WHAT WE DO

Ballentine Architects is a boutique Architecture studio based out of Los Angeles CA, specializing in Luxury Lifestyle and Custom Residential Design throughout Southern California. Working in a wide range of architectural styles, our projects are thoughtful, carefully crafted responses to our client’s lifestyles. Regardless of design aesthetic, our projects are rooted in a strong concept and layout. We take care to integrate today’s modern technologies and design all the indoor/outdoor amenities essential to Southern California living.

The BAS team is a diverse group of service-oriented designers and architects who are passionate about quality and attention to detail in our work. Whether you’re expanding your existing home or embarking on the ground-up design of your dreams, the Ballentine Architects team is excited to embrace your new endeavor as an opportunity to challenge imagination and create something uniquely tailored to your needs. Under the leadership of Ben Ballentine, our Principal Architect, the BAS team has completed hundreds of successful projects with countless happy clients since our founding in 2015.

WHY WE DO IT

At Ballentine Architects, our mission is to transform spaces and inspire lives through innovative and sustainable design solutions. We are driven by a deep passion for architecture and a commitment to excellence in every project we undertake. We strive to create timeless and functional designs that harmoniously blend aesthetics, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Our team of highly skilled architects and designers collaborates closely with our clients to understand their unique vision, goals, and aspirations. With an unwavering focus on quality, we meticulously analyze each site, its context, and its potential to unlock its true value. Through thoughtful research, creativity, and attention to detail, we craft spaces that not only meet our clients' needs but exceed their expectations. We believe that architecture has the power to shape communities and enhance the human experience. We embrace the responsibility to create spaces that foster well-being, connectivity, and inclusivity. Our designs prioritize sustainability, incorporating energy-efficient technologies, renewable materials, and innovative approaches to minimize our ecological footprint. We value open communication, integrity, and transparency throughout our client relationships and internal operations. Our collaborative process ensures that our clients are actively engaged and informed at every stage of the design and construction process. By combining our expertise, creativity, and a deep understanding of the built environment, we aim to deliver architectural solutions that enrich lives, celebrate culture, and leave a lasting legacy. Together with our clients, we aspire to create spaces that inspire, empower, and stand the test of time. At Ballentine Architects, we are dedicated to shaping a better future through the art and science of architecture.

WHO WE ARE

**BEN BALLENTINE**
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (AIA)
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURAL REGISTRATION BOARDS (NCARB)
Having been raised by a family of realtors and Architecture enthusiasts, Ben Ballentine was destined to wind up working with homes and buildings in some facet. He realized that his passion was not in buying or selling a building, but in finding its flaws and coming up with creative design solutions. Having spent his youth wandering the spaces of hundreds of homes, he developed a second nature understanding of space, scale and form. That knowledge paired with over a decade of experience working with the best architects in Los Angeles gave Ben a unique style and focused attention to detail. Since launching the firm in 2015, he and his studio set out to deliver a comprehensive design approach and hands-on collaborative coordination, which continues to result in successful projects and a growing list of happy clients.

**DANIELLE SHAFFNER**
STUDIO DIRECTOR
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (AIA)
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURAL REGISTRATION BOARDS (NCARB)
Danielle is a Pacific Northwest native whose commitment to well-crafted details and sustainable design was fostered at the University of Idaho, while earning her Masters of Architecture. Danielle began her architectural career in Seattle working on Biotech & Higher Education projects while at Perkins + Will, and from there, slowly migrated down the West Coast. Her next stop was San Francisco, working with pre-fab innovator Project Frog, before landing in Los Angeles. Next, Danielle successfully managed design and construction of more than one million square feet of tenant improvement workplace for clients such as Microsoft and Stanford University with Culver City firm Clive Wilkinson Architects, work that won multiple design awards and was featured in Contract, Azure and Interior Design magazine. After 12 years in the commercial realm, Danielle joined the team at BAS in the role of Project Architect. She helps Ben to oversee all projects, working closely with clients, contractors, and consultant teams to realize design visions. Outside of the office, Danielle is a proud mom to two wonderful kids and can be found enjoying the beach and the city's various dog parks with her family.

**JOAQUIN CORTEZ**
PROJECT MANAGER
Joaquin is a graduate of San Diego's NewSchool of Architecture and Design and is a proud Southern California native. He works on all phases of projects from conceptual design through construction. Joaquin's interest in Architecture developed into his passion at NSA+D where he studied the history of building design and how different ideologies have shaped Architecture over time. He continues to be inspired by the impact DaVinci and Michelangelo had on building design during the Renaissance movement, especially considering their revolutionary concepts and influence, despite the lack of any formal training. The diversity that exists within Architecture and the ability to design without limitation, are major motivators for Joaquin as he continues to develop skills as an aspiring young Architect. Outside the office, Joaquin enjoys traveling as much as possible, spending time with friends and family, attending live sports events, and researching the newest trends in Architecture.

**ALINA PETROVA**
ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATE
Growing up in Ukraine, Alina developed an eye for Ukrainian architecture and discovered an affinity for architecture more broadly. She took her rapid growing interest and turned it into a Bachelor's degree in Architecture in 2010 and in 2011 she received her Master's degree in Architecture at Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture. She has spent the last five year working on various projects in the residential, commercial and hospitality sectors. Alina's expansive background equips her with industry knowledge that guide her designs as she seeks out opportunities to think outside the box when creating innovative and modern spaces. Alina looks forward to refining her skills as she continues her career in Southern California residential development. Alina enjoys traveling around the world ,explore new culture and architecture. On her personal time, she likes to be outside for different activities as like riding a bike, hiking, running etc.

**TAYLOR MUNCK**
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Taylor, a Southern California native, grew up alongside her parents and four brothers. Early on, her love for art and education blossomed, instilling in her a strong work ethic. In 2021, Taylor dedicated herself to empowering small businesses by managing all operations and fueling organic growth. At BAS, she radiates positivity as she oversees all aspects of the studio, prioritizing team synergy and unwavering support. Her top priority is to foster harmony within the team, ensuring they have all the tools necessary for success. From nurturing client relationships to leading marketing efforts, her enthusiasm and commitment for the studio's development are palpable in everything she does. In her free time, you can find her spending time with her 2 dogs, playing her guitar or at a local pilates studio.