Benjamin J. Robinson, AIA

Co-director of Hoffmann’s Connecticut office, Ben brings expertise in the restoration of sensitive historic structures, along with experience in a broad range of building types and materials, to the leadership of the New Haven technical team. Early in his career, he gained real-world experience on the scaffolding of the Dome of the U.S. Capitol and at numerous New England college campuses, where he learned from senior Hoffmann professionals about the novel approaches, tried-and-true methods, triumphs, setbacks, and, ultimately, the satisfaction of realizing an ambitious historic restoration project.

Since completing his architectural studies at Connecticut College, Ben has become a recognized expert in complex building enclosure projects, managing logistically and technically difficult rehabilitation at secure facilities, from data centers to correctional institutions, as well as museums, libraries, courthouses, archives, educational institutions, and other facilities protecting sensitive, irreplaceable materials. Accommodating continuously occupied buildings and navigating strict security protocols while implementing technically adept enclosure rehabilitation solutions is the kind of challenge that has become Ben’s specialty. His meticulous organization and strong relationships with clients, contractors, consultants, and other stakeholders deliver projects within even the strictest deadlines, such as the start of an academic year or a presidential inauguration.

Ben became an owner of Hoffmann in 2016 and has lectured and published articles on the nuances of restoration at culturally significant, high-security landmarks, as well as the value of building enclosure condition surveys for large institutions. Like his own mentors, he in turn has earned the respect and admiration of his junior colleagues through his patient tutelage and encouragement. Ben’s projects include campus-wide building enclosure assessment for Connecticut College and Mount Holyoke College, steeple and facade restoration at the midcentury Modern Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, historic building enclosure restoration and roof replacements at Choate Rosemary Hall and Wellesley College, award-winning marble facade restoration at the Beaux-Arts style New Haven County Courthouse, and stained glass restoration at the 1930s Art Deco Aquarion Water Company headquarters in Bridgeport, Conn.

Active in the community, Ben shares his expertise in building asset management and enclosure restoration to guide ongoing preservation of the Mark Twain House and Museum, where he serves as a Trustee and Chair of the Building and Grounds Committee. He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Association for Preservation Technology (APT).

In his free time, Ben enjoys summer vacations with family, especially favorite spots like Disney World and Old Saybrook, Conn., as well as attending his daughters’ music and dance performances.