Build Meaning
Into Your Space
Transform your home to reflect the most important memories, people and practices in your life.
Connect with your spirit
Remember a loved one
Practice daily reading
Honor a pet
Create a place for art
Plant a garden for tomorrow
Connect with your spirit
Remember a loved one
Practice daily reading
Honor a pet
Create a place for art
Plant a garden for tomorrow
A Story of Loss and meaning
Hi! I'm Ben
I’ve always loved building things. As a kid, it was LEGOs, remote-control airplanes, and fixing up cars with my dad. Later, I studied mechanical engineering and product design, helping to bring millions of hardware products into the world. At home, I was always tinkering—renovating kitchens, designing furniture, taking on DIY projects.
For most of my life, building was about utility and value. That changed in 2018.
For most of my life, building was about utility and value. That changed in 2018.
Cancer and Grief
In 2018, my fiancée Grace was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. We bought a home to escape the intensity of downtown San Francisco. The first time she stepped into what would become our living room, she lit up and said: “This wall should be a bookshelf with one of those rolling ladders, like in Beauty and the Beast!”
I never built that shelf while she was alive. But as she began home hospice, and during the long months of COVID when we were always at home, I felt pulled to transform the space into something that held her presence. The week after Grace died, I built it—a tall pine and cedar bookshelf with a rolling ladder.
I never built that shelf while she was alive. But as she began home hospice, and during the long months of COVID when we were always at home, I felt pulled to transform the space into something that held her presence. The week after Grace died, I built it—a tall pine and cedar bookshelf with a rolling ladder.
the power of sacred spaces
Not Just a Bookshelf
I had built many things before, but never one infused with so much meaning. Grief, care, love, sadness, and community seemed to seep into the wood itself. Years later, I still feel that energy whenever I sit in this room. Few things bring me into presence and love the way that bookshelf does.
That experience showed me something simple but profound: our spaces can hold and carry meaning. And more people deserve to feel that kind of energy in their homes.
That experience showed me something simple but profound: our spaces can hold and carry meaning. And more people deserve to feel that kind of energy in their homes.
A New Belief
I’ve come to believe that our spaces should be more than functional—they should be sanctuaries. They should reflect our deepest values, honor our relationships, support our wellbeing, and tell our stories.
I imagine a world where creating space is recognized as a practice of healing, connection, and legacy-building. Where the objects and places we live with each day remind us of who we are and what we hold dear. And where the process of building itself is infused with care and intention.
I imagine a world where creating space is recognized as a practice of healing, connection, and legacy-building. Where the objects and places we live with each day remind us of who we are and what we hold dear. And where the process of building itself is infused with care and intention.
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A Practice of Generosity
My Practice
To share this work, I follow the Buddhist principle of dāna—generosity given freely, without expectation. Clients cover the cost of materials and any outside expertise, but I offer my time, labor, and presence as a gift.
Offer What You Can
At the end of a project, I invite you to give back in whatever way feels right—if at all. Some may offer financial support, others a meal, a story, a favor, or simply gratitude.
It’s not scalable or efficient. But it’s aligned with why I do this: to bring more beauty, presence, and care into the world—starting at home.
It’s not scalable or efficient. But it’s aligned with why I do this: to bring more beauty, presence, and care into the world—starting at home.
My Process
My approach weaves together disciplines rarely combined in the standard architecture-contractor-trade model. I listen deeply. I look for the narrative threads in people’s lives. Then I translate those stories into tangible, meaningful spaces.
Examples of Spaces i've transformed
Some of these projects are in my own home and some are for close friends and family, gifted free of expectation or compensation.
Grace's Bookshelf
In 2018, my then-fiance was diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. We purchased a home to escape the over-stimulation of downtown SF. The very first time Grace saw (what was to become) our new living room, she excitedly exclaimed “this wall should be a bookshelf with one of those rolling ladders like in Beauty and the Beast!” I never quite got around to building that shelf but as she started home hospice and I was spending all of my time at home during COVID, I felt a strong force pushing me to transform the space into something that captured Grace into our home. The week after her death I spent sawing, routing, and screwing pine boards and cedar columns to create something I knew she would have loved.
