He has contributed to making Edmonton a more beautiful, experiential, vibrant and economically diverse city.
Age: 30
The beautification of Edmonton contributes to its economic vibrancy, says Amos Kajner-Nonnekes. For people who have admired his design and installations, like the “UA” meeting point on U of A campuses, he creates an experience. Whether that is making something beautiful, contributing to the artistic culture of our city or organizing spaces for people to gather, he is hoping to encourage people to choose Edmonton. “It is an affordable city but people should not only come here because it is convenient,” he says.
Kajner-Nonnekes’ background in city planning and design led him to become the partner and director of design at Vignettes, a studio that transforms spaces through industrial design, experiential design and art. His work expands art installations, festivals and placemaking, and he is passionate about highlighting what already stands out about our city. For example, Vignettes’ work in the children’s section of the Stanley Milner Public Library includes murals, custom seating and oversized, winged bugs that seem to hover overhead. Kajner-Nonnekes does not believe a city should focus on just “functioning” but on thriving and on growing culturally.
“This is a small big city,” he says. “What makes Edmonton unlike Vancouver or Montreal is that it feels more personal.”
Kajner-Nonnekes grew up in the generation that coined the term “Deadmonton.” He has often seen Edmontonians take their creative drive and skills elsewhere in the world rather than using them to strengthen the culture and economy of our own city. “I’m committed to growing our design studio from the best city in Canada,” he says.
Other places are taking notice. For example, Vignettes was hired to create a signature sign spelling out “Kelowna” in enormous letters, as a placemaking and meeting point for that city’s waterfront.
He encourages others to continue sharing pieces of themselves with our community. “I am unabashedly proud to live, work and play in Edmonton,” Kajner-Nonnekes says.
This article appears in the November-December 2026 issue of Edify
