Continuing AG’s legacy requires thoughtful growth, and Project Assistant Ben Zerrien’s genuine passion for designing places where people live makes him the perfect addition to the employee-owned firm.
LEGO® Sets & Books Paved the Way
Like many architects, LEGO® sets sparked Zerrien’s passion for design, from following the detailed instructions to exploring his imagination with his big bucket of bricks. Then, he immersed himself in architectural books at his local Neenah, Wisconsin, library. In addition to a fascination with the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, Zerrien delved into Pattern Language and New Urbanism. During his hours at the library, he started imagining a career in architecture.
Reinforcing the Right Career Path
Zerrien’s route to the profession wasn’t a straight line. After two years at North Dakota State University, he stepped away from school and spent time working on an organic farm. This experience continues to inform his deep sense of community. He later returned to his studies at Milwaukee Area Technical College, where he earned an associate degree while interning at a Milwaukee-area architectural firm. As an intern, exposure to multifamily work reignited his passion for designing places where people live, so he continued his studies and completed his bachelor’s degree at UW–Milwaukee.
From there, Zerrien set his sights on Chicago. His life and work exposed him to large multifamily and mixed-use environments. He gained experience in both design and construction documentation. Then, an opportunity to work with a project manager he admired led him back to Wisconsin to share his architectural talents with a large construction company. He followed this experience with a taste of business ownership, including nurturing client relationships and working on smaller-scale residential projects.
“I enjoyed working directly with clients to elevate their homes,” says Zerrien. “I think working directly with the people who will live in the space was refreshing and informed my outlook. Sometimes with larger-scale projects, the perspective on how individual occupants will best be served can get lost. It’s the small details that make a big difference, so I am vigilant during the detailing of a project to improve the overall experience.”
Feeling at Home at AG
Zerrien is drawn to the many aspects of multifamily design: shaping a welcoming unit, bringing units together into a building, creating gathering spaces, and considering how a building fits into its site and community. He’s especially interested in density, mixed-use development, and the communal experience of city living. AG’s multifamily, mixed use, and senior living portfolio enticed Zerrien, and throughout the interview process he knew the team atmosphere suited his work style.
“I am a bit quiet, but I love to be in the office surrounded by a great team,” says Zerrien. “I was excited to be part of a firm focused on creating elevated places where people want to live.”
At AG, he’s enjoying the opportunity to work with larger teams and learn more about the intricacies of senior living design and construction.
“Ben has been a great addition to our team. I appreciate his willingness to jump into a project and take on new tasks with enthusiasm,” describes AG Senior Associate David Trinkner. “Ben has a great attitude and is very detail-focused. His quiet dedication to work has made him an asset to his projects.”
Senior Associate Megan Scott agrees, “When Ben was new to AG, he jumped in to assist with Plymouth Place with enthusiasm and made valuable contributions immediately. His knowledgeable focus on his assignments resulted in well-executed work that was completely thought through and needed no further revisions. He raised additional questions and worked through challenges. Ben is an outstanding team member, and I would love to work with him on any future projects.”
Off the Clock
Outside work, Zerrien is on the run, literally. He is a member of the Milwaukee Running Group, runs regularly, and recently completed a half marathon. When he isn’t in motion, he enjoys spending time visiting art museums and art festivals, where he finds inspiration in the art and artists’ stories. And while Zerrien is quiet in the office, his home is filled with music — he plays ukulele and sings.
AG Officially Welcomes Ben Zerrien
Zerrien’s path to AG may not have been a straight line, but his passion for places where people live provided a constant thread in his journey. We are glad his experience and enthusiasm led him in our direction.
Learn more about the AG Team.
