Site-specific murals and public art rooted in cultural narrative, designed and installed across Calgary and Western Canada.
Art installations have the power to redefine how people experience a place. A blank wall becomes a landmark. A forgotten corridor becomes a destination. As Calgary's only architecture-trained experiential design studio, KINN Studios brings architectural rigour to every mural and installation. We design and execute site-specific murals and art installations that are conceived in direct response to their architectural, cultural, and community context. Every project begins with listening, studying the site, and understanding what the space needs to communicate.
Based in Calgary, we have spent years building relationships with municipalities, property developers, Business Improvement Areas, and private clients who understand that public art is not decoration. It is infrastructure. Our work spans large-scale exterior murals visible from city blocks away, intimate interior commissions for restaurants and commercial spaces, and collaborative community projects that centre the voices of the people who will live with the work every day.
Whether it is a 100-metre exterior mural in a Calgary neighbourhood, an Indigenous collaboration honouring Treaty 7 territory, or a hand-painted interior for a hospitality venue, our approach remains the same: architecture first, narrative always, craft in every detail. Every concept is presented through 3D site renderings so clients can see exactly how the finished work will transform their space before any production begins.
Large-scale outdoor murals designed at architectural scale. We study sightlines, pedestrian flow, and building geometry to create compositions that work from across the street and up close. Weather-resistant, UV-stable paints and professional-grade protective coatings engineered for Alberta's climate ensure the work retains its vibrancy for years.
Interior murals transform commercial spaces from functional to memorable. We work with restaurants, offices, retail environments, and hospitality venues across Calgary to create hand-painted murals that reinforce brand identity, establish atmosphere, and give guests something worth remembering. Unlike wallpaper or vinyl graphics, a hand-painted mural carries the texture and presence of original artwork.
Navigating the public art commissioning process requires experience with RFP submissions, municipal review panels, and the specific requirements of Calgary's public art program. KINN Studios has a demonstrated track record of successful public art commissions, from concept through community consultation to final installation. We understand what review committees are looking for: a clear artistic vision, a credible execution plan, and genuine community engagement.
Some of our most meaningful work happens in collaboration with communities. We have facilitated reconciliation-focused art projects on Treaty 7 land, partnered with Indigenous artists to create works that honour cultural heritage, and led collaborative mural projects where community members contribute directly to the finished piece. These are genuine creative partnerships grounded in respect, dialogue, and shared authorship.
We listen, study the site, and uncover the story the space needs to tell.
Ideas take shape through sketches, 3D site renderings, and spatial studies — so you can see exactly how the artwork lives in your space before paint touches the wall.
Material selection, technical documentation, and build-ready drawings.
On-site execution, project management, and quality through to final reveal.
A practical guide to the commissioning process, from finding the right artist to protecting your investment.
How to care for exterior and interior murals in Calgary's climate, from UV coatings to seasonal inspections.
A transparent breakdown of mural pricing in Calgary, from small interior pieces to large-scale exterior installations.
Mural costs in Calgary depend on size, surface preparation, complexity, and whether the project is interior or exterior. Interior murals typically start at $2,000-5,000. Exterior murals range from $5,000 to $50,000+ depending on scale. Our largest public art projects have budgets of $75,000-250,000. Every project begins with a site assessment and free consultation.
Most interior murals take 3-7 days. Exterior murals range from 1-4 weeks depending on size, weather conditions, and surface preparation. Large-scale public art installations (100+ square metres) can take 4-8 weeks including design, preparation, and painting.
It depends on the location and type of mural. Exterior murals visible from public space may require a development permit under Calgary's Land Use Bylaw 1P2007. Interior murals typically do not require permits. We handle the permit research and application process for all our mural projects.
With proper materials and surface preparation, an exterior mural in Calgary's climate can last 10-15+ years. We use mineral silicate paint systems and protective coatings specifically rated for Calgary's freeze-thaw cycles and UV exposure. We also offer maintenance plans to extend lifespan.
Absolutely. We have created murals for restaurants (UNA Pizza + Wine), retail stores, beauty salons (Lavish Beauty, Brow Game Strong), cannabis dispensaries, and commercial offices across Calgary. Business murals can increase foot traffic, strengthen brand identity, and add significant value to the property.
Every mural begins with a conversation about the place it belongs to.
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