Ben P. Lee, AIA, ACHA, PP, LEED AP, CID Retires from NK Architects
After over 30 years with us, Ben Lee has retired from NK Architects. Ben joined NK in 1989 and quickly rose to become the healthcare practice leader in the firm and served as Principal and CFO. He is Board-Certified by the American College of Healthcare Architects, is a Licensed Planner in the state of New Jersey, is a LEED Accredited Professional, and has been licensed to practice architecture in 26 states. Ben earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Louisiana State University and his Master of Science in Management degree from the School of Management at New Jersey Institute of Technology. In 2018, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from AIA New Jersey. He also received the Kindred Spirit Award from the Carrier Clinic in recognition of his creative design solutions in support of treatment for behavioral health patients.
Ben’s professional associations included being Past President and Past Treasurer of AIA New Jersey and Past President of The Architects League of Northern New Jersey, as well as memberships in the New Jersey Society of Architects, the American Society of Hospital Engineers/American Hospital Association, the American College of Healthcare Architects, the Healthcare Facilities Management Society of New Jersey, and the New Jersey Chapter of the American Planning Association.
Ben began his career as a VISTA volunteer. He has worked at ARCH Architects Renewal Committee in Harlem, the first Community Design Center in the Country. He was involved with Chinatown Planning Council, as well as a member of the West Paterson Planning Board. He was given the Award of Excellence from the Morris Habitat for Humanity for the design and construction of a new housing prototype. He has been an active participant in the Sandtown Habitat for Humanity program in the Inner City of Baltimore. He is a past Board Member at World Impact in Newark, an Urban Ministry with K-6 Schools and Community Program for the Inner City of Newark.
“Throughout his career and tenure with NK Architects, Ben has upheld the highest standards of professionalism within our practice. His empathy and advocacy for the power and value of architecture in its ability to improve the human condition was effectively applied to his work and inspirational to all of us,” shared Stephen Aluotto, President. “NK Architects is eternally grateful for the leadership, creativity and camaraderie that Ben has contributed to the growth and success of our firm.”
Ben Lee takes his place as Principal Emeritus with NK Architects, providing appropriate resources and support into the future. Ben’s responsibilities as Practice Leader of NK’s Healthcare Design Studio are assumed by Pablo Serrano, AIA, Principal.