Kevin Nyhoff named Regional Design Director for West Region

This new role marks an important step in how we lead and support design excellence across our firm. Based in Portland, Kevin leads and directs design across our West Region offices including Portland, Seattle, Los Angeles, San Diego, Irvine and Denver, working closely with regional leadership to set the standard for design quality, mentor and recruit designers, engage clients and reinforce CannonDesign’s identity as a design-forward practice rooted in Living-Centered Design. 

Since joining our firm in 2021, Kevin has made a tangible impact on our design culture in the West and across CannonDesign more broadly. His influence is felt not only in the quality of the work, but in how his teams collaborate and carry design intent through every phase of a project. 

Kevin brings a deeply collaborative and place-based approach to design, shaping strong conceptual visions while staying closely engaged in the details that bring them to life. He enjoys working across scales, from early conceptualization to materials, systems, interiors and technical execution. He values the craft of implementation just as much as the act of designing itself. 

That sensibility is evident in projects such as the SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Library, Rosena Ranch Fire Station and Cal State Long Beach’s College of Health and Human Services Building, all recipients of NEON Awards in the unbuilt category, as well as San Bernardino Valley College’s Instructional Student Services Building and the University of Utah’s Eccles Hospital and Health Campus. 

“What I love most is establishing a concept, telling a story and guiding a vision throughout all phases of development and construction,” Kevin said. “Through planning, structure, materials and systems, I see buildings as layered stories. I’m looking forward to continuing to lead great teams, shape meaningful design culture and realize ambitious ideas.” 

Kevin’s perspective is shaped by a 33-year career rooted in the West. He began his architectural career in Portland before going on to establish and co-lead an award-winning practice in Calgary and Vancouver, BC with his partner, Mairi, for more than a decade. Now in his fifth year at CannonDesign, Kevin recently returned to the Pacific Northwest after spending four years leading and strengthening the design culture across our Southern California offices. This breadth of regional experience continues to inform his context-driven approach to both design and leadership.

As Regional Design Director, Kevin will continue to collaborate closely with design leaders across our firm, helping our West Region studios continue to raise the bar while contributing to a shared design culture the firm. We’re excited to see the impact of his leadership as we continue to evolve and grow together.