McKinley Hale is a creative director and designer with over two decades of experience leading concept development and design execution across the hospitality and lifestyle industries. Her work is grounded in a deep understanding of how people interact with space — shaped by more than 25 years in global hospitality, private residence management, and design.
Born and raised in the heart of Salt Lake City, McKinley’s passion for hospitality began early while working in her family’s restaurants. There, she learned the fundamentals of service, attention to detail, and creating meaningful guest experiences — a foundation that sparked a lifelong love for the industry and led her to pursue a degree in Hospitality Management. Her career has since spanned a wide range of disciplines, from large-scale event production to destination planning, design, and operations.
In 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic, McKinley completed a Master’s in Architectural Interior Design, marking her intentional shift from designing large-scale events to focusing on lasting design and management projects. McKinley skillfully balances big-picture vision with thoughtful execution—always tailoring her approach to meet the unique needs of high-end clients and projects grounded in function and a genuine sense of place.
Today, McKinley lives in Telluride, Colorado, where she has resided for the past 14 years. She is a devoted mother, an avid traveler, and a passionate outdoor enthusiast. Through every chapter of her work and life, one belief continues to guide her: the best experiences are built with authenticity and intention.
