Benedict Tranel

Biography: Ben Tranel is an architect focused on the transformational power of design—how the built environment communicates values and shapes our experience, every day. His creative process is centered around listening and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Based in Gensler’s San Francisco office, Ben has grown the firm’s practice, refined its working methods, and strengthened its relationships, both locally and abroad. His portfolio spans mixed use, residential, office, hospitality, civic, and cultural projects. Highlights include the 632-meter Shanghai Tower, the Tower at PNC Plaza in Pittsburgh, multiple developments in the Bay Area, and the recently completed headquarters building for Alexandria Real Estate in Pasadena, CA. Ben is sought out for his ability to connect divergent viewpoints and align to competing agendas—be they aesthetic, commercial, societal, or financial. He’s an effective, empathetic leader and a master of his craft. The ninth of ten children in a big Montana ranch family, Ben understands, deeply, the power of hard work and the mechanics of consensus. Twice Ben has been granted “40 Under 40” awards, and he’s led his teams to many design honors, granted by organizations including the American Institute of Architects, Architect Magazine, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habit, World Architecture News, and Engineering News Record. Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts in architecture from Washington University, in St. Louis, and a Master of Architecture from Columbia University.