Mitchell Walker landed in the aviation field when he came into the workforce during the Great Recession. He joined Mead & Hunt and said he can’t see himself doing anything except aviation work during his career.
“I love the design,” he said. “Knowing these projects take such a long time to implement from planning through construction, it can be five or six years, being a part of these projects from concept through ribbon cutting is really where I get a of fulfilment.”
Walker brings his leadership and passion for aviation architecture to every aspect of his professional life.
Since 2009, Walker has designed and led more than 100 aviation projects across the U.S., including terminal planning studies, expansions and renovations, airport master plans, environmental assessments, and FBO, SRE and ARFF facilities.
He combines his extensive technical experience with a strong focus on people and environmental stewardship in his projects. This leads to innovative, effective solutions.
One of his most innovative projects is the Appleton International Airport General Aviation Terminal. Walker drove the design to combine regionally procured materials with highly efficient systems and renewable energy sources — including geothermal HVAC systems, photovoltaic power, and solar thermal and hot water systems — to achieve LEED-Platinum certification.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic reached the U.S. in March, Walker has been actively contributing to the Airport Consultants Council (ACC) Terminal and Facilities COVID-19 subcommittee. He engages with other airport consultants in an ongoing conversation on airport safety best practices surrounding sanitation and operations, working to minimize traveler and staff exposure to the virus.
He also made a significant contribution to the current AIP Handbook through his insights into the eligibility approvals process. The presentations and rationale he used for the FAA eligibility process on a recent terminal project was adopted nearly verbatim into the most recent iteration of the AIP Handbook.
“I’d love to be known as someone who has really pushed for innovation and got projects done on time and on budget,” he said.
