Meet Ben Ballentine
We had the good fortune of connecting with Ben Ballentine and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Ben, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Having grown up in a family of realtors passionate about architecture, I spent my childhood visiting numerous houses and experiencing firsthand how a space’s design influences the feeling of a home. This initial interest in design grew into a passion for creating spaces. As I matured, my passion for architecture only deepened, and I eventually decided to pursue it as a career, earning my degree from the University of Colorado. I then spent 10 years apprenticing under some of the most talented architects in the country, honing my technical and professional skills. After obtaining my license, I founded Ballentine Architects Studio.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Ballentine Architects is a boutique Architecture studio based out of Los Angeles, CA, specializing in Luxury Lifestyle and Custom Residential Design. I’ve worked hard to establish a supportive environment fostering innovation throughout the years. Embracing collaboration with my employees and colleagues has improved the creative process and resulted in great outcomes. My team and I are committed to building personal connections with our clients, truly understanding their vision for their homes, which we consider the most important aspect. I feel fortunate to be a part of that. These practices have not only driven personal growth but have also contributed to the success and sustainability of my firm. I believe these efforts set us apart.
The field of architecture comes with inherent challenges, from developing new designs to completing projects, each presenting uncertainties such as budget limitations and client expectations. Taking the step to start my own firm required a lot of courage, as it demanded vision, confidence, and resilience. Every risk I’ve taken has been a valuable learning experience. This industry calls for a willingness to adapt and innovate continuously. Embracing change and seeing challenges as opportunities for growth have been crucial in delivering successful projects and maintaining a thriving business.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to always remember why you started and to hold a deep passion for your craft. I am strongly committed to working hard and continuously educating myself to adapt to new, innovative ideas. You can always learn more!
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 would take them to an unforgettable show at the historic Hollywood Bowl. Alternatively, we wouldn’t miss a Dodger or Kings game, an incredible experience for any sports fan. For a great meal, I’d take us to Baby Blues for some amazing BBQ. Another activity I enjoy is hiking in the beautiful Malibu Creek Canyon, and, of course, taking a quick trip to Big Bear is always a good idea!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to express my gratitude to my amazing team at BAS. Their incredible talent, dedication, and support have been crucial to our collective success. I also want to extend my deep appreciation to my exceptional colleagues, with whom I have had the privilege to work on many impactful projects over the years. Lastly, I am grateful for the unwavering support of my family, especially my wife Vanessa. As a business owner herself, she understands the challenges of running a business and has always been encouraging and supportive.
