Professional Registrations
Architect AIBC, RAIC, Architekt + Innenarchitekt AKNW Germany, certified Passive House Consultant, LEED® AP
Education
- MA Architecture, University of Applied Science Hamburg
- MA Interior Design, University of Applied Science Rosenheim
Bio
Peter Johannknecht is a registered Architect (in BC and Germany), a LEED accredited professional, certified Passive House Designer and is a founding Principal with Cascadia Architects Inc.
Born and educated in Germany, Peter moved to Victoria in 2005. He trained with firms in Hamburg, Salzburg Austria, Vancouver BC and had his own firm in Paderborn Germany before moving to Canada where he had accepted a job opportunity with Perkins + Will, working on the Dockside Green Development in Victoria. He later joined the Vancouver firm HCMA and was part of their expanding Victoria team, gaining valuable experience on various public sector projects.
In 2012 Peter founded Cascadia Architects with Greg Damant. His involvement brings a strong international design aesthetic, integrating environmental sustainability and attention to detail.
Do you have any out-of-office roles that you’re passionate about?
I currently sit on the Advisory Design Panel for the city of Victoria. For the past 7 years, I have been an active member of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Station 33 in Oak Bay.
Tell us about your other degrees or qualifications.
My first degree is in Innenarchitektur (German for Interior Design), which introduced me to design and architecture. I obtained the accreditation of certified Passive House Designer/Consultant, as well as became a LEED accredited professional.
I also have a few marine and sailing certificates and a first aid certificate.
What other interests within the field of architecture do you have?
I am interested in infill projects in urban settings, as well as custom residential projects with high energy efficiency in mind.
I really enjoy the transformation of spaces through great design, natural materials, good lighting, as well as furniture/millwork designs. The question of 'how do we design today for the world of tomorrow best?' is always on my mind.
Are there specific books for schools of thought in architecture that inspire you?
There are so many relevant books to choose from, ranging from classic to more modern.
- The Ten Books on Architecture by Vitruvius
- The Four Books of Architecture by Palladio
- Cities for People by Jan Gehl
- Thinking Architectureby Peter Zumthor
Is there an architecturally significant city you would like to visit?
Barcelona, because it is historic, multicultural, influenced by the ocean and surrounding topography and also the mix of ultra modern and contemporary. It's all in one place.
