Introducing Ben Kohut

Q. What led you to the field of architecture?
A. What led me to architecture was the desire to find a way to integrate my love for art into a professional career. I was introduced to architecture in high school when I took technical drafting courses and became even more interested when I competed in an architectural design contest. From there I was hooked, and pursued architecture in college and learned more about designing buildings and how to implement my artistic skills with my design strategy to create unique results.

Q. What is your favorite part about what you do?
A. Throughout my career so far, my favorite part is watching and experiencing a structure come together and be finished. I really enjoy seeing the final outcome of all the design work and documentation that has led to a physical experience.

Q. What drew you to Cult Creative?
A. When I started my career in architecture, it began in the commercial side of architecture. My work focused on educational campuses. I knew that isn't where I wanted to be in the design world. I wanted to have the ability to have a greater amount of freedom and flexibility in design while also being able to interact more directly with clients. This blend of desires led me to the residential side of architecture. What attracted me specifically to Cult Creative was the culture of caring and sincerity. Brooklyn and Erin have a true passion for their projects. It was evident from our first meeting that their love for what they do translates into successful projects, and I wanted to be a part of that. 

Q. Describe a project that brought you pride.
A. A project that has brought me pride in my time in architecture is from my time in university during my study abroad experience in Rome. I designed a mixed use affordable housing and student housing complex along the River Tiber in the Trastevere neighborhood in Rome. The site had many complexities to it, the primary being its historical ties to the Porta Portese and an ancient boat storage building. The area was known as one of the primary entry points into Rome during ancient times and we were tasked with trying to revive the tired site and reactivate the connection to the river. My design was inspired through my other classes i took in my time in Rome to come up with a living green mixed-use apartment building with an open air plaza that could host farmers markets during the day, and turn into a social hub in the evenings.

Q. What are your hobbies outside of work?
A. Outside of work I like to learn about and invest in real estate, and I like to work on and modify cars.