Braxton Dockery's Journey Through the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program
The Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program class of 2024.
Braxton Dockery’s journey in architecture didn’t start in a conventional classroom or at a drafting table. It began in the vibrant, creative corridors of the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, where, as a middle school student, he first encountered the world of design. Surrounded by the energy of art and innovation, Braxton’s early experiences at CCS sparked a deep curiosity that would eventually guide him into the field of architecture.
As Braxton grew, so did his passion for creating spaces that inspire and uplift. This drive led him through his time at Cass Tech High School, and later, to Bowling Green State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Environmental Design. His journey from those early days at CCS to his current role at Albert Kahn has been marked by a relentless pursuit of growth and excellence.
But Braxton’s story is about more than just technical skill or academic achievement—it’s about seizing opportunities to become a leader in his field. When the chance to join the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) arose, Braxton knew it was the next step he needed to take. Encouraged by Andrew Stone, Director of Architecture and Operations Lead at Albert Kahn, Braxton saw CKLDP as an opportunity not just to develop his leadership skills, but to bring back valuable insights and experiences to his team.
"Opportunities aren’t just waiting to be found—you have to seek them out, seize them with intent, and shape them into your reality. It’s about the drive to pursue what’s possible and make it your own," Braxton reflects, a principle that has no doubt gotten him to where he is today.
CKLDP offered Braxton a unique platform to engage with industry peers, explore advanced concepts in leadership, and refine his communication skills. It wasn’t about transforming his life—it was about taking the next step in a journey that had been set in motion years ago. A journey built on a foundation of creativity and a desire to lead.
One of the pivotal moments during Braxton’s time in CKLDP was his presentation on Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Here, Braxton didn’t just present a topic; he wove together personal stories and insights from industry leaders like his childhood friend and CCS schoolmate Nando Felton, Co-Founder and COO of Building Successful Bridges, a non-profit organization with a mission to expose minority students to career and professional development resources and opportunities.
Braxton also integrated his good friend, Miles Johnson, a respected entrepreneur and the Commissioner of South Lansing, as well as the mentor that helped Braxton get started in the program, Andrew Stone. Their stories of resilience and innovation underscored the message Braxton wanted to convey: "Even if the next move you do is wrong, it's still moving forward." It was a message born from both personal experience and professional insight.
Beyond the sessions and presentations, CKLDP was about seeing the world through new lenses—whether it was during a mural walking tour in Grand Rapids or in the subtle art of negotiation that Braxton honed through the program. These experiences weren’t just academic; they were practical lessons in how to lead, how to connect, and how to continue growing in his career.
The CKLDP group toured murals and art in Grand Rapids as an interactive part of their program.
Reflecting on his journey, Braxton offers advice to those who might follow in his footsteps: "Set goals within what you want to retain from the program or have some field of vision focusing on building upon your passions, skills, and experience." For him, CKLDP was not a transformative experience in the traditional sense—it was an opportunity to continue building on a foundation that had been laid years ago and to bring that knowledge back to Albert Kahn, where it could be put to work in meaningful ways.
At Albert Kahn, we don’t just support our team members in their professional endeavors; we actively encourage them to seek out experiences that will help them grow as individuals and as leaders. Braxton’s journey through CKLDP is a shining example of this philosophy. His story reminds us that true leadership is about more than just rising through the ranks—it’s about the willingness to step out, engage with the world, and continually evolve.
Andrew Stone, who has watched Braxton’s growth with pride, says it best: "Braxton has demonstrated an impressive commitment to his growth and leadership in our field. His proactive approach and willingness to challenge himself have been truly inspiring to watch."
Kimberly Montague, President & CEO of Albert Kahn, adds, "Braxton embodies the qualities we strive to cultivate at Albert Kahn—curiosity, ingenuity, and a deep sense of community. His journey through CKLDP is just the beginning of what I believe will be a remarkable career."
As Braxton Dockery prepares to graduate from the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, we at Albert Kahn are filled with pride and anticipation. His story is a powerful reminder that the path to leadership is paved with courage, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of growth. We have no doubt that Braxton’s future in architecture is as bright as the visions he is already bringing to life.