Get to Know Our Studio
Nadi Group is dedicated to creating sustainable and resilient communities, spaces, and buildings. Join us in building a better tomorrow for everyone.
About Us
Nadi Group is a team of design and research studios specializing in architecture, urban design, and landscape architecture. We combine visionary creativity with practical execution, customizing each project to meet our clients' unique goals and needs. By integrating our diverse expertise, we deliver comprehensive solutions that promote both community well-being and environmental sustainability.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, our team is ambitious, adaptive and proactive, thriving on the complexities of modern development. We foster a culture of innovation, creating impactful and sustainable spaces. Our firm’s areas of expertise include Mixed Use Development, Innovative Residential Communities, Outdoor Hospitality & Recreation, and Special Commissions.
Globally minded yet 'boutique', Nadi Group practices throughout North America, with studios in Toronto, Detroit, and Winnipeg. Our projects ranging in size from urban plans to landscapes, public space, buildings and objects.
We combine a holistic and systemic design approach with human-scale design sensitivity and focus on end user experience.
We believe that buildings and cities must create a lasting positive impact on people and planet. We aim to create a lasting social, economic and environmental impact with each individual project. We always consider our designs in a larger local, regional and global context - creating societal value beyond brief and client.
Our Core Values
We are guided by a deep commitment to environmental stewardship and architectural innovation.
We Are Playful
We have team spirit, not design snobbery.
We Are Sincere
We operate with integrity, no matter what.
We Are Innovative
We incorporate BIG, world changing ideas.
We Are Collaborative
We are respectful and inclusive – clients and disciplines.
We Are Smart
We learn, research, and always seek to improve.
Meet Our Team
Get to know the experts behind our success.
Emeka Nnadi
CEO | Chief Innovation Officer
CEO | Chief Innovation Officer
Emeka Nnadi
Emeka is Nadi Group’s founding Principal and CEO. Prior to starting Nadi Group, Emeka practiced architecture, urban design and landscape architecture in Nigeria, the United States, and Canada. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in architecture from the Enugu State University of Technology, Nigeria, and earned a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design from the University of Manitoba, Canada. Emeka specializes in innovative, large scale mixed-use solutions, and is sensitive to urban development issues, affordable/attainable housing, and the intersect of technology, human habitat, and climate change. Under Emeka’s leadership, Nadi Group has delivered over 1,750 projects across North America, garnishing multiple national and international design awards and publications in the process. Emeka teaches postgraduate design, sits on several volunteer boards, and is an active mentor and thought leader. A TEDx speaker and ‘global citizen’, Emeka provides direction across the firm’s Detroit, Toronto and Winnipeg offices. When not working, he enjoys time with his family, enjoys exercise and the outdoors. He is also an avid tenor saxophone hobbyist.
Malvin Soh
Principal | Urban Designer
Principal | Urban Designer
Malvin Soh
Malvin is a principal and urban designer at Nadi Group. Malvin graduated from Singapore Polytechnic with a diploma in architectural technology before moving to Australia and acquiring a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a Master’s degree in Urban Development and Design from the University of New South Wales. Malvin has worked on projects in Australia, China and Singapore, prior to working on projects across North America since joining Nadi Group. With over 20 years experience, he brings his international experience in both private and public sectors to our firm’s projects. Malvin’s appreciation for walkable cities (like Buenos Aires—one of his favorite places!) has gifted Nadi Group with the ability to create innovative master plans for communities. In addition to the creative process and project management, Malvin supports the business development team and provides staff mentorship across the firm’s offices. When not working, he enjoys music, cooking, the outdoors and never enough fishing.
