Bao-Nghi Nhan

Director of Architecture at McKinley Studios

Bao has worked alongside Walker for over a decade and has been instrumental in the growth of McKinley Studio’s architectural practice. With 20 years of global experience, Bao is dedicated to an interdisciplinary approach, leveraging her time in international arts and publishing industries to enhance McKinley’s six studio environment. Her work is multi-scaled and layered, rooted in placemaking regardless of project type, size, or sector.

As resident director of McKinley’s Calgary Studio and Director of the Architecture Studio across multiple cities, Bao leads an inquisitive and highly creative team of architects, assembled for their international training, rigorous methodologies, and relentless pursuit of creating exceptional, impactful built environments. Employing processes that are both exploratory and collaborative, Bao and her team prioritize fostering alignment with all stakeholders on every project, in the pursuit of design excellence for all involved.

Bao is passionate about developing talent both within the studio and within the larger industry. She is an active mentor for the Internship in Architecture Program of the AAA, is a mentor and volunteer for the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association, and volunteers her time with local design advocacy groups.