Meet Benjamin Ball of Ball-Nogues Studio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Benjamin Ball.

Benjamin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Ball-Nogues came about almost by accident in 2005. My collaborator Gaston Nogues and I, did a temporary, architectural installation at an outdoor gallery space called Materials & Applications, located in Silverlake. The project generated a good amount of buzz in the design, art and architecture communities. The exposure led to other opportunities. That said, I like to think we got to where we are today by taking risks but always with an eye toward rigor and responsibility (we are usually working with somebody else’s money!).

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not always been smooth. We’ve grown as designers and artists but we’ve also been forced to operate and grow as a business.

Anybody who starts a business from scratch can probably relate to the amount of time one must spend keeping their operation running smoothly. Sometimes you learn a few things on the job, the hard way.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Ball-Nogues Studio – what should we know?
We are a design and fabrication practice that works between architecture, art and industrial design. Our work is typically informed by the exploration of craft. Essential to each project is the “design” of the production process itself, with the aim of creating environments that enhance sensation, generate spectacle and invite physical engagement.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
The projects are bigger than any one person can or should manage, so we rely on a terrific team- a skilled staff of designers, modelers, fabricators and administrators, along with engineers, lawyers, and subcontractors. We wouldn’t have any work if there were not people to commission it; so, we need clients who believe in us and are willing to engage in a sometimes circuitous process before arriving at a finished product. There are journalists and academics who write about the work and keep our name in circulation. Last, but not least, are curators and gallerists who put the work into exhibitions. They are all part of an ecosystem that supports our survival. The key for us is finding how to thrive as a species. We have been lucky to work with some great people.

Contact Info:

• Address: Ball-Nogues Studio
  3533 East Olympic Blvd.
  Los Angeles, CA 90023
• Website: www.ball-nogues.com
• Phone: 213-458-3673
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @ball_nogues_studio
• Facebook: @Ball.Nogues.Studio
• Twitter: @Ball_Nogues

Image Credit:
Matt Wier
Sibylle Allgaier
Laurent Leger Adame Photography
Chris Ball
Neil Cochran
Monica Nouwens
Joshua White
Marty Snortum

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.