Meet Ben Ballentine | Principal Architect at Ballentine Architects

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Ballentine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ben, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
You know, the idea of starting my own business wasn’t like a sudden “aha!” moment. It was more like a little seed that had been planted and just kept growing over time.

I spent some really valuable years working with some super talented folks and soaking up everything like a sponge. I got to be part of all sorts of amazing projects, which was fantastic. But deep down, there was this little voice saying, “Hey, I’ve got some ideas about how things could be done, how we could really connect with clients, and the kind of positive mark we could make on our LA landscape.”

So, when I really started thinking about it, a few things felt super important to me. First off, I really wanted to team up with clients in a much closer way. I pictured a studio where we truly listen – like really listen – to what they dream of, not just the nuts and bolts of the project. I wanted to move away from just doing a job and really build genuine friendships and partnerships.

Secondly, I had this design vibe brewing in my head. Los Angeles is just bursting with so much coolness – different styles, stories, and that amazing California sunshine! I really wanted to create spaces that not only look beautiful but also feel like they belong here. You know, respecting the history while still bringing in fresh ideas and being kind to the planet. It’s all about creating thoughtful design that makes people’s lives better.

Thirdly, I was really excited about having the freedom to be creative and try new things that comes with having your own place. I wanted to build a studio where we could get a little adventurous, explore different solutions, and really tailor what we do to each unique project without feeling stuck in old ways of thinking.

And last but not least, I really wanted to create a happy and inspiring place for a team to grow. I truly believe that amazing buildings come from everyone working together. My dream was to have a studio where talent is nurtured, where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas, and where they feel empowered to do their absolute best.

So, it wasn’t just about putting up a sign. It was about building a studio with a heart, driven by a real love for design, a passion for connecting with people, and a deep appreciation for our incredible city. And honestly, watching that dream slowly become reality has been such a joy!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Ah, diving into the heart of our “art” at Ballentine Architects – I love that! For us, architecture isn’t just about constructing buildings; it’s about crafting experiences, shaping environments that resonate with people and the soul of Los Angeles.

What truly sets us apart, I believe, is our deeply human-centered approach. We’re not chasing trends or imposing a signature style. Instead, we immerse ourselves in our clients’ worlds, understanding their aspirations, their daily rhythms, and the unique stories they want their spaces to tell. This translates into designs that feel deeply personal and authentic, whether it’s a sun-drenched family home in the hills, a vibrant community space downtown, or an innovative workspace in the Arts District. We strive to create spaces that not only function beautifully but also evoke emotion and connection.

I’m incredibly proud of the collaborative spirit we’ve cultivated within the studio and with our clients. Architecture, at its best, is a dialogue. Seeing a client’s face light up when they experience their vision brought to life, knowing that we’ve truly understood and amplified their dreams – that’s immensely rewarding. I’m also particularly excited about our growing commitment to sustainable design. Los Angeles is a city that thrives on innovation, and we believe that thoughtful, environmentally conscious design is not just a responsibility but an incredible opportunity to create a more resilient and beautiful future for our community.

Getting to where we are today professionally has been anything but a straight, easy path! There were definitely moments of doubt, long hours fueled by more coffee than sleep, and the inevitable learning curves of running a business. One of the biggest challenges early on was building trust and credibility as a new firm in a city with so many established and talented architects. Overcoming that involved a lot of networking (thank goodness for that supportive community!), consistently delivering high-quality work, and always being transparent and communicative with our clients. Every successful project became a building block of trust.

Another hurdle was balancing creative vision with the practical realities of budget and construction. Learning to navigate those constraints while still pushing for innovative design solutions was a constant balancing act. It taught me the importance of meticulous planning, clear communication with contractors, and being adaptable when unexpected challenges arose.

The lessons I’ve learned along the way are countless, but a few stand out. Listen more than you speak. Truly understanding your client’s needs is the foundation of good design. Embrace collaboration. The best ideas often come from diverse perspectives. Be resilient. There will be setbacks, but learning from them and persevering is key. And perhaps most importantly, never lose your passion for the transformative power of architecture.