Jennifer Blankenship
Principal | Landscape Architect & Land Planner
Principal | Landscape Architect & Land Planner
Jennifer Blankenship
Jennifer is a landscape architect and site planner from Rochester Hills, Michigan. She holds five degrees ranging from CAD Technology to Landscape Design and Horticulture, which ultimately lead to her professional licensure. Jennifer specializes in Manufactured Housing Community, Residential Subdivision and RV Resort design. She has over 20 years of experience in the industry, most of which was obtained as an apprentice to one of the industry’s living legends, Donald C. Westphal. She has contributed to planning manufactured housing communities, RV resorts and residential subdivisions across the US and Canada. Jennifer is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects. She is a Certified Natural Shoreline Professional and member of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers. Jennifer has written numerous articles on planning and imaging and enjoys sharing her knowledge with clients and team members. She is an avid RVer and in her free time, enjoys spending time with family, gardening, and camping.
Neil Hulme
Principal | Design Architect
Principal | Design Architect
Neil Hulme
A talented and multi-faceted Design Architect, Neil brings over 25 years of experience designing and leading project teams for institutional, commercial, residential and recreational buildings to this position. With an affinity for sensitive and sustainable building and urban design, Neil (as Hulme Architecture Ltd.) collaborates with the other Nadi Group studios on unique urban design projects throughout North America. When he is not collaborating on sophisticated design projects, Neil will most likely be found relaxing at home with his wife, two sons and daughter. Originally from the United Kingdom, Neil's admitted hobbies include watching Premier League football (soccer) and enjoying a good coffee.
Don Westphal
Principal | Landscape Architect (Emeritus)
Principal | Landscape Architect (Emeritus)
Don Westphal
After graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Don obtained his Master's degree from the University of Illinois, where he wrote his thesis on manufactured housing. In 1964 he designed his first manufactured home community for $45, which he celebrated with a trip to the Lincoln Hotel for a prime rib dinner and had money left over! Don opened his Rochester, Michigan, landscape architecture firm in 1969. He worked as a consultant for the Mobile Home Manufacturers Association to support his entrepreneurial goal of starting his practice by age 30. Fifty years later, Don has become a leader in the manufactured home community and Recreation Vehicle Resort design all across the United States and has a reputation for smart, holistic community design in and around Rochester. Don finds inspiration in his family, employees, church and community activism. When he's not running full speed ahead, he enjoys restoring vehicles to their former glory, including two 1955 MG Sports cars and a 1939 Ford Pickup.
Uchenna Nnadi
Director | Business Development & Client Relations
Director | Business Development & Client Relations
Uchenna Nnadi
Uchenna is a partner and the Director of Business Development & Client Relations at Nadi Group. She has a background in Medical Laboratory Sciences and practiced in Nigeria and Canada until July 2021. Uchenna made a career change and joined Nadi Group full time when the company expanded its practice and expertise into the U.S.. In her role at Nadi, Uchenna handles lead calls that often turn into projects, identifies client needs, and represents the company across all practice areas. She serves as the initial point of contact, providing comprehensive explanations of operational processes, scope, fees and delivering customized engagement proposals. Uchenna embraces calculated risks while employing thoughtful, logical, and creative determination to enhance the client experience and foster collaboration in the business space. Her life philosophy revolves around continuous learning and reinvention, viewing every opportunity and challenge as a teacher. During her leisure time, Uchenna enjoys reading, going on long walks, exploring new hiking trails with friends and family and indulging in Netflix series while meal prepping.
Sarah Adkins
Director | Human Resources (Consultant)
Director | Human Resources (Consultant)
Sarah Adkins
As the owner of Sarah Adkins & Associates, Sarah provides human resources and management consulting to private, not-for-profit and public sectors across Canada. Sarah obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Human Resources Diploma and a Certificate in Management from the University of Winnipeg. Over the last 16 years, she has worked with various companies and organizations, including First Nations in Manitoba and Northern Ontario, agri-business, biotechnology, engineering services/consulting, manufacturing, health, social services, heavy equipment leasing, and energy business areas in recruitment, human resources, and management consulting. In addition to her extensive experience in the recruitment of executive-level and leadership professionals, Sarah offers excellent knowledge and expertise in career coaching, human resource management, the development of policies and procedures, salary reviews and ranges, job classifications and organizational reviews.
