Branden Piks

Architect, Founder + Principal of Cradle Design Studio

Education: Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Miami University (2016)
Master of Architecture, UNC Charlotte (2020)

Hometown: Cleveland, OH

Branden Piks is a licensed architect in both North and South Carolina, and his passion for design has been a part of him since childhood. For Branden, it all started with Legos, followed by an early immersion in construction, sketching, and fine art classes. These experiences shaped his creative path and led him to pursue architecture academically and professionally.

Moving from the Midwest to Charlotte to further his career and education, Branden brought with him an undergraduate degree in architecture and a background in custom residential design. He said, “The dynamic design culture of the growing Southeast solidified my dream of starting a design firm, and that vision became a reality in the summer of 2023 when I founded Cradle Design Studio, a full-service architecture and interior design firm. Since then, we’ve worked on everything from luxury single-family homes to medium-scale mixed-use commercial projects.”

He states that his graduate education at UNC Charlotte pushed him to critically think outside of his comfort zone and to be confident in his approach to work.

One aspect of the program he appreciated was the flexibility in the curriculum, which allowed him to pursue elective credits in the M.S. in Real Estate program to pursue his passion for areas within the industry outside of architecture. “I also loved living in the city and commuting to and from Main Campus/Center City – it was the perfect experience for immersing myself in both the professional and academic cultures of Charlotte,” he added.

Branden’s design passion lies in adaptive reuse and sustainability, especially with the incredible potential our region offers. He particularly enjoys working with clients in the retail and hospitality sectors, creating spaces that truly reflect their unique identity.

When he is not immersed in design, Branden spends time with his wife and daughter, traveling and enjoying the lake or beach. He is also dedicated to the pursuit of forever learning and maintaining a strong focus on his personal health and fitness.

His advice for current students: “Be confident in your work! There are no right answers in the creative industries and opinions of others shouldn’t hold you back from showcasing your abilities.”