Meet Yohai Ben David | Architect and Real Estate Developer

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

Hi Yohai, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It was a combination of a few reasons:
1. I wanted for a very long time to be a business owner. I care a lot more when I have ownership over projects, as opposed to being an employee who simply completes tasks assigned through an office system.
2. I have gained enough experience and become sufficiently skilled to manage projects from start to finish. In architecture, unlike many other creative fields, hands-on experience and apprenticeship are critical.
3. I started moonlighting and gaining clients bit by bit.
4. My previous boss found out about it and fired me. 🙂

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets me apart from others is that I am both an architect and a real estate developer. To use an analogy, it’s like being the director of a movie as well as the producer, or the writer of a book who is also the distributor.

Practically, this means I have a more holistic, in-depth understanding of how to successfully deliver a project. I can evaluate and test any potential project, knowing where to invest in design and aesthetics while also ensuring it makes financial sense. Most architects excel at providing a service to developers, delivering projects that can be permitted and meet program requirements. Some are especially skilled in design and aesthetics. Often, these two strengths are at odds, but I know how to find the sweet spot that satisfies both.

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.
I am an immigrant who has lived in Los Angeles since 2016, so my “local” knowledge is somewhat limited. However, here are a few things I love to do in LA:

1. Mexican food is one of the best things about LA. I would go for some great food at Melody’s in Van Nuys.

2. If it’s summertime, we’d hit the beach in Malibu. My favorite spot is First Point (Surfrider).

3. We’d take an anthropological tour and study the Angelino at one of the Erewhons in town, grabbing a $20 shake for the full experience.

4. We’d listen to some good jazz at Sam’s First, right next to LAX.

5. Drive around Venice to admire the beautifully designed single-family homes. It’s a very particular, specific expression of architecture unique to Los Angeles—truly LA vernacular.

6. Go to the Comedy Store on Sunset for the best value-for-money night out.

7. Get In-N-Out.

8. Stroll around Silver Lake and Mount Washington—these hillside neighborhoods, with their narrow roads and modest bungalows, provide a unique perspective on Los Angeles that stands apart from the city’s typical image.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few:
1. My wife supported me through the periods when I was an employee and was able to live and cope with the uncertainty that comes with going solo and starting a business.
2. I am fortunate to have been born into a family and to have grown up among friends who are very ambitious—they always set an example for me and inspire me to improve.
3. I went through many many hours of therapy 🙂
4. I am fortunate to have chosen architecture as my profession—it intrigues me and keeps me curious.

Website: https://bedaarchitecture.com

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/yohai-ben-david