Our Story

Like many Memphis design firms, braganza design/ GROUP shares a common pedigree with notable historic Memphis architectural firms dating back almost 50 years. After completing his architectural education in 1960 from Liverpool University in England, Claude Braganza started his architectural career at the Office of Walk C. Jones Architects in 1961.

He collaborated with Francis Mah, FAIA on numerous award winning projects such as the First Tennessee Bank Building and Southern College of Optometry. In 1971, Claude began working for Francis Gassner, FAIA at Gassner Nathan Browne, Architects-Planners (1971-1977) where he became a firm partner.

He developed a life-long collaborative friendship with Mr. Gassner who the local AIA Memphis Chapter named its most prestigious award after for outstanding contributions to the quality of Memphis’s built environment. Upon Mr. Gassner’s untimely death in 1977, Claude Braganza was a founding partner in the spin-off firm Browne/ Wilkinson/ Braganza Associates (1977-1984).

In 1985, Mr. Braganza incorporated Braganza Associates, P.C. Architects providing personalized design services with innovative solutions to ordinary questions.

Continuing the firm’s legacy, braganza design welcomed two longstanding employees, Wendy Gross, AIA and Chris Norton, AIA as partners in 2008. They have worked in the Memphis Architecture Community for over 40 years combined.  Under their leadership, braganza design maintains its commitment to enhance the built environment through thoughtful, innovative and budget-minded design.