Benjamin Johnston

Benjamin Johnston

Ben Johnston was born right here in Houston and is actually the sixth generation of his family to live in the area.  This history has given Ben a unique perspective on the landscape and on Houston’s somewhat troubled urban development.  In many ways, he sees Houston as the frontier of good design and he says that this, coupled with his family ties, keeps him firmly rooted here. It is Ben’s continual goal to participate in projects that will help to beautify the city, both privately and publicly.  All of these strong feelings prompted him to study architecture.

 

Ben applied to the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University, where he earned a Bachelors of Environmental Design in 2002, graduating Magna Cum Laude and as an Honors Fellow.  During his time at A&M, Ben studied in Italy and traveled extensively throughout Europe and Africa.  Following this experience, he enrolled in the Masters of Architecture program at the University of Texas, at Austin, in Fall 2002.  He was honored to be offered an appointment as coordinator and graphic designer of the semi-annual lecture series and gallery exhibitions that the school sponsors.  He was then selected as the first student from the University to complete a residency with the prestigious firm Cesar Pelli & Associates – Tokyo.  While living and working in Tokyo, Ben had the pleasure of working on the design for the new Prada – Japan Headquarters and the competition-winning entry for the Toyousu Apartment high-rise (among others).

 

Following this appointment, Ben returned to Austin and graduated Magna Cum Laude in Spring 2005.  He then returned to Houston where he continued to work with long-time collaborator and artist, Roberto Cervantes.  During that time, Ben designed everything from restaurant and residential interiors to websites, furniture to marketing campaigns.