Talk Shop: Benjamin Johnston // Benjamin Johnston Design
Benjamin Johnston is the founder and creative force behind Benjamin Johnston Design, a celebrated architecture and interiors firm known for crafting spaces that are classic, curated, and effortlessly cool. His team’s work is all about thoughtful design — creating homes that feel like a true reflection of their clients’ lives, stories, and dreams. With a signature blend of timeless design principles and modern flair, Benjamin and his team take a comprehensive approach to every project, delivering spaces that are as functional as they are stylish.
With more than 20 years of experience under his belt, Benjamin’s passion for design runs deep. Along the way, he’s shared his expertise on syndicated TV, in the pages of international design magazines, and on stages across the country as a speaker and brand ambassador for a range of luxury partners. His creative eye and business savvy have also led to three licensed collections: a furniture line for Chaddock Home, a rug collection for Madison Lily Rugs, and a fabric line for S. Harris. Up next? His first design book, set to be published by Rizzoli in Spring 2026. Read on as Ben shares his approach to crafting timeless spaces, the design essentials he swears by, and what’s inspiring him now.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Classic, curated, cool.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Travel – Experiencing the grandeur of European architecture and the serenity of Japanese minimalism.
Art & Fashion – From old-world oil paintings to contemporary sculpture and impeccably tailored menswear.
Mentorship & Education – Learning from master architects, designers, and creatives during the formative years of my career.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I have had a few different iterations of my company during my 20 years of practice, but my current, eponymously named design firm launched in 2016, beginning in a spare bedroom with just two employees. Today, we’re moving into our fourth office with a team of 25. What I love most about what I do is creating opportunities for my team. Watching them grow in skill and confidence is deeply fulfilling — nothing in our studio is accomplished alone, and their contributions are at the heart of our success.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors at pivotal moments in my career, but by far, Erich (my life and work partner) has been the biggest mentor. His support and belief in my potential gave me the confidence to build something of my own and now we do it together. His business acumen and partnership were the crucial missing pieces for me to be able to expand and grow our business. We now pay it forward by participating in mentorship and community-building organizations within the design world.
What does your home say about you:
My home is a living laboratory — a space where we test ideas, push our own creative boundaries, and showcase the best of what my team is capable of. More than that, it's a warm, welcoming place we fill with friends, family, clients, and collaborators. It reflects my belief that beauty and hospitality go hand in hand.
Where do you find inspiration:
Museums, art galleries, fashion runways, global architecture, antique markets, and the natural world — inspiration is everywhere when you’re paying attention.
Who are your style icons:
Tom Ford, Kelly Wearstler, and Ralph Lauren — each with a timeless, confident, and unmistakable point of view.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
A beautifully set table, atmospheric lighting, curated playlists, and thoughtful hospitality — always anchored by a signature cocktail to kick off the evening.
Do you collect anything:
Yes. My partner and I collect contemporary artwork across mediums, as well as a growing collection of antique Loetz glass — we’re drawn to pieces that blend history with craftsmanship.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@friezeofficial, @thefutureperfect, and @galeriemagazine.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
As an architect by training, minimalism is second nature. I design with intention — every element should be essential. If you add one more thing and it feels like too much, or take one away and it feels incomplete, you've struck the right balance. That said, I love to break the rules around scale. Oversized art or statement lighting can completely transform a space and infuse it with drama.
What are you working on right now:
We just wrapped a year of photographing projects for my debut coffee table book, launching in Spring 2026. Meanwhile, our team is deeply immersed in exciting ground-up residential builds across the country.
Wardrobe staples:
Etro suits, Ferragamo shoes, and Eton shirts.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
This is impossible to answer. It depends on the project, the client, the application, and the design directive. Some of my favorite lines are S. Harris, Dedar, Casamance, and Pierre Frey.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Be an editor and a storyteller… Your client’s homes are not your own, so it’s your job to tell their story in the most beautiful way possible.
Best career advice you ever received:
Customize everything. Your individuality is your greatest asset — when no one else can do what you do, you’ve built something truly special.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest: Original art and luxurious lighting.
Save: Trend-driven accessories and seasonal décor.
Your greatest extravagance:
Art, art, and more art. Oh, and travel!
Favorite places to shop for home:
Moxie (Houston), Dennis Miller (NYC), Jean-Marc Fray (Austin), Bright Group (NYC), and contemporary art fairs
Most prized possession and why:
In a career where objects come and go, my relationship with my partner, Erich, remains the most important and grounding presence in my life.
Your interiors motto:
Create with care. Serve with joy. Commit to excellence.
Your life motto:
Be fearless and go after what you want.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Begin with what speaks to you. Let your home tell your story, layer by layer. Focus on quality over quantity, and allow your style to evolve organically over time.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: I live in Texas, so Tex-Mex is a lifestyle.
Drink: Ginger margarita
Film: Auntie Mame (1958), starring Rosalind Russell
Hotel: The Dorchester, London
City: Los Angeles
Bedding: Signoria
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee with milk and honey! Just like my grandmother used to make it.
Playlist: Goldroom Radio
Weekend Activity: Museum and gallery visits along with antique shopping
Design Book: Architectural Digest at 100: A Century of Style