Stephen Kowalski, RA:
Having grown up with an internationally recognized microbiologist father and a mother skilled in and practicing various fine arts; co-founding principal Stephen Kowalski brings equal parts precision and creative intuition to the practice of architecture. This cross over between art and science is exemplified in Stephen's ability to bring individuality and life to computer generated renderings. As an early adopter of computer modeling, Stephen's renderings have been featured in numerous publications and he has taught 3D visualization at the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design. An award winning sense of design and keen ability to understand client's intentions allows Stephen to collaborate on unique works of architecture that consistently exceed expectations. A father of 2, Stephen enjoys spending time with his large extended family and working on restoration/innovation projects in the historic foursquare residence that he calls home. Stephen has served on the Somerville NJ Architectural review board for the past 7 years and as a board member of the Mid Jersey Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for the past 4 years (See our culture section for a commercial for the JDRF where Stephen makes an appearance). Stephen graduated from Penn State in 1999 with a Bachelors of Architecture.

Benjamin Walmer, RA, AIA, LEED AP:
Architecture and agriculture are fundamental sources of innovation for co-founding principal, Benjamin Walmer. Originally from Adams County Pennsylvania, near historic Gettysburg, Benjamin comes from a family of four generations of fruit growers. His childhood was split primarily between rural life on a fruit farm and life in the Washington DC suburb of Arlington Virginia. This exposure to varied environments informs a distinct sense of place and the interconnectedness of systems, both of which drive Benjamin's efforts to foster the convergence of people and ideas. In addition to being a registered architect, Benjamin leads as founding chef curating the Highlands Dinner Club, a mobile culinary and social laboratory utilizing farm-to-table dinners as a medium for creative interaction. With a background in agriculture and as a self-trained chef, he brings a unique perspective to his work as an architect. Positive manipulation of fundamental patterns is at the heart of creativity, and whether in the form of architectural design, culinary innovation or social collaboration, Benjamin and LiMN ARCHITECTS are deliberate in synthesizing design and ideas that elevate the experience of the end user. Benjamin recently received the New Jersey American Institute of Architects Young Architect of the Year Service Award in recognition of his work as lead architect on the integrated design team for Prayers Farm Nigeria, a sustainable aquaponic farm and school in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Following a site visit in the fall of 2009, and in collaboration with Engineering Ministries International, LiMN ARCHITECTS completed the construction documents for Prayers Farm Nigeria in preparation for the start of construction in the fall of 2011.