BEN BALLENTINE
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (AIA)
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURAL REGISTRATION BOARDS (NCARB)
Having been raised by a family of realtors and Architecture enthusiasts, Ben Ballentine was destined to wind up working with homes and buildings in some facet. He realized that his passion was not in buying or selling a building, but in finding its flaws and coming up with creative design solutions. Having spent his youth wandering the spaces of hundreds of homes, he developed a second nature understanding of space, scale and form. That knowledge paired with over a decade of experience working with the best architects in Los Angeles gave Ben a unique style and focused attention to detail. Since launching the firm in 2015, he and his studio set out to deliver a comprehensive design approach and hands-on collaborative coordination, which continues to result in successful projects and a growing list of happy clients.
DANIELLE SHAFFNER
STUDIO DIRECTOR
AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS (AIA)
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF ARCHITECTURAL REGISTRATION BOARDS (NCARB)
Danielle is a Pacific Northwest native whose commitment to well-crafted details and sustainable design was fostered at the University of Idaho, while earning her Masters of Architecture. Danielle began her architectural career in Seattle working on Biotech & Higher Education projects while at Perkins + Will, and from there, slowly migrated down the West Coast. Her next stop was San Francisco, working with pre-fab innovator Project Frog, before landing in Los Angeles. Next, Danielle successfully managed design and construction of more than one million square feet of tenant improvement workplace for clients such as Microsoft and Stanford University with Culver City firm Clive Wilkinson Architects, work that won multiple design awards and was featured in Contract, Azure and Interior Design magazine. After 12 years in the commercial realm, Danielle joined the team at BAS in the role of Project Architect. She helps Ben to oversee all projects, working closely with clients, contractors, and consultant teams to realize design visions. Outside of the office, Danielle is a proud mom to two wonderful kids and can be found enjoying the beach and the city's various dog parks with her family.
AKASH RAGDE
PROJECT MANAGER
Akash, originally from Maharashtra, India, has always been passionate about architecture and the cinematic world. He discovered his interest in these fields at an early age and decided to pursue his education in architecture. He attended the Academy of Architecture in Mumbai, India, where he completed his Bachelor's Degree in Architecture. After gaining a good foundation, Akash decided to further his education and move to Los Angeles to study and receive his Master's Degree in Architecture from UCLA. While studying, he gained hands-on experience in various architectural projects and learned about different styles and techniques. With his education and experience, Akash hopes to create unique and innovative architectural designs that will inspire others.
JOCY PLEITEZ
PROJECT MANAGER
Jocy Pleitez is an exceptional Project Manager with a passion for crafting thoughtful, artful spaces. Jocy, a first-generation graduate from Woodbury University with honors, grew up in the South Bay of Los Angeles, surrounded by a love for art and design. With a family legacy in construction - she has always been drawn to the intersection of Architecture and creativity. Her approach to Architecture is influenced by her love for art, beauty, and travel, having explored diverse cultures and built environments across cities she's explored. With a strong work ethic and deep commitment to design excellence, Jocy brings a fresh perspective to Ballentine Architects, helping to bring drawings to life.
ALINA PETROVA
ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATE
Growing up in Ukraine, Alina developed an eye for Ukrainian architecture and discovered an affinity for architecture more broadly. She took her rapid growing interest and turned it into a Bachelor's degree in Architecture in 2010 and in 2011 she received her Master's degree in Architecture at Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture. She has spent the last five year working on various projects in the residential, commercial and hospitality sectors. Alina's expansive background equips her with industry knowledge that guide her designs as she seeks out opportunities to think outside the box when creating innovative and modern spaces. Alina looks forward to refining her skills as she continues her career in Southern California residential development. Alina enjoys traveling around the world ,explore new culture and Architecture. On her personal time, she likes to be outside for different activities as like riding a bike, hiking, running etc.
SANTIAGO LOMBANA
PROJECT MANAGER
REGISTERED ARCHITECT (ARGENTINA)
Santiago is an award-nominated Architect with a decade of international experience across New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, and the United States. Before joining Ballentine Architects, he spent seven years with acclaimed New Zealand practices, contributing to work shortlisted for the New Zealand Architecture Awards, a testament to his commitment to thoughtful, human-centred design. His professional journey also includes research in Berlin under a merit-based PhD grant, supported by an academic record marked by distinction. He was selected to deliver his university’s graduation address, an honor awarded to the student with the highest academic achievement in the class. Santiago has led and collaborated on a wide range of project types from bespoke, character-rich residential homes to boutique multi-family buildings and complex multi-residential developments. Across all scales, his work is defined by a sensitivity to atmosphere, proportion, and the lived experience, resulting in architecture that feels both timeless and deeply personal. He believes architects serve as vessels for their clients’ visions. Santiago’s design process is collaborative, intuitive, and grounded in attentive listening. With advanced expertise in BIM and digital design technologies, he translates each client’s story into elegant, immersive architectural solutions.
ALEX MANJIVAR
ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATE
Alex was born in El Salvador and moved to the United States at age nine, already certain he wanted to design homes. His early passion for architecture grew from a desire to create a place his family could call their own, and from a curiosity about what it takes to build a house from the ground up. He pursued that passion at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where the “learn by doing” philosophy shaped his approach to design. While completing his architectural studies, he immersed himself in internships that allowed him to apply and deepen his technical and creative skills. Since graduating in 2022, Alex has worked exclusively in residential-focused practices, contributing to a wide range of project types - from luxury senior-living communities to large-scale developments for corporate residential clients. These experiences have strengthened his understanding of complex workflows, fast-paced environments, and the many ways people live and experience home. Outside the studio, Alex enjoys time with a vibrant community of friends who share his interests in construction, travel, and art. He is excited to join Ballentine Architects, where he looks forward to honing his craft in the custom residential realm and bringing his breadth of hands-on experience to each project.