Benjamin Gardner

About Benjamin Gardner

With 31 years of experience in architecture, construction, and construction management, I have spent my career creating spaces that will serve people for generations. I’m highly motivated and strategic, with a common sense approach to problem solving, management, architectural design, and constructability.As the Chief Executive Officer at Dekker (a multidisciplinary architectural design and engineering firm), I’m focused on creating a collaborative culture and meaningful opportunities for staff, clients, and their communities. I also lead our firm’s business development and community outreach, helping strengthen long-term partnerships and civic engagement. My long history in the AEC industry and tenure with Dekker has allowed me to lead projects across a wide spectrum of building types. This practical foundation give me a clear understanding of the challenges faced by our team, developers, clients, and the people who utilize the places we design. In addition to my work at Dekker, I’m proud to have developed a diverse portfolio of family-owned properties. These include hotels, a senior living facility, and an early education campus: which features a Montessori infant program (Nido), a preschool, and an elementary school serving 250+ students which I co-developed with my wife Tina. This hands-on involvement deepened my insight into real estate development across sectors, including mixed-use, retail, educational, public, and civic projects. I currently serve on the Professional Aerospace Contractors Association (PACA) board as Economic Development Advisor, on the Executive Committee of the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA), and am a member of the New Mexico Amigos, the official goodwill ambassadors for the State of New Mexico.

Experience

1. Principal CEO

   Dekker

   Jan 2001 — Present

   Project concept development, planning, programming, design and construction administration. Comprehensive project management including, scheduling, budgeting, entitlements and public relations.

Education

• University of New Mexico School of Architecture and Planning

  Masters, Architecture

  2001

Skills

• Strategic Planning
• Architectural Design
• Leed Ap
• Project Budgeting
• Budgets
• Construction Drawings
• Design Research
• Renovation
• Budgeting
• Leed
• Comprehensive Planning
• Contract Negotiation
• Sustainable Design
• Scheduling
• Public Speaking
• Autocad
• Construction Management