Lin Li
Accounts Manager | Bookkeeper
Accounts Manager | Bookkeeper
Lin Li
Lin is Nadi Group's Office Manager & Bookkeeper. She provides ongoing bookkeeping and administrative support to Nadi Group ensuring the smooth and effective running of the office's daily activities as well as assisting company's staff in day-to-day operations. Before joining Nadi Group as the Office Manager & Bookkeeper, Lin worked for various companies holding different accounting and administrative related roles. Lin obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Management Accounting from Shandong University of Science and Technology in Qingdao, China, and earned a Diploma in Foreign Accounting from Shandong University of Foreign Trade in the same city of Qingdao. She also completed the Accounting Advanced Diploma program from Assiniboine Community College in Winnipeg, Canada. Lin’s passion and dedication for continuous growth and improvement at the firm makes her always ready to explore and accept new challenges. Lin is a music lover who enjoy playing the piano, spending time with her family and going shopping, cooking and baking of course.
Ramy Penner
Business Development Coordinator
Business Development Coordinator
Ramy Penner
Ramy is the firm’s Business Development Coordinator working with new and existing clients to drive business and provide tailored services to each unique customer. With a background in landscape architecture- receiving his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph, Ramy has a great understanding of the industry and combines his passion for working with people and creating sustainable communities at Nadi Group. Most recently, Ramy received his Master’s of Business Administration with a concentration on leadership and sustainability. In his spare time you can find him volunteering on multiple boards or cycling around the City of Winnipeg’s many trails.
Muhammed Yasin
Associate Urban/Architectural Designer
Associate Urban/Architectural Designer
Muhammed Yasin
Muhammed is a Associate urban designer at Nadi Group. Before joining the firm in Canada, he practiced architecture, interior design and urban design in Syria and Turkey. He obtained his Bachelor of Architecture from the Arab International University in Damascus, Syria. Muhammed has an avid connection with science, art, and philosophy, and brings his designs from the aforementioned trinity, with bold experimentation in combining the traditional with the modern to drive innovation and find the appropriate solutions for large to small problems. When not at work, Muhammed spends most of his time with his family, enjoying the arts, and follow up with latest discoveries in science and technology.
Lamiaa Matit
CAD Technologist
CAD Technologist
Lamiaa Matit
Lamiaa Matit is a skilled CAD Technician with a strong foundation in architectural technology and a passion for creating precise and innovative design solutions. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology from St. Clair College and brings expertise in AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp to every project. Lamiaa's focus on accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to design standards aligns seamlessly with Nadi Group’s mission to develop thoughtful, sustainable, and community-driven spaces.
Nino Sanchez
Intermediate Land Planner
Intermediate Land Planner
Nino Sanchez
Niño graduated from Mapua University in Manila, Philippines, where he acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture specializing in Urban Design. He is also a licensed Filipino architect and practiced in the field for two years before moving to the United States for good. As the landscape designer and CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) technician at the Nadi Group, Niño assists the team in researching concepts, benchmarks, bylaws, zoning regulations, products, materials and design precedents. He also provides CAD support, graphic design, and perspective renderings, an undertaking that Niño enjoys because he sees how the project will turn out in real life. Design for a better world drives Nino’s passion as a landscape designer. Growing up on a farm informed his love and appreciation for nature and wildlife. It also helped him observe the landscapes around him more critically, imagining what type of response or solution would enhance it. Niño loves to travel a lot too because he believes that traveling is one of the best ways to continuously acquire learnings, especially in Architecture.
Keke Wani
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Keke Wani
Keke is Nadi Group's Executive Assistant - a professional with a background in administrative assistance and marketing specialization. Her journey began at the University of Winnipeg, where she delved into the world of marketing. With hands-on experience in administrative tasks, she brings a unique blend of experience to the table. Outside of work, you'll find her baking up sweet treats, getting lost in a good book and collecting magazines in an effort to keep physical media alive
Ben Boswick
Intern | Landscape Designer
Intern | Landscape Designer
Ben Boswick
As the firm’s design intern, Ben assists the entire team by participating in site visits, reviewing design drawings, revising articles, and working on master plans--to name a few. After only a few months, he’s already proven himself to be an indispensable part of the Nadi Group team. Ben graduated from the University of Manitoba with a degree in Environmental Design and a recently completing his Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture. He is inspired by high-design spaces that are created for all age groups, genders and cultural backgrounds to enjoy. He cites the Piet Oudolf Lurie Garden in Chicago, Illinois as an outstanding example of great landscape architecture - due to its native plantings, water features and winding pathways; creating a space that is worthy of even the most whimsical of dreams.
