Design That Crafts Experiences

BRAY is an independent architecture and interior design studio with deep roots in the hospitality industry. Over the past 30 years, our Boulder- and Austin-based team has developed more than 1,000 engaging, high-visibility projects across the country. From restaurants and retail, to offices and mixed-use developments, we specialize in the creation of vibrant concepts that foster community and connection.

Our Team

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Jim Bray
Founder | Architect

Born in Yonkers, Jim made his way to Boulder in the 1970s and has lived in Colorado for the majority of his life. His early interest in design was sparked by youthful travels through Europe, where his perception of light and space was influenced by the graceful norms of Old World architecture. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, he spent more than a decade with DTJ Design, rising through the ranks as a company manager. Striking out on his own in 2005, he founded BRAY in an effort to return to the more tactical, creative side of architecture. Over the past twenty years, Jim has earned recognition for his historic renovations of noteworthy landmarks in downtown Boulder, while also leading projects in more than 30 states.

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Joshua Brewinski
Principle | Designer

A native of North Dakota and current resident of Austin, Texas, Joshua’s interior and architectural work has touched such diverse markets as Berlin, UAE, Mexico City, San Francisco, Denver and Shanghai. His 15-year career as a multi-disciplinary designer began at CommArts (now Stantec) in Boulder, working alongside the studio’s three principals to execute retail, hospitality and entertainment concepts from ideation to fruition. Since 2021, he has brought his insatiable curiosity, creativity and analytical approach to a wide range of projects at BRAY. Whether advancing design thinking or creating immersive experiences, his efforts to enrich lives through beauty and connection help deliver thoughtful, innovative interior solutions for our clients.

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Brendan Ash
Principle | Architect

Born and raised in the resort community of Aspen, Brendan has always been interested in the impact that thoughtfully executed design can have on experiences and well-being. Drawing inspiration from successful, creative and technical female architects, she pursued a Masters of Architecture at CU Denver, before relocating to Boulder in 2004. Her 20-year career includes work for the Resorts team at OZ Architecture, as well as contributions to renowned Colorado firms like STUDIO Architecture and Neoera. Since joining BRAY in 2018, Brendan has focused on fostering client, contractor and consultant relationships that balance big-picture objectives with well-thought-out details. She is dedicated to creating vibrant, inclusive and functional environments that promote memorable aesthetic experiences.

Black and white portrait of a smiling man with short dark hair, wearing a collared shirt.

Phillip Blecker
Principle | Architect

Growing up amidst Chicago’s renowned skyline, Phillip discovered a passion for architecture and urban planning at an early age. After earning dual master’s degrees in Architecture and Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he began his career at DTJ in Boulder and joined BRAY in 2006, shortly after the studio’s founding. Over the past 20+ years, he has played a key role in building strong relationships with consultants and contractors, while overseeing all aspects of technical architectural design. Emphasizing the principles of precision, structural efficiency and material optimization, his careful attention to detail helps ensure enduring performance while aligning to the project’s overall vision.