Born in the American Midwest in 1978, Ben credits his early environment as establishing his design landscape. After receiving his B.A. from Iowa State University he then received his Master of Fine Arts in furniture design from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2004. Shortly after Ben co-founded the design firm Blanc&Reed, a successful partnership lasting until 2007. Now independent, Ben continues his exploration through the eclectic threads of object making as both artisan and designer. Through this unique visual scope he challenges typical categorization and offers sustainable, poetic insight into designed aesthetics.
Ben collaborates with both U.S and Internationally based companies to produce innovative designs that engage the collective cross-generational need for beauty. Ben’s objects have been featured throughout the world in numerous design publications including the New York Times, Dwell, Metropolitan Home, MacAddict, Monument, Casa, and Elle Décor. His innovative SoundMachine project was featured on the Martha Stewart Living television program and continues to garner attention across the globe.
His works have been exhibited at Salone Internazionale de Mobile in Milan, the International Contemporary Furniture Fair in New York, Edith Gallery in Koln, Germany, Ohio Museum of Craft, and the Max Lang Gallery in New York. In addition to his studio work, Ben continues his role as visiting faculty and critic at the Rhode Island School of Design.
