leadership

bao-nghi nhan, architect

Partner, Director of Architecture / aaa, aibc, mraic

Bao has dedicated her 20+ year practice to the belief that great spaces and buildings require a commitment to the finesse of scale. Employing an always interdisciplinary approach founded from her background in the private art and publishing sectors, Bao’s approach is shaped by and aims to shape the human experience.

As partner in charge of the Calgary studio and Director of Architecture across multiple cities, Bao leads an inquisitive and highly creative team of architects and technologists, assembled for their international training, rigorous methodologies and relentless pursuit of creating meaningful and resonant spaces. Bao and her team design from the inside out to create layered, complex and richly detailed architectural solutions. Adept at navigating the complexities of multiple policy, stakeholder, client and contractor demands in a collaborative manner, Bao ensures each project is delivered successfully through fostered alignment and the shared pursuit design excellence for all involved.

Bao is a Registered Architect with the Architecture Association of Alberta, the Architectural Institute of British Columbia, a member of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, and a Professional Mentor with the AAA.

jenn mehrer, registered interior designer

Partner, Director of Interior Design / idibc, idc, ncidq

Jenn Mehrer is a highly accomplished industry leader with an impressive track record of success. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, Jenn has built a reputation as a visionary Director of the Interiors Studio and a resident Director of McKinley's Vancouver Studio.

Jenn's extensive experience spans multiple cities, allowing her to lead a united studio with a performance-driven and human-centric approach. Her passion for design in the context of culture shines through every aspect of her work, making for a rich and layered design approach.

Jenn is an invaluable partner to her clients and team, possessing a rare combination of business acumen and design expertise. As an accomplished project leader, she excels in bringing out the strengths of each team member and assembling diverse, capable teams specific to each project.

Jenn's collaborative relationships with clients are built on transparent communication and sound advice, resulting in exceptional design solutions that exceed expectations. Her commitment to quality, inspired attitude, and creative vision resonate throughout the firm's studios and work around the world, solidifying her reputation as an industry leader. With Jenn's guidance, the McKinley Studio team consistently delivers exceptional design solutions that elevate the industry.

mike rogers

Partner, Director of FF&E / bfa, baid, ncidq

Mike is the founder of mknly procurement, McKinley Studios’ furniture design house. Mike’s diverse background as a designer includes over two decades of experience creating stunning residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces across Canada, and notably in LA.

Mike takes pride in his commitment to enhancing every client’s tactile experience with the furnishings and decor he sources and his knowledge of the the best-in-class and up-and coming makers, artisans, designers and fabricators. Mike believes strongly in the power of design to create powerful emotional connections in a space. He has brought his unique talent and intuitive eye to a wide range of projects throughout North America, including luxury private residences, restaurants, hotels, and private clubs.

emma dwinnell

Partner, Director of Procurement / m.edes, baid

Emma brings over 12 years of industry experience, including 9 years with McKinley Studios. She began her career as an Interior Designer with McKinley before expanding her expertise at other renowned boutique design firms in Calgary. In 2021, Emma rejoined the McKinley team, transitioning to FF&E procurement, and now serves as the Director of mknly procurement. In this role, she has played a pivotal part in the growth and success of the Procurement Studio, leading a dynamic team of creatives, operations specialists, and project managers.

With her background in interior design, Emma offers a holistic understanding of the design and procurement value chain, giving her a distinct edge in FF&E specification and procurement. Her comprehensive approach combines creativity with strategic insight, allowing her to expertly manage everything from specification and purchasing to fabrication, logistics, and post-project support. She has developed key internal processes that drive efficiency and material value for her clients, ensuring seamless project delivery and exceptional outcomes.

Emma is known for her collaborative style, working closely with design and architectural teams to share her expertise in custom furniture and lighting, fabrication techniques, materiality, and ergonomics. She also offers clients exclusive access to a network of over 1,000 local and global vendors, enhancing the scope and quality of every project.

matt buchholz

Partner, President / m.fin, b.a

Matt is a dynamic leader who seamlessly integrates his extensive expertise in finance into his role as President of McKinley Studios. In addition to this position, he serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Tse’khene Energy Transition Hub, which stands as the largest Indigenous-led, on-reserve clean energy project in Canadian history. This unique combination of experience allows Matt to approach McKinley Studios with a strategic mindset, ensuring that every project not only captivates but also delivers measurable value to clients and communities.

At McKinley Studios, Matt champions a collaborative environment, empowering the team to harness their talents and explore new ideas, all while maintaining a strong focus on project feasibility and client objectives. By blending artistry with strategic insight, Matt continues to drive McKinley Studios toward new heights of success and innovation in the industry.

adam hart

Partner, Chief Financial Officer / b.comm

Adam is the Chief Financial Officer at McKinley Studios, where he brings expertise and strategic thinking to the forefront. Alongside his role at McKinley, he’s also the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for the Duz Cho Group of Companies and serves as CFO for the Tse’khene Energy Transition Hub.

With a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University, Adam’s background in economics and accounting gives him a solid foundation to navigate the financial landscape of the industry. He’s worked with a variety of small to medium-sized businesses across sectors like energy services, retail, and specialty manufacturing. This diverse experience equips him with a unique perspective on financial management and strategic planning.

Adam’s passion for supporting the creative process makes him an invaluable asset to the McKinley Studios team, where he plays a crucial role in fostering an environment that encourages both artistic exploration and financial integrity. In Adam's view, the best projects come from a harmonious blend of creativity and financial savvy, and he is dedicated to making sure that McKinley Studios continues to thrive in both realms.

walker mckinley, architect

Founder, Chief Executive Officer / aaa, aibc, oaa, fraic

An alumnus of Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Walker McKinley has honed his ability to determine how each client and user group fits into a global picture, with a focus on design and its relationship with art and commerce.

These efforts have resulted in the six-studio model that reflects Walker’s commitment to design as a cultural and artistic act. His approach is rooted in strategy, mapping the trajectory for each project as it relates to its role within a social and cultural context. Walker’s pursuit of knowledge culminates in McKinley Studio’s specialized thought-leadership and research division, Black Chamber.

Walker’s immersive design approach is supported by his extensive community engagement. He is a member of the College of Fellows of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, an acting board member of the Architecture Foundation of British Columbia, and has held positions as Councillor of the Alberta Association of Architects, Director of the Advisory Council to the School of Interior Design, Board of Director, Alberta Ballet and Honens International Piano Competition and instructor at the Mount Royal University.