People – Klai Juba Wald Architecture + Interiors

Leadership

Klai Juba Wald creates award-winning projects that enhance communities nationwide with their self-motivated, dedicated, talented and experienced team of project architects and designers – all committed to design, our unsurpassed reputation for being astute listeners while providing exceptional, high quality service and meeting the most demanding deadlines in the industry.

Leadership is synonymous with initiative – and here at Klai Juba Wald where we proudly serve the hospitality industry, leadership is truly “translating vision into reality” through teamwork and thoughtful coaching, enlisting each team member to bring his/her own unique level of expertise to every job, no matter what their role, no matter what the job. Commitment begins with our principals – John Wald, Brian Fink, Ann Fleming, and Michael Stewart, – engaging with our associates, whose undeniable talent results from the initiative they take at work, at home, no matter where they are.

At Klai Juba Wald, leadership is all about accepting responsibility and taking the lead – and as a leader, what you’re expected to contribute and deliver is only your very best.

John B. Wald, AIA

PRESIDENT / MANAGING PRINCIPAL

John joined Klai Juba Wald in 1995, soon after the firm’s founding, and today, as managing partner, oversees the firm’s design vision and methodology and fosters the firm’s architectural legacy. His tenure includes design and management for many of the firm’s most significant projects in Las Vegas including the remodel and expansion of the Luxor and the Orleans Expansion, including the Orleans Arena; the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, with all its distinct components; Panorama Towers; and SKY Las Vegas, The Linq Las Vegas, Las Vegas Convention Center Phase 3, Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood & Tampa and the all new Virgin Las Vegas scheduled to open in 2021. John brings vital intelligence and insight to creating architectural experiences that resonate with visitors and users. His passion for the design process and the development of project teams ensures outstanding service, creativity, quality and delivery on every project—now a hallmark of the firm’s culture and approach to design. John is a graduate of North Dakota State University, holds a certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and is a licensed architect in Nevada, Colorado, Kansas, New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia, Louisiana and Ohio.

Brian Fink, AIA

PRINCIPAL

Across his over 20 years with Klai Juba Wald, Brian has focused on architectural design and effective collaborations for the delivery of important hotel, casino and entertainment projects. His significant project management and design contributions include the highly successful Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino properties in Hollywood and Tampa, Florida. He led the $550 million LINQ collection of retail, dining and entertainment venues and the unbuilt ‘W’ Hotel and Casino project. Brian brings his collaborative, people-oriented style to managing the daily operations of the studio and to ensuring internal and external teams deliver exceptional performance and value for clients and users. His approach fosters and advances technological systems at the firm and throughout project design and development. Brian is a graduate of the University of Nebraska, holds a certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and is licensed in 17 States.

Ann Fleming, NCIDQ, IIDA, ASID, LEED Green Associate

PRINCIPAL OF INTERIORS

Ann Fleming is an active member of the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality, joins the firm as Principal of Interiors. Former Principal and Co-Founder of Cleo Design with over 20 years of experience, Ann is a leading Registered Interior Designer in hospitality and gaming and a member of the Nevada State Board of Architecture, Interior Design and Residential Design. She has worked with industry giants including MGM Resorts, Wynn Las Vegas, Seminole Hard Rock, Cordish Development and Rush Street Gaming to name just a few. Her reputation for creating exceptional interior spaces and delivering unparalleled client service precedes her on every project.

Michael Stewart, AIA

PRINCIPAL

Mike is an award-winning designer with twenty-nine years of global experience in the hospitality, resort, sports, gaming and entertainment markets. Known for his successful melding of architecture and interior design, Mike leads teams to optimize all aspects of a project to benefit the experience of users while bringing new insight to brand and revenue opportunities for his clients. Among Mike’s design successes prior to joining KJW are TopGolf Las Vegas, Esports Arena @ Luxor, Crown Tower Perth in Australia, The M Resort, Caesars Palace Octavius Tower Expansion, The Borgata in Atlantic City, Treasure Island, Bellagio and the Bellagio Spa Tower and Conference Center addition, The Sandia Hotel/Casino in Albuquerque, NM and the Valley View Casino in Valley Center, CA. Mike graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Arizona and studied abroad at the Imperial College of London, England, in association with the University of Nebraska. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), has served on the AIA Las Vegas Board of Directors, holds a Certificate from the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and is licensed in multiple states.

John R. Klai II, FAIA

FOUNDING PRINCIPAL - EMERITUS

John visionary leadership and passion over the years for enduring relationships has ensured the ongoing success for many years to come at Klai Juba Wald. He was essential in the successful creation of some of the firm’s more complex resort projects including the highly visible remodel and expansion of the MGM Grand Las Vegas, the Silverton Casino Resort, the Hard Rock Las Vegas, and ground-up and recent expansion projects for the Seminole Tribe in Tampa and Hollywood, Florida. John’s integrity, good will and nurturing style expands awareness and knowledge of architecture and the value of design for clients, colleagues, collaborators and young professionals, resulting in projects that benefit communities and their visiting public. He was elevated into the AIA’s College of Fellows in 2015 for his contributions to the Las Vegas community and advancing architectural education and remains an active alumnus of North Dakota State University.

Dan Juba

FOUNDING PRINCIPAL - EMERITUS

As co-founder of Klai Juba Wald Architects, Dan spearheaded the development of many of the firm’s seminal projects including the massive Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino; the remodel, expansion and repositioning of the Luxor Hotel & Casino and the Aladdin into the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino; and many others that have defined Las Vegas’ reputation as an international destination. His leadership, passion for master planning, insight into complex building operations and extensive knowledge of the gaming and hospitality industry established the firm’s service-oriented, high caliber approach to delivering high-level design for many of Las Vegas’ most notable properties. Prior to co-founding Klai Juba Wald with John Klai, Dan and John were vice presidents at Marnell Corrao Associates in Las Vegas. He and John are attributed with dozens of expansions, alterations, additions and original designs that shaped one of the world’s most famous corridors—the Las Vegas Strip. Dan is also a proud alum of North Dakota State University.