BEN URUETA

Bio:

Growing up in a family of builders, The Great Designer, Ben Ureta, always knew that he wanted to be an Architect. Ben found a natural appreciation for building structure and design from a young age and attributes that to great admiration and influence of his grandfather. Following his childhood dreams, Ben achieved degrees from Universidad de las Americas, Puebla in Mexico and Clemson University, after which immediately started his career with DP3 Architects. 20 years later, Ben is Principal and VP of Design at DP3, touching most all projects that involve design integration. He finds satisfaction in creating new structures with people in mind, working closely with his team to offer professional insight and guidance throughout the design process. Ben is a big proponent of diversity in the architectural profession and is involved in committees that focus their efforts on creating a climate of equity and inclusion. Outside of design, Ben spends his time following his sons' collegiate careers, his oldest as he follows his father’s steps and develops into a promising architect, and his youngest as he grows as a student athlete in a demanding D1 soccer program.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I first learned about architecture as a child growing up in Mexico through my maternal grandfather. My
grandfather was a candy retailer by trade, but his passion was building. With barely a high school education and a good eye for construction, he was able to successfully finance and construct several properties which he was able to rent, work, and live in. Each building completed was the catalyst for a bigger more interesting project. I remember going to construction sites with him looking at the not-yet-completed spaces and listening to his descriptions of how the building would look and how the spaces would function when finished. I was amazed by the idea of being able to create places for people and spaces in which they could fulfill their needs and build their dreams. I remember from an early age making small building models out of discarded cardboard boxes that grew into cities for my action figure toys to have adventures. However, it was not until I saw a floor plan drawing for a small addition to our family home designed by an architect that I knew what I wanted to be. The idea of designing spaces through drawing that could become physical, large three-dimensional structures felt magical and exciting. Nevertheless, I began my higher education career as a graphic designer. I did not think that I was smart enough or creative enough to be an architect. I met my future wife in Mexico and 6 months later I moved to the United States. I made the decision to enroll in an architecture program and follow my dreams…I thrived…it was the best decision I ever made.

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What do you do?

I am a designer, an architect, and a creator of dreams. I have been working in architecture since I graduated with my master’s degree in 1999. I have grown as an architect through solid mentorship at the same firm since graduation. I enjoy every aspect of being an architect-- data collecting, budget creation, client interaction, construction document creation, detailing, and construction administration, but it was most apparent early in my career that I was to become a designer. I am good at gathering ideas from building teams and clients in a way that can be translated into functional, innovative, and attractive building designs. I am currently the Chief Designer Officer of our firm. I am responsible for driving the overall design direction and process for the firm. It is my responsibility to foster an environment for innovation, collaboration, and design excellence among our team members. I am also responsible for the office cultural environment to establish and encourage a creative and effective professional design culture that promotes teamwork, individual talents, and celebrates our successes.

 

What excites you in the work you do?

The lasting and enduring aspect of the buildings that we design, and their power to influence the people that inhabit them. The idea that we can create environments that can shape the way we work, live, learn and dream is a powerful responsibility. I am surrounded in a collaborative environment by an impressive array of talented people. Working among them energizes me to be the best I can be for them. I want to be a good leader, a good mentor, a
good designer. It is the process that excites me the most, the collaboration of the dynamic exchange of ideas, expertise, and perspectives that come together in the end to create a successful project. Every design choice is a commitment to fulfilling our client’s vision and needs. It is the understanding
that our ideas will shape the spaces where people live, work, and thrive. This responsibility fuels a meticulous approach to every detail, ensuring that each project not only meets but exceeds the expectations of those who entrust us with their dreams. It is not only the buildings that we create that excite me but also the intangible connections that are created through collaboration, the mentoring opportunities, and the trust built with our clients. It is the sum of all these experiences that makes our profession extremely fulfilling and exciting.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

My inspiration lies in the opportunities that we have as architects to create communities where every structure becomes a vessel for shared experiences and collective identity. As an architect, I have had the opportunity to experience the transformative power of well-designed spaces, I am driven by the desire to create places that not only stand as testaments to innovation, but also serve as catalysts for community engagement. The architects who inspire me are those whose work transcends aesthetics and focuses more on the human experience within the built environment. Their commitment to understanding and integrating the diverse needs of communities fuels my own dedication to inclusive design, ensuring that every project reflects and fulfills the unique needs of its inhabitants. I find purpose in contributing to spaces that serve as hubs for social interaction, cultural exchange, and shared growth. It is the prospect of shaping environments that become integral to the daily lives of people, sparking a sense of belonging and pride, which continues to motivate me.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

My proudest professional accomplishment stems from the successful completion of transformative projects that not only showcase our design ability, but also demonstrate the impact of thoughtful architecture. One project that embodied our firm’s purpose in a very meaningful way was Pleasant Ridge Camp and Retreat Center. The project involved the creation of a brand-new home for Camp Spearhead, a place where children and adults with special needs can escape social isolation and experience a place where they are understood, included, and appreciated. Pleasant Ridge is a vibrant, sustainable hub where they can build community and make friendships. Through innovative design solutions, we were able to create a campus that was ADA-accessible without looking or feeling prescribed. Through seamless collaboration with a diverse team of professionals, both within DP3 Architects and external stakeholders, we were able to achieve innovative solutions that were respectful of the project’s
budget. The project's success was not just measured in its aesthetic appeal but also its positive impact on this community of people. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the values upheld at DP3 Architects and reinforces my belief in the transformative power of architecture to shape and elevate communities. It serves as a
source of pride, not just for me, but for the entire team.

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Featured Project Name: 

Easley Fire Department Headquarters

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Featured Project Location: 

Easley, South Carolina

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

2022

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Role in Featured Project: 

Principal-in-Charge and Lead Designer

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Featured Project Description:

The new Easley Fire Department Headquarters, Station 5-1, triples the size of the existing 50-year-old
station providing critical added capacity and state-of-the art amenities. The challenge was creating a
design that would allow the existing station to remain operational throughout the renovation and
construction of the addition. The new 2-story addition respects the scale of the existing building,
separating itself from the apparatus bays with a small breezeway yet unifying the architecture of both
buildings through the use of materials and colors. The historic building gains a third apparatus bay and
houses the functions critical to its operation. The overall design offers a clean, modern aesthetic
befitting the progress and growth of the department and city. The new metal screen wall over the
existing station ties the existing building’s aesthetic to the new addition, breathing new life into the
building. A new two-story glass addition puts the department on full display for the community, opening
itself to the street to become a visual beacon for the department.

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Photography Credit:

Kris Decker - Firewater Photography