Mario Walker is a passionate young designer and architect who serves as Lead Design Architect for Self +Tucker Architects. He earned a Master of Architecture from the University of Memphis in 2012 and is currently licensed to practice architecture in the states of Tennessee and Mississippi. He is also the recipient of the 2022 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Young Architects Award which honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers.
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 17 years of experience in the architecture profession, Mario is dedicated to advancing architecture as it embraces broader community and cultural engagement. He has established a reputation for design leadership throughout the Delta region. Many of the projects for which he focuses his design excellence and community engagement have been for both established institutions and underserved communities.
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 and the State of Tennessee. He also holds a position on several local and national boards including, Treasurer (Former President) of the local National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) Memphis Chapter, American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Emerging Professionals Task Force, The National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB)’s ARE 5.0 Forms Assembly Subcommittee, Memphis and Shelby County Building Code Advisory Board, Downtown Memphis Design Review Board, The Memphis Landmarks Commission, and the Memphis Zoological Society Board. He has previously served as the Emerging Professional Director for the 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, daughter Maréa, and sons Jude and Ezra.
Self+Tucker Architects, Memphis, TN, US, Lead Design Architect
Develops and prepares design studies, including selection and integration of appropriate building materials and building systems. Coordinates preliminary designs, final plans and specifications of building construction work designed by division and agency engineers and consultants. Evaluates compliance with agency requirements for construction program; and appropriate selection of materials, sound construction practices and established standards, codes, and regulations. Makes recommendations to superiors as to acceptance or revision.
Conducts on-site studies and measurements of existing conditions in and around existing buildings and facilities in order to evaluate proposed renovations and/or additions. Observes field construction and checks shop drawings in order to provide in-house construction administration on projects designed in-house during the construction stage and upon completion in order to ensure compliance with contract documents and resolve technical difficulties.
The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, US, Bachelors, Department of Architecture
2022 AIA Young Architects Award, Award
Emerging talent deserves recognition. The AIA Young Architects Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers.
2022 AIA Memphis Member Service Award, Award
Lead Design Architect Mario Walker was recognized for his service to the Memphis design community with this year's AIA Memphis Member Service Award! Congratulations!
Highland Heights UM Church Design Competition, 1st Place
The first-place designs adapt the vacant Highland Heights United Methodist Church buildings for residential, commercial and community event space.
40 Under 40 Class of 2020, Award
40 Under 40 Class of 2020: Self Tucker Architects' Mario Walker - Memphis Business Journal
Meet 40 Under 40 honoree Mario Walker, an architect with Self Tucker Architects. This Memphis native said his imagination sets him apart and he plans to eventually own his own firm.
Young Memphis Class of 2018, Award
Greater Memphis Chamber Announces Young Memphis Class of 2018 | Greater Memphis Chamber
10 young professionals under age 40 selected for this year’s honor MEMPHIS, TENN., July 23, 2017 – The Greater Memphis Chamber has announced the 10 young professionals selected for the Young Memphis Class of 2018.
2017 Emerging Professionals Exhibit, Award
Memphis Art Park at the Promenade: Re-establishing Memphis as a Thriving Hub of Arts and Culture
Memphis Art Park and its designer Mario Walker have just been honored by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) in Washington D.C. Just 33 projects from around the U.S. were chosen for the 2017 Emerging Professionals Exhibit in order to celebrate our nation’s rising generation of architecture and design professionals.
M.A.P. proposes to create community art centers and an outdoor art park which would beautify, reconnect and bring dynamism to the neglected Front Street Promenade.
