Benjamin Lightner

ARCHITECTURE
Ben is an Architectural Designer driven by a passion for thoughtful, human-centered design. He holds a Master of Architectural Design from Drury University in Springfield, MO, complemented by a minor in Business Administration and a Certificate in International Immersion—credentials that reflect his multidisciplinary and globally informed perspective. Blending technical expertise with creative curiosity, Ben approaches each project as a chance to enhance both function and experience. His background in large-scale, process-oriented environments has strengthened his skills in coordination, constructability, and purposeful design.

Best design advice you’ve ever received / given?
“Comparison is the thief of Joy”

Where do you find your best ideas / the best design inspiration?
I find my best ideas when I am out viewing other buildings, parks, or campuses. I love seeing how others have approached a problem and using their solutions to inform my own design.

Which social or environmental issues do you wish to tackle on the next project?
I would love to help design a project that would encourage the use of public transportation. I feel like PT is a resource that has become obsolete to many people in my generation, especially in cities with larger suburban sprawl like STL.

What fad or trend do you hope comes back?
I have always appreciated wood / stonework when it is integrated into architectural design – intricate crowning, impressive columns in churches, dramatic stuff.

What’s your favorite landscape anywhere in the world?
I loved the Tuileries Garden outside of the Louve in Paris, France. Full of natural elements being controlled / manipulated to act as barriers, screens, and natural sculptures.