About
Hi there! Welcome to my portfolio, I design interactive play environments.
I work with clients to transform their visions into working playground concepts, bridging the gap between client and manufacturer by creating realistic renderings of playground equipment and layout.
I am a recent addition to the design team at PlayPower, aiding their mission as "a world leader in producing premier recreation equipment." Previously, I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Visual Studies from Ringling College of Art and Design, with minors in Fine Arts and Business.
With each new project, I aim to discover new and evolving design strategies with the aim that all playground users will have more access to inclusive and sustainable play opportunities.
Let’s connect!
LinkedIn | linkedin.com/in/braden-a-graves
Email | bgraves@qualifiedappts.net
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Honors & Awards
2025
Faculty Award Visual Studies 2025
Issued by Ringling College of Art and Design
Super Subber Award - June Staff Awards
Issued by Big Blue Swim School Dulles
2024
Trustee Scholar Visual Studies Nomination
Issued by Ringling College of Art and Design
2023
Rising Star Award
Issued by Ringling College of Art and Design
FANGS Spirit Award
Issued by Jay Williams & Da'Monta Wiggings, Florida A&M University
2022
Emerging Service Leaders Award
Issued by Ringling College of Art and Design
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Education
Ringling College of Art and Design
Bachelor of Arts
Major: Visual Studies
Minors: Fine Arts, Business of Art and Design
Inclusive Playground Designer
Playworld, September 2025
CEU Courses in Playground Design and Accessibility
Playpower Inc., September 2025
From Head to Toe, Character Design Course
San Francisco, CA
Walt Disney Family Museum, July 2020
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Job Experience
Swim Associate & Front Desk Member
Big Blue Swim School
Makerspace Studio Assistant
(Digital Fabrication and Metal Studio)
Ringling College of Art & Design
Resident Assistant
Ringling College of Art & Design
Precollege Head Resident Assistant (HRA)
Ringling College of Art & Design
Data Entry Associate
Qualified Appointment Setting
Market Research Intern
Arthouse
Veterinary Assistant Intern
Nisqually Veterinary Clinic
(formally Horsecart Small Animal Hospital)