Mario Walker is a passionate young designer and architect who has been a part of Self + Tucker Architects since 2005. He earned a Master of Architecture from the University of Memphis in 2012.
His high level of creativity and responsible, sustainably minded design is fundamental to every design opportunity and he strongly believes that quality of life is enriched by every well-designed structure and public space.
With over 15 years of experience in the architecture profession, Mario is motivated to push the field of architecture toward greater cultural and community engagement. He is interested in the lessons that contemporary architecture can take from historic architecture as practical sustainability. Evidence of this can be seen in Memphis' diverse, well-preserved and maintained historic neighborhoods, which he sees as a model for contemporary development.
His design experience includes neighborhood planning and streetscapes development; institutional and mixed-use developments including schools, museums, medical and religious institutions, transportation hubs, and public open spaces. He has experience in all phases of the design process as well as in managing complex project teams and working closely with Owners, Contractors and Community Partners. His design work has been recognized and has won awards locally, regionally and nationally.
Mario has served as a studio instructor assistant within the undergraduate studios at the University of Memphis, served as guest juror at the university, lectured at design industry events, and participated in numerous community-centered design events benefitting greater Memphis. He also holds a position on several local boards including, President of the local NOMA Chapter, AIA National Emerging Professionals Task Force, Memphis and Shelby County Building Code Board and the Memphis Zoological Society Board. He has previously served as Emerging Professional Director of AIA Memphis Chapter. He greatly enjoys biking, photography, traveling, and sharing his passion for architecture with his family, friends and community.
Mario resides in Memphis, Tennessee, with his wife Hope, son Jude, and daughter Maréa.