About BRAYA
We are figuring out ways to remind people that we live in an amazing world—through the art of architecture.
We founded BRAYA to make a positive impact through thoughtful, beautiful, and meaningful architecture—a mission we continue to advance every day
At BRAYA, we believe design should be memorable, remarkable, and vivid. We begin with the belief that art can transform architecture—turning form and space into something more than functional: something sublime, symbolic, and emotional.
Each project is crafted to respond to its specific use, context, and client. We design human-centric environments and experiences that are intentionally iconic and symbolic.
Our core values—creativity, curiosity, expertise, integrity, and responsibility to one another, all living things, and the environment—guide everything we do.
As a globally active studio, we bring broad experience and international expertise to each project, while remaining sensitive to—and designing for—the local climate, site, and culture.
30+
number of countries
we have worked in
50+
number of international awards
from the work of BRAYA’s design leaders
5,000,000+
number of people
interacting with our design work daily
Notable Accolades
A selection of our favorite accolades from 40+ years of collective experience.
Council on Vertical Urbanism (Global)
Recognized as the most prestigious honor in tall building design—awarded only twice in history.
Global Icon Award, Burj Khalifa, 2010
[Formerly CTBUH]
Council on Vertical Urbanism (Global)
Global recognition for tall building design that delivers lasting value and performance.
10-year Award, Award of Excellence, Pearl River Tower, 2023
[Formerly CTBUH]
American Institute of Architects (USA)
The highest U.S. honor for excellence in architecture and its contribution to the public realm.
National Honor Award, Urban Design, Chicago Decarbonization Plan, 2011
Smithsonian Institution (USA)
A rare honor celebrating global cultural and design innovation.
National Design Triennial, Masdar Headquarters, 2010
Chicago Athenaeum (Europe & USA)
Award for outstanding design excellence in architecture across the United States and internationally.
American Architecture Award, Coast, 2016
International Highrise Awards (Germany)
Globally respected honor for high-rise architecture recognizing innovation in design and engineering.
Special Recognition for Technological Advancement, Burj Khalifa, 2010
MIPIM Asia Awards (China)
Celebrates the most sustainable and forward-looking real estate developments in Asia.
Best Green Development, One Museum Place, 2019
Civic Trust Awards (United Kingdom)
Award for projects that combine design quality with positive social impact.
Civic Trust Award, Federation of Korean Industries, 2015
Awarding Organizations
A selection of esteemed institutions that have recognized the work of BRAYA's design leaders.
Global
Architecture MasterPrize
Global
Council on Vertical Urbanism
[formerly the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat]
Global
International Property Awards
Global
International Architecture Awards
Global
International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
Global
World Architecture Festival (WAF)
Global
Americas
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
USA
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)
USA
Architizer
USA
Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design
USA
Popular Science Magazine Innovation Awards
USA
Smithsonian Institution
USA
Asia
Architecture Engineering Construction Excellence Awards
Asia
Asia Pacific Property Awards
Asia
Building Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA)
Asia
MIPIM Asia Awards
Asia
Korean Architecture Award
Asia
Thailand Property Awards
Asia
Europe
Civic Trust Awards
United Kingdom
Emporis Skyscraper Awards
Germany
European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies
Finland, Greece, Ireland
International Highrise Awards
Germany
MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards
France
Spark Design & Architecture Awards
United Kingdom
Middle East
Arabian Property Middle East Awards
Middle East
CNBC Arabian Property Awards
Middle East
Cityscape
Middle East
Construction Week Awards
Middle East
MEED Quality Awards
Middle East
Middle East Architect Awards
Middle East
Leadership
BRAYA is led by Maya Janczykowska and Brad Wilkins. Their award-winning projects can be found around the globe, spanning the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, China, Asia-Pacific, and Oceania. From fine art and sculpture to urban design and skyscrapers, their work reflects a commitment to craft and extraordinary ideas.
Maya Janczykowska
Co-Founder
Design Principal
Sculpture & Architecture
European Honors Program
Rhode Island School of Design
Maya, a sculptor, artist, and architect, has transformed urban spaces worldwide with innovative designs that seamlessly integrate artistic expression, functional spaces, and a deep attention to process, craft, and detail.
She holds a Master of Architecture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, a world top ten university for art and design. She also earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), the #1-ranked art and design university in the United States. Maya was recognized for her artistic achievements by being selected for the RISD European Honors Program.
Brad Wilkins
Co-Founder
Design Principal
Urban Design & Architecture
40 under 40
DesignIntelligence
Young Alumnus of the Year
University of Utah
Brad, an urbanist, architect, and industry leader in skyscraper design, has shaped iconic skylines worldwide with cutting-edge innovations that blend aesthetic beauty, functionality, and local identity.
He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania, the oldest university in the USA and the oldest architecture program in the Ivy League. He also earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Utah, the oldest research university in the western United States.
More than Architecture
While our core focus is design, we believe in more than just good design.
Research Culture
Every BRAYA team member dedicates 10% of their workweek to research and development—advancing the art and science of architecture for the benefit of our projects and the profession.
1% for the Planet
BRAYA is a proud member of 1% for the Planet, committing a portion of our annual revenue to environmental initiatives worldwide.
Net Zero Carbon
BRAYA operates at net zero carbon in our own business and studio operations.
Responsible Design
We integrate cutting-edge energy efficiency, low-carbon strategies, and sustainable practices into our projects —creating architecture that adds value, reduces costs, and respects the planet.
RIBA Chartered Practice
BRAYA is a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Chartered Practice, highlighting our dedication to to top-tier professionalism and ethics.
B Corp certification
BRAYA is pursuing B Corp certification, reinforcing our commitment to responsible, transparent, and high-impact business practices. Expected 2027.
Join Our Team
We seek talented, design-driven, collaborative, hardworking, honest, and friendly individuals. A sense of humor is welcome.
While we review all applications with care, we will only contact candidates we wish to pursue. We do not accept agency inquiries, in-person visits, or phone calls.
Whether you are interested in our
Advisory Services, Design Services, or both,
the first step is always a conversation.
Let's start something amazing.
Copyright © BRAYA 2015-2025