Person Behind The Place Brian Brand

Brian Brand, senior principal at Baylis Architects, shares his remarkable journey and impactful contributions to the architectural landscape of Downtown Bellevue. After relocating from Lodi, California, he became an influential figure in local urban planning, advocating for a new land use code that permitted taller, mixed-use buildings. His involvement was crucial in the creation of the Bellevue Downtown Park, a project funded by community donations and supported by city council members, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary. Currently, Brand is working on the Grand Connection project, designed to improve pedestrian connectivity between Meydenbauer Bay and the Eastrail Multi-Use Corridor. He emphasizes the need to balance development with the city’s vision for a diverse, mixed-use downtown, reflecting on the challenges faced in achieving this goal. Brand's insights underscore the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in shaping Bellevue's future. His extensive experience and commitment to community engagement position him as a leader in the architectural field. Through his work, Brand continues to inspire future generations of architects and urban planners.