John McCool
- Co-Founder
- Associate Principal Architect
- Member of the American Institute of Architects
- Certified Construction Specifier
“Taking an idea through to bricks and mortar never gets old.”
John loves communicating with people. He enjoys meeting clients and understanding their vision, translating it onto paper, and then talking it through with the builder. The thrill of architecture, for him, comes from developing and fine-tuning ideas and turning them into a physical structure.
The biggest change over the course of his career has been the shift to computer tools in the design process. However, he feels that the fundamental job of the architect has remained the same; the transformation from brain to building is unchanged. He’s proud to have created a legacy of creativity, training younger architects as a professional advisor for United Way. He is also a committee member for the Alaska Association of Architects and the Construction Specifications Institute.
John lives in Alaska and loves the great outdoors. He’s skied across most of the western United States, and when he’s not on the slopes, he enjoys making furniture and picture frames.
John’s Favorites
MCG Explore Design
John has been at MCG Explore Design right from the start. He played a key role in hiring everyone and developing the firm’s culture. He’s enjoyed watching the firm grow and is proud of his legacy.
Natural Inspiration
Alaska holds a special place in John’s heart. He says the mountains, the natural beauty and the challenges of building in extreme climates are a constant source of inspiration.
Professional Certifications
Registered in three states (WA, OR and AK), John is one of the first Certified Construction Specifiers in Alaska, which involves researching cost-effective and efficient solutions for each project.