Dena Zirngibl
Office Manager
Office Manager
Dena Zirngibl
As the Troy office manager, Dena will often be the first voice to greet you on the phone. She ensures your phone call will get directed to the right individual, and assists the Nadi Group staff with organizing correspondence and accessing archival documents. Prior to joining Nadi Group, Dena worked as a librarian in the public library, as well at the college level. This makes her a perfect fit for keeping records in an organized and accessible manner. She also completed the Master Gardener program from Michigan State University in Oakland County, which is an asset for any landscape planner. Dena enjoys quilting, gardening, knitting and travelling. Many friends and family have handmade socks or a handmade quilt. She loves the architecture of Europe and their castles. In fact, she drove Southern Germany’s Romantic Road in Bavaria, stopping to visit the quaint towns and shops, including Cinderella's castle - Neuschwanstein. Very neat!
Ikem Nnadi
Junior Research Analyst
Junior Research Analyst
Ikem Nnadi
Ikem is Nadi Group’s Junior Research Analyst. Ikem is a St. Paul’s High School alum; during his time there he worked in lawn care, landscaping, and the restaurant industry, at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar. Ikem currently studies Finance at the University of Western Ontario, or “Western University”, located in London, Ontario. At Western, Ikem is a Multifamily Analyst for the Western Real Estate Club (WREC), and a Real Assets Researcher for the Western Investment Club (WIC).
Ikem’s role at Nadi Group involves financial analysis and modelling, market research, and investment and due diligence support. During his spare time, Ikem likes to play film scores on the piano, weightlift, run, read, and learn about history, religion, and current events.
Sarah Adamkowicz
Student Intern
Student Intern
Sarah Adamkowicz
Sarah is a talented student intern with a voracious desire to learn all things 'design' and an equal curiosity about how things get built. She is involved in research, conceptual design and graphic presentations for many of our current projects.
Nadi by the Numbers
18 Professional Staff
$1.6 Billion of Constructed Work
Over 1,750+ Projects
55+ Years in Continuous Business
Projects in 35 States, 4 Provinces, and 5 Countries
3 National and International Design and Innovation Awards
2016: Excellence in Universal Design & Accessibility from Access Awards
2015: MatterBetter Award from MH17 Memorial + Park Competition
2012: Design Competition - The Land Generator Initiative (4th Place)
Important:
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1969
Donald Westphal establishes a small land planning and landscape architecture firm
Donald begins this firm right out of his Rochester, Michigan home. His passion for manufactured home community design soon became the flagship of his business, providing a level of service rarely seen.
2010
Emeka Nnadi starts boutique consulting firm "Nadi Design"
Emeka envisioned starting a firm that tackled global environmental issues, countering with smart, scalable, and relevant projects. What began as a sole proprietorship evolved into a collaborative and interdisciplinary team of talented design staff.
2019
Nadi acquires Donald Westphal
These two firms came together as "Nadi Group" - Donald Westphal seeking the perfect complement to transition his extensive land planning legacy and Emeka seeking a kindred practice that would help extend innovation in master planning, landscape architecture, and urban design.
2022
Nadi Group promotes new Principals
Nadi Group announces the promotion of two outstanding Senior Associates, Jennifer Blankenship and Malvin Soh, to the position of Principal with the firm. Both individuals have for years exemplified key core values, including Professionalism, Collaboration, and ‘Servant-Leadership’.
2024
Hulme Architecture Ltd. Joins forces with Nadi Group
This exciting partnership enables us to expand our service offering to include comprehensive architectural services, enhancing our ability to deliver integrated and visionary projects.
