The Atlanta studio of global architecture and design firm Perkins+Will welcomes interdisciplinary design expert, Lesley Braxton AIA, NCIDQ, LEED AP as principal and practice co-leader, for the office’s Learning and Innovation practice group.  Braxton brings design experience in Higher Education, K-12, and Science & Technology that reflect her commitment to place, climate, resources, craft and celebrating the traditions of the user.  She believes the most successful projects blur the lines between landscape, architecture, and interiors while showcasing building performance and elevating the human experience.

“I am passionate about design processes that leverage universities’ built environments to grow the most agile thinkers. Delivering this requires a highly collaborative set of complementary resources – from planning, architecture, and design to landscape and branded environments,” Braxton said.  “I came to Perkins+Will because it has the most forward-thinking designers with access to world class research and technology. And the people are amazing,” she added.

Perkins+Will is regularly listed among the Top 10 Architecture and Design firms serving both K-12 and Universities by Building Design & Construction Magazine.  Braxton’s substantial experience will bolster that reputation.  She recently completed the $87 million Talley Student Center at North Carolina State University and the $89 million Engineered Biosystems Building at Georgia Tech.

"Lesley is an architect and designer who understands technology and is an artist at heart," said David Dymecki, principal and managing director of Perkins+Will’s Atlanta studio. "Her combination of creative skill and collaborative spirit is exactly what we need to deliver cross-disciplinary excellence for our education clients.”

Braxton’s designs have garnered numerous awards including the recent 2018 AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Award, 2018 AIA Georgia Design Honor Award, and 2018 IIDA Best of the Best Award.  Braxton is a Cum Laude graduate of Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design & Construction with degrees in architecture and interior architecture and has served on the school’s Advisory Council.