Draft:Robert Benson Architect

Robert Benson is an American architect, writer, and artist recognized for his innovative contributions to architecture and design. Benson has garnered attention for his creative approach, receiving over 30 major design awards and contributing to various sectors including education, science and technology, and commercial design.

Early life and education
Robert Benson was born northwest of Chicago in 1970 and demonstrated an early interest in architecture, leading him to pursue an education in this field. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (BSAS) from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Architecture (M.Arch) from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he was awarded the AIA Gold Medal.

RACER Design Studio
Benson is the founder and a partner at RACER Design Studio, an architectural firm known for its dynamic and innovative approach to architecture. RACER emphasizes designing with clients rather than for them, a philosophy that has guided the studio's approach to various projects. Under Benson's leadership, RACER has undertaken numerous notable projects, reflecting a commitment to thoughtful, inclusive, and exploratory architectural practices.

Before founding his own studio, Robert Benson was a Design Principal at CannonDesign. Here, he worked on a broad range of projects across higher education, K-12, science and technology, and commercial sectors. Before CD, Robert was a Design Director and Associate Principal at 4240 Architecture in Chicago.

During the Pandemic, Robert Hosted a series of interviews on Post-Pandemic Adaptability for CommArch Magazine. The "Robert Benson Series " solicited ideas from artists, futurists, designers, anthropologists etc on what life would be like after the pandemic.

Notable projects
Benson's portfolio includes a wide range of projects, from educational institutions to commercial spaces. Notable projects include the WMU Student Center & Dining Facility, the Johns Hopkins APL B201 , the Showtime West Coast Headquarters, and the Rockford Prototype Elementary Schools. His work is characterized by a conceptual approach, with a particular interest in the interplay of light and void.

Philosophy
Robert Benson believes in the power of architecture to influence our perception of the world. He advocates for designs that reflect cultural values, promote collaboration and inclusivity, and inspire users. His philosophy extends to the educational aspect of architecture, where he has been an adjunct professor for many years, emphasizing the importance of designing "with" rather than "for" to include a broader community voice in the architectural process.

Personal life
Benson lives with his wife, daughter, and son.