Kayla McKinney
Architecture + Research

My name is Kayla (Kay) McKinney, and I'm an architecture student, designer, and artist currently attending Virginia Tech. Native to Johnson City, TN and Fredericksburg, VA. I recently received my Bachelor's of Architecture at Virginia Tech, and decided to pursue my passion of sustainable design into Graduate School. For full funding of my studies, I attained a graduate assistantship position at the School of Performing Arts at Virginia Tech, assisting students in the Costume Department.Currently, I am working on my Master's of Science in Architecture with a concentration in Digital Technologies, which explores ideas on widespread collective sensitivity to sustainable building practices, worldwide emphasis on craftsmanship, cultural identity, and subsequently; the growing state-of-the-art mass timber industry. Turning to new, technically-driven implementations of mass timber, a highly sustainable resource with a distinct, architecturally relevant past can help combat the built environment’s pervasive contribution to climate change.My best strengths are digital and hand drawing, Photoshop, AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUP for 3D modeling. I am proficient in creating Construction Documents, I know Architectural drawing standards, and can take measurements on site if needed. I have collaborated with other Architects, Contractors, Interior Designers, and many clients.I've now worked in four different Architecture Firms, including the internationally recognized Stantec Inc. Please feel free to reach out and start a conversation!
school

master's portfolio
Work showcasing research and studio projects during my time at Virginia Tech
RESEARCH

Masters of science in architecture
Intersections in Timber, Technology and Cultural Typologies: Finding the Balance Within Architecture
DESIGN

Fashion, Costuming and More
Work detailing my Graduate Assistantship, passions in Digital Fabrication, and the Arts
Virginia Tech College of Architecture, Arts and Design
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VA 24061