What I want the world to know about Ballentine Architects is that we are driven by a genuine desire to create spaces that enhance people’s lives and contribute positively to the fabric of Los Angeles. We believe in the power of thoughtful design to shape experiences, foster community, and create a more sustainable future. Our story is one of passion, collaboration, and a deep commitment to bringing our clients’ visions to life with integrity and creativity. We’re not just building structures; we’re building relationships and crafting spaces where life unfolds.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The greatest thing about living in LA is the diversity of experiences that are available to us. My wife and I host visitors often, and we’ve never had a problem finding adventures in this city. Although we’re always looking for things to do that are new to us or focus on a specific interest of our guests, we also have a pretty solid “must-do” checklist of things that are uniquely Los Angeles.

Let’s start with sports. Anyone who knows us also knows that we live and breathe the Dodgers. There’s nothing more spectacular or iconic than an evening at Dodger Stadium. It doesn’t hurt that the weather is always fantastic and the Dodgers are usually putting on a clinic for the other team. If it’s not baseball season, a trip to see the Kings, Rams, Clippers or Lakers is a pretty great consolation prize.

The list of places to grab a bite in LA is endless. Our favorites tend to be a bit nostalgic for us or hold special meaning. Depending on who is visiting, it wouldn’t be uncommon to find us at Baby Blues, Scopa, Playa Provisions, or grabbing sushi at any of the dozens of spots we frequent. One of our favorite sushi restaurants is Katsuya, but we most often swing by SugarFish on our way to the Hollywood Bowl.

Which brings me to the Hollywood Bowl. I’m always blown away at how many people I meet who have never been to the Bowl. We spend every Friday night there and it really is one of the best things to do in LA. The shows are always spectacular, you’re bound to run into friends, and the setting is iconic. If you haven’t been, get a box to a summer show, bring a couple bottles of wine and thank me for changing your life.

Lastly, if we’re anywhere near Beverly Hills, we’re swinging by the Mr. Brainwash museum. What he’s done with his space is so unique and inspiring.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Thinking about those early days and the amazing people who helped me get here is pretty humbling.

Seriously, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to Brian Biglin. Working with him was like getting the best kind of architectural education. He wasn’t just about blueprints and building codes (though he was a master of those!). Brian taught me the real soul of being an architect – how to see the whole picture while still geeking out over the little details. He showed me how to really listen to what clients wanted and how to team up with the builders to make those dreams a reality.

But honestly, it was more than just the technical stuff. Brian had this amazing way of being – so honest and professional. He showed me how to build trust with people, how to talk clearly so everyone’s on the same page, and how to handle those inevitable bumps in the road with a calm head and a focus on finding solutions. I remember watching him patiently explain things to clients or take the time to mentor those of us just starting out. That kindness and emphasis on good communication? That’s totally baked into how we do things at Ballentine Architects. He really showed me that being a great architect is about connecting with people just as much as it’s about cool designs.

And I honestly don’t know where Ballentine Architects would be without the incredible cheerleading squad I’ve got in my corner – my amazing colleagues, wonderful friends, and the best family a person could ask for. From day one, they were my rocks. Friends were there with practical advice on everything from setting up shop to navigating the sometimes-crazy world of being a business owner. Former work buddies, who are seriously talented architects themselves, have been such awesome people to bounce ideas off of and even collaborate with.

And my family? They’re my superheroes! Their belief in me, even when things felt a little wobbly at the beginning, gave me the courage to just keep going. They were my biggest fans, my voice of reason, and my constant source of positivity and encouragement. And even now, as the studio grows, this whole network is still such a huge source of inspiration, sends amazing people our way, and keeps us connected to the awesome design community here in LA.

Honestly, it feels like Ballentine Architects is built on the kindness and support of so many incredible people. The lessons Brian taught me about the art and heart of architecture, mixed with the never-ending love and encouragement from my network, have made all the difference in the world. I feel so incredibly lucky and just so grateful for everyone who’s been part of this adventure!

Image Credits
Mike Kelly