Christopher J. Brayak, AIA, LEED GA, RID
Regional Manager, Architecture, Benton Harbor
Chris is a Yooper originally from Escanaba in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula who took a job at Wightman for what was to be one year. That was in 1983. Today, this Regional Architect Manager brings unparalleled experience to the Architecture Studio in commercial, governmental, and educational design, often being the go-to guy to solve the difficult challenges. His clients appreciate his common sense ideas that gravitate toward traditional and modern architectural styles. Chris, who is passionate about sustainable architecture, designed the first building in southwest Michigan to receive LEED Gold certification for sustainability.
Areas of Focus
I am kind of a jack of all trades over the years (renaissance man or traditional architect or generalist architect sounds better)
- Commercial architectural design
- Residential & Multi-family residential architectural design
- Municipal architectural design
- Native American architectural design
- Fast food & casual dining design
- Site design
- Adaptive reuse design
- New construction
- Building maintenance & repair evaluation & design
- Historic architectural review
- Sustainable architectural design
- "Special" project management
- Constructability & light structural design
- Quality control
- Bidding
- Contract administration
- Project manager
- Programming- Understanding the clients needs & planning a project to match the clients desires
- Client representative
Services
Expertise
Education
A.A.S. Architectural Technology graduated with Distinction
Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI
B.A. graduated Cum Laude
Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI
Professional Training & Registrations
- Registered Architect in Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
- Registered Interior Designer in Indiana
- LEED Green Associate
- Construction Site Certified Stormwater Operator
Awards
- Designer of the Pokagon Community Center which received an AIA- Honor Award
- Wightman Rock Star Award Winner
Affiliations & Memberships
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
- City of Buchanan Design Review Committee Chairman
- Michigan's Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum Past Vice President
- Tau Sigma Delta Architectural Honor Society- Founding Member of the Andrews University Chapter
- Safe Shelter- Programming & Design Consultant
- Wightman Green Team Member
Personal Note
For fun, Chris plays on a vintage baseball team that follows 1858 rules. He is also a retired JV and varsity soccer coach, a pastime he was involved in for 16 years thanks to his daughters’ interest in the sport.
