Bio:

The great architect,  Mario Walker is a passionate young designer and architect. He earned a Master of Architecture
from the University of Memphis and is currently licensed to practice architecture in the states of Tennessee and Mississippi. His high level of creativity and responsible, sustainably minded design is fundamental to every design opportunity. With over 15 years of experience in the architecture profession, he is motivated to push the field of architecture toward greater cultural and community engagement

​

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

As a child, I would tag along with my mother, who is a realtor, to home construction sites. It was there on the build site where I was introduced to construction drawings and became intrigued with the drafting process and eventually, architecture.

​

What do you do?

I am the Design Architect for my firm. I assist project teams to develop concepts and the design principles/ aesthetics for the project. I also assist our EPs with making design decisions and oversee their contribu- tions and professional development.

​

What excites you in the work you do?

What excites me the most is giving back to a commu- nity that has given so much to me over the years. I love serving my community and making great archi- tecture and well design spaces accessible to all.

​

Who or what inspires you professionally?

I’m inspired by many things, whether its Black Archi- tects and the pursuit of overcoming racial inequalities in this profession to the natural “grit and grind” spirit that keeps us believing and persevering.

​

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

Being a newly licensed professional, I have to say, becoming a registered architect has been a major pro- fessional accomplishment that I am extremely proud of. And to now be one of the few Black Architects in the country...priceless!

​

Featured Project Name: 

Destination Africa: Elephant Habitat

 

Featured Project Location: 

Memphis Zoo, Memphis, TN

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

Unbuilt

​

Role in Featured Project: 

Design Architect

​

Featured Project Description:

Destination Africa is the expansion of the Elephant Habitat at the Memphis Zoo. An expansion plan was created for the African Veldt area of the Zoo and a proposed Elephant Care Facility housing a Night House and African Artifacts Exhibit. The Facility is the major architectural structure on this site with the building concept inspired by the concept of “touch” and the use of African fractalization. The design is inspired by modern African Architecture and utilizes sustainable design principles.

​

Photography Credit:

Mario Walker

​

Featured Project Name: 

Highland Heights UM Church ReIMAGINING

 

Featured Project Location: 

Memphis, TN

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

March 20, 2021

 

Role in Featured Project: 

Architect

 

Featured Project Description:

The Highland Heights United Methodist Church is envisioned to be an adaptive reuse project designed to convert a1953 neo-Gothic church building and adjoining education building into a mixed-use development. The reimaging calls for the building to be painted a warm white color, leaving the exceptional limestone ornamentation intact. New modern inserts and black painted steel projections provide interest as well as passive shading to the façade.

 

Photography Credit:

Mario Walker

 

Featured Project Name: 

Memphis Intl Airport Consolidated Ground Transportation Center

 

Featured Project Location: 

Memphis, TN

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

October 2013

 

Role in Featured Project: 

Project Architect

 

Featured Project Description:

To accommodate current need and allow for future growth, The Memphis International Airport decided to expand its parking garage by over 7,000 spaces. The project includes a seven-level “Squeelix” structure inspired by a airfoil for vehicular circulation and three main open stair towers for pedestrian circulation. Also included are a 6,000 SF state-of-the-art Toll Plaza & Parking Office, Rental Car Center with QTA, and a covered pedestrian garden connecting passengers to the terminal.

 

Photography Credit:

Jeffrey Jacobs Photography

​

Featured Project Name: 

Teach For America - Memphis

 

Featured Project Location: 

Memphis, TN

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

June 2017

 

Role in Featured Project: 

Project Architect

 

Featured Project Description:

The project creates a highly visible, multifunctional, modern and welcoming environment where the staff can work, learn and collaborate. The material requirements of the new office translated to gritty, industrial aesthetics which were robust, durable and comprised of raw finishes. Exposed concrete, weathered steel and wood were hence explored.​ Vibrant wall coloring and mobile furniture is incorporated throughout the space emphasizing the organization’s upbeat and innovative environment.

 

Photography Credit:

Chad Melon