John C. Parkin

John Cresswell Parkin CC OOnt (24 March 1922 – 22 October 1988) was a Canadian architect. From 1947 to 1969 he was the design chief for the Toronto firm John B. Parkin Associates, at the time the largest architectural firm in the country. In 1970 he formed his own firm, where he worked until his retirement in 1987. John C. Parkin is credited as one of the leaders in developing the mid-century modern style in Canada. 2Biography John C. Parkin was born on 24 March 1922 in Sheffield to two parents who were both Parkins, distantly related. His father was a chartered accountant with Parkin and Co., which had been established in the 1880s. In 1939 Parkin entered the University of Manitoba, and graduated in 1944. Upon graduation, he left for Toronto with fellow graduate Harry Seidler. Parkin took a job with the firm Marani and Morris, and Seidler with William Somerville. Shortly after arriving beginning work, Parkin met John B. Parkin, who was of no relatio