Ben Youtz is a partner at designLAB architects, whose focus, and passion, is repositioning existing buildings of architectural and cultural significance. He has led many major and transformative renovation projects in the studio, including the iconic Dartmouth Hall at Dartmouth College the James Stirling designed 485 Broadway at Harvard University, and Davis Hall at Phillips Exeter Academy. He is also a leader in library planning and design having completed master plans for a variety of library typologies, including Vanderbilt University's library system and the Library of Virginia. Ben's completed library renovations include the City of Somerville's Carnegie West Branch Library, the Town of Stow’s Randall Library and the renovation and addition to the Paul Rudolph designed Claire T. Carney Library at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He is currently engaged in the planning and design of the City of Nashua, New Hampshire's mid-century library. Ben is an active member of the Society for College and University Planning and the AIA's Knowledge Committee on Architecture for Education.

Ben approaches design as an assemblage of objects and built forms collected from the study of existing context.  He believes that the artistic expression and craft of a building's tectonics share equal value with its space and abstract form. He's a firm believer that the best design results from a process that engages all facets of client and community groups in such a way that all voices have impact on the built result.  

Ben achieved his BS and Masters in Architecture at Northeastern University and joined designLAB shortly after.  Ben leads Project Delivery initiatives within designLAB and greatly values the professional relationships, technical expertise and collaboration required to deliver a successful project. 

Ben lives on the south shore with his wife Carissa, daughter Sophie and son Ezra in a 1870’s farmhouse they are in the midst of restoring. They often frequent Ben's hometown in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire enjoying time in the mountains or on the water.