Benjamin Design was founded in 1995 by John Lott, an architectural graduate from Iowa State University. John worked as a designer and project leader in engineering and design firms for sixteen years before starting Benjamin Design Collaborative, P.C..

Benjamin Design grew from a one-person firm to a medium-sized architectural firm in three years. The firm has kept a commitment to be centered in the Ames downtown business district while continuing to serve clients throughout Iowa and the Midwest.

As the scope and diversity of project types increased, so has Benjamin Design’s association and collaboration with other architectural firms and consultants strengthening the collaborative design environment.

Benjamin Design serves many repeat non-profit and public clients, as well as innumerable private clients.

As of 2005, Benjamin Design Collaborative will embark on its second decade of providing professional services for the surrounding community. From its humble beginnings and simple message, Benjamin Design has slowly and continually grown while maintaing its focus on providing "community" through design.