Location:
Mill Valley, CA
Type of Work:
Remembrance
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Meditation Nook
Using minimalist design with a touch of classic Buddhist elements, I created this space for a daily meditation practice for all who are interested in practicing. A variety of sitting options are available, along with a bell, prayer cards, and various incenses.
Location:
Mill Valley, CA
Type of Work:
Spirituality
Sage's Laundry Room
Friends were in need of a new laundry room due to their first child being on the way. Together, we transformed a small, dark space into a bright, modern colorful diaper cleaning mecca.
Location:
Mill Valley, CA
Type of Work:
Functional
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Here's a list of frequently asked questions and quick answers to the topics you might be curious about.
You have different question?
More than happy to answer any other questions you may have.
What services and skills do you offer?
The primary focus of my work comes in three categories: 1) inner inquiry, 2) design, and 3) execution.
For inner inquiry: I lean heavily on my experience with EFT and IFS therapy, my Buddhist meditation practice, and understanding of ego developmental frameworks (such as the Enneagram).
For design: I have spent many years as a product designer and am deeply steeped in interior design, energy flow of a space, and a keen eye for detail.
For execution: I learn as I go but have amassed a lot of experience with planning/costing, carpentry/framing, plumbing, electrical, tiling, flooring, drywall, paint and cleanup. Most importantly: I know when I don't know something well enough to deliver on the vision and bring in outside experts when needed.
For inner inquiry: I lean heavily on my experience with EFT and IFS therapy, my Buddhist meditation practice, and understanding of ego developmental frameworks (such as the Enneagram).
For design: I have spent many years as a product designer and am deeply steeped in interior design, energy flow of a space, and a keen eye for detail.
For execution: I learn as I go but have amassed a lot of experience with planning/costing, carpentry/framing, plumbing, electrical, tiling, flooring, drywall, paint and cleanup. Most importantly: I know when I don't know something well enough to deliver on the vision and bring in outside experts when needed.
How does the process begin?
Just reach out to me and we'll have an introductory call via Zoom or phone. I'd like to learn about your story, understand what's meaningful to you and if you have any ideas/inspiration for how you'd like to see that infused into your space.
How long will it take to complete my project?
I've done work that's taken a few hours and I've projects that have spanned many months, it all just depends on the scope and needs. I know projects in the home can be quite disruptive, so I strive to create a clear timeline and minimize the number of days I'm in your space (particlarly when making loud noises).
Depending on your availability, expect a minimum of 2 meetings for inner inquiry, 2 meetings for design, and 1 full day for execution.
Depending on your availability, expect a minimum of 2 meetings for inner inquiry, 2 meetings for design, and 1 full day for execution.
What type of projects do you manage?
We offer a comprehensive range of services designed to meet your specific needs. Our expertise includes architectural design, interior design, project management, and consultation. Whether you're starting a new project or enhancing an existing one, our team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring innovative solutions and exceptional results.
Do you work with specific contractors or suppliers?
I'm willing to work with whomever is appropriate for the job. I've managed big, $1M+ construction projects with numerous subcontractors and also done projects where I'm the only one who touches anything.
Do you carry out remote projects?
I'm based in Marin Country CA but am available to travel for specific projects and people I resonate with.
What is the payment process?
I'm offering this work using the Buddhist principles of Dana. This means I provide a budget and expect clients to cover the full cost of the materials (up to the agreed-upon budget) but all of my labor is freely given. If you'd like to offer compensation, I will accept it with a full heart. If you prefer to offer a meal or a skill or just a hug, I'll accept that as well! Yes, I know this is a strange way of working, but this is how I want to spend my time and energy right now.
Do I need to hire an architect (or GC) for my project?
Nope! For smaller projects, I'll handle everything. If you have a more intensive project and need specific expertise, I'll find the approprate subject matter expert and bring them into the project. Unfortunately, they likely won't be working withohut the expectation of compensation, so those experts will be part of the budget.