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Ben Franceschi

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Principal

Ben is an architect and principal at MMA. He has nearly two decades of experience in the architectural profession, beginning as a carpenter for custom homes in Portland, Oregon.

He studied architecture and philosophy at the University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with honors in 2005. He spent some time working in interior architecture and urban design before continuing his studies at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. There, he focused on architectural theory and history, building technology, and affordable housing, and served as a teaching assistant in those fields and the core studio program, before earning his Master of Architecture with distinction in 2012.

In 2016, Ben moved to West Michigan to join Mathison | Mathison Architects. His experience at MMA has extended into all areas of architectural practice, including design leadership, project management, and firm business management. His strongest drive in the practice is primarily to link human experience to the natural world through thoughtfully crafted space. His notable project involvement at MMA includes the Grand Rapids Airport Viewing Pavilion, the Glen Arbor Arts Center, Traverse City Whiskey Company, the Kohler Building Revitalization, the Muskegon Museum of Art, and over 15 custom homes. Ben became a principal at MMA in 2021.

Ben remains regularly involved with Ferris State University’s Architectural Technology program, having served as an adjunct professor in history and theory, the urban studio, as an advisor to the capstone program, and serving as a regular guest critic.

Ben is a member of the Creston Neighborhood Association and is thrilled to be part of the evolution of West Michigan, and he sees the practice of architecture as a uniquely positioned agent for its growth. In 2023, Ben joined the AIA Grand Rapids Board as Secretary.

Outside of practice, Ben has worked as a camp counselor, tutor, and mentor for marginalized youth. With his family, he can most often be found exploring the natural world.

Learn more about Ben on LinkedIn