Brian Braganza
PRINCIPAL | AIA, NCARB, LEED AP After working 10 years in the Bay Area with architecture and interiors giant Gensler, Brian relocated to Phoenix in 2002 to manage the architecture, interiors and strategic planning work in Bank of America’s southwest portfolio of properties. In 2007 he brought his experience in design and project management of interior and architectural projects to AECOM. When AECOM disbanded the Phoenix architecture practice, Brian founded Ajanta Design in 2012 to continue serving the design needs of his long-standing clients. Brian has the ability to integrate all parts of the design process and understand his client’s needs. His technical proficiency and attention to detail has earned him the respect of clients and staff. His hands-on management style has been successful in meeting tight project schedules and leads to excellent relationships with clients and contractors. Brian’s specialties include interior architecture, strategic planning, mission critical facilities, banking, law and professional services firms.Carrie Rutherford
PRINCIPAL | NCIDQ Carrie has over 25 years of professional interior design and project management experience for a variety of large corporate clients and public agencies. With projects ranging from 1,000 to 430,000 SF she has demonstrated a strong commitment to outstanding design and service delivery in a variety of project leadership roles including design, project management, furniture selections and specifications, document production, and construction administration. Carrie’s thoughtful design and technical skills enable her to lead or join a project team at any point of the design process and drive the project through successful completion. Her leadership ability is proven in completing projects within established budgets and repeat clientele.
Thomas Semonell
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER | NCARB For over 25 years, Thomas has spent his career focusing on the details of planning, implementation, and execution. His expertise lies with construction document preparation and review, weekly project meetings, field review of work in progress, and construction administration. Thomas has a consistent track record of on-time and on-quality delivery in every phase of various construction projects from medium to high complexity. With excellent interpersonal communication skills, he coordinates with owners, architects, engineers, and contractors. His highly analytical, budget-conscious awareness translates to successfully managing budgets and solving critical issues in a time-sensitive environment.
The story behind the name
The firm is named after the Buddhist Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad. The UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of 28 ornately carved and painted caves in the face of a cliff in central India. The caves were constructed between 2nd century BC and 650 AD and grow more and more complex in their decoration and carving. The founder of the firm visited this site with his father, who was also an architect, when he was 9 years old and the visit left a lasting impression.