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McMinn candidly admits that becoming an architect was never on his radar. "I thought architecture was beyond my capability,” he says. However, with the encouragement of his sister, McMinn applied to architecture schools after completing his first degree.

He got into every school he applied to. Ultimately, he chose H���� for its reputation as a design-focused school and its co-op program tailored to “older” students like himself (he was beginning at the age of 24). "Dal was the only school that called me directly to let me know I was accepted,” McMinn said, unlike the other schools that sent letters. This personalized touch solidified McMinn's choice to embark on his architectural journey at H����.

From art to architecture – and back again

McMinn began his career in the film industry, working in the art departments of CBC TV shows like Emily of New Moon and eventually earning a Gemini nomination for his work on Tucked in Bedlam. His architecture training, paired with his experience in the film industry, led him to co-found Breakhouse, an award-winning branding and architectural design firm that created flagship retail spaces for Bell Mobility and Lawtons, as well as iconic Halifax spots like Java Blend, EDNA, Bar Stillwell and King’s Wharf. In 2019, McMinn decided to leave corporate design to focus exclusively on his art.

Central to McMinn's experience at H���� was the cultivation of critical thinking skills.

 “When you're around other highly talented thinkers and doers, you can't help but get better learning from them,” he says.“ And this school really pushes students to be better designers and better thinkers. So, I wouldn't have traded that experience with the world.”

Three lessons

McMinn’s exhibition ">64" showcased his talent for depicting nuanced details, except this time it was the nuances of the great game of hockey. McMinn graciously shared insights gleaned from his academic and professional journey with students from the School of Architecture and Planning. Reflecting on the invaluable support he received from his teachers and peers, McMinn imparted three invaluable lessons: never underestimate yourself; maintain majority ownership in your endeavors; and express love to those who matter most.

That expression of love is evident in McMinn’s art. “When I was in my mid-20s my parents died within two years of each other,” he says. “They were both 64. Up until then I was quite naïve. My family was healthy and happy. I really had no insight that life could be so tragic, so short. I parked it. When I turned 50, things started to change. By 52, the restlessness — perhaps depression — led me to leave a career as a designer of 25+ years to pursue painting. In hindsight, I was counting down to 64.”

Boundless possibilities

McMinn himself serves as a testament to the boundless and creative possibilities an architecture degree affords. Beyond its immediate applications, the degree speaks to the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of mentorship and community support.

As we celebrate McMinn's achievements, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovative thinkers and creative leaders within the field of architecture and beyond.