Biography
Ben is an architect focused on the transformational power of design, specifically how the built environment communicates values and shapes human experiences. As Managing Director of Gensler's San Francisco office, he enjoys complex design challenges and guiding teams to discover creative solutions.
As a leader, Ben has a knack for listening and aligning competing viewpoints to create a clear path forward. A trusted client advisor, he brings a collaborative approach that yields impactful projects meeting clients' goals. Throughout his years at the firm, Ben has supported the growth of the San Francisco office, charting new strategic directions, expanding its diversity of talent, and strengthening its relationships locally and abroad. His portfolio spans project types and geographies, including the 632-meter Shanghai Tower, the PNC Tower, the Zeiss Innovation Center, the Meta Campus at Burlingame Point, and the 200 Park office tower in San Jose.
Architecture shapes our experience of place and our connection to one another. Design is the ultimate act of optimism and faith in the future that is grounded in the craft of detail and inspired by the possibility of changing the bigger picture.
Selected Projects
![[NEEDS INPUT: alt text]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/iexz7ctt/development/b2c22991bc292505b4a823618fec357f25ab4de0-5504x3072.jpg?w=3840&q=75&auto=format&fit=max)
![[NEEDS INPUT: alt text]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/iexz7ctt/development/2f53038781e928924fe318d744dfb05a5ab84f98-5000x3679.jpg?w=3840&q=75&auto=format&fit=max)
Qualifications and Recognition
Master of Architecture, Columbia University
Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies, Washington University in St. Louis
Registered architect: California, New York
AIA, LEED AP
Member, American Institute of Architects (AIA), CA
Member, Urban Land Institute (ULI)
Member, San Francisco Bay Area Planning & Urban Research Assoc (SPUR)
Top 20 Under 40, ENR California, 2014
Panelist, “The Future of Work,” at the Fisher Center's Fall 2022 Policy Advisory Board Meeting
Presenter, “Future of Work and Office Conversions Considerations,” at the Real Estate Principals Luncheon
Speaker, “Redefining Excellence in Real Estate with Equity at the Core,” ULI Spring Meeting, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Presenter, “The Future of the Office and the Connected Experience,” at Realcomm Live
Presenter, “The State of the Valley: Commercial Development Trends and the Future of the Workplace,” at Joint Venture Silicon Valley
Rotary Club, Blue Badge, San Jose
BuildSF, Gensler representative
The Fisher Center for Real Estate & Urban Economics, Policy Advisory Board
San Francisco Friends School, Trustee, Board Urban Land Institute, 2021-2022 Awards Jury ULI Americas Awards for Excellence
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors