Kemba Braynon, AIA, NOMA, an associate at Quinn Evans, received the President’s Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Michigan Chapter in June. The President’s Award recognizes outstanding contributions to the advancement of the built environment, the profession, and service to the community by influential architects who practice in education or corporate environments.

As an active member of the design community and architectural profession, Braynon is immediate past president of the National Organization of Minority Architects Detroit Chapter, a member of the Emerson School Board of Trustees and chair of their Buildings & Grounds Committee, and is chair of the Michigan State Historic Preservation Review Board.

Braynon brings a deep interest in history and sense of place to her work as an architect and historic preservation specialist. With skills as both an architect and writer, she crafts the stories of historic buildings to ensure they survive and thrive for future generations. Applying her many creative strengths, she supports clients with innovative ways of structuring and financing projects in pursuit of their fullest potential. Braynon excels at stewarding projects all the way through the design process, from initial assessment for complete understanding to translation of existing conditions and recommendations into a construction-ready plan. Her portfolio includes numerous restoration and revitalization projects with Amtrak, Belle Isle State Park, University of Michigan, and the National Park Service.

Braynon holds a Bachelor of Arts (1995) in EnglishLiterature from the University of Michigan, a Bachelor of Science (1995) in Architecturefrom the University of Michigan, and a Master of Architecture (1997) from theUniversity of Michigan.