff Penner of Winkler says his love of architecture was there from the beginning, rooted in early memories of building structures out of sand.
Where some other children preferred to destroy them, he said, his instinct was to build.
Fast forward to today, and Penner, now with Verne Reimer Architecture, has achieved a significant milestone — being named a fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC).
Becoming an architect in the prairies
The accolade marks a step in a career that Penner worked hard to build.
He said that, for him, the education — which included a Master’s degree and supplemental learning — was “tough,” since he says he never really applied himself as a student earlier in life.
Through determination, he completed his education, and along the way, he said he also benefited from the mentorship of Verne Reimer, with whom he is now a partner at his practice.
“We all watched him as sort of younger architects,” he said.
Becoming a RAIC fellow
As for becoming an RAIC fellow, Penner said he will join “a national body that helps [architects] learn and make better architecture in Canada.”
He continued that he was nominated for the role by six fellow experts in the field with whom he has previously worked, including Verne Reimer.
Penner said that as a part of the role, he will also be presented with an award in Vancouver in May.
Recognition for rural architecture
For Penner, who is the only professional from Manitoba to become a fellow this year, receiving recognition for his work is “humbling,” especially because of what he stands for as an architect: championing the architectural work that happens outside large city centres.
“It’s recognition for the purpose that I chose in my life — to serve communities, and I will always stand behind that,” he said.
“Rural communities and remote communities deserve everything that the urban guys do.”
Jeff Penner at Frobisher Bay. Submitted photo.
The buildings that help make the community
Penner, who has been an architect since 1997, chose to remain in the prairies, where his work has become a recognizable part of the region through the buildings he has helped create.
He was involved in projects such as the Winkler Fire Hall and the recently completed Meridian Exhibition Centre, for which he participated in the initial funding application process and the building assessment.
He said one of his earlier projects, his first hospital, was the Boundary Health Centre’s original building.
Related stories:
It’s a project that stands out for him.
“It’s kind of dated, but at the end of the day, it was a proud moment for me. I was very young and worked very hard at that,” he said.
The architect was also involved in the renovation of Winkler Centennial Arena, which reflects his focus on projects that help create the fabric of rural communities.
“It takes a team. There are a bunch of people working, a bunch of firms, a bunch of different companies. I’m so happy that it’s completed and done, and it’s really nice,” he said.
“It’s about value, and the value it will bring to the community will be huge.”
Jeff Penner with his team. Submitted photo.
Moving forward as a fellow of the RAIC
Penner’s work outside the community includes the Southeast Event Centre in Steinbach, Stride Place in Portage La Prairie, and other projects that he said have taken him to “every region in Canada.”
As he prepares to accept his award for becoming a fellow of the RAIC in May, he is also working on projects in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, including an arena he said will be the only one at its latitude, which he described as a “highly technical project.”
Wherever his career takes him, however, helping shape Winkler and the Pembina Valley will always have a special place in his heart.
“I love southern Manitoba,” he said.
With files from Ty Hildebrand and Jayme Giesbrecht