Mark P. Finlay Architects

Mark P. Finlay Architects designs high-end residential and country club spaces, inside and out, nationwide. Ben worked at various scales of design, from master planning and programming to finishes, design details, and presentation layout. With a focus on exterior elevation and floorplan design, Ben created, edited, and presented design iterations for elite clients. Ben also selected architectural product manufacturers and made large-scale design choices under the observation of the Principal Architect and firm owner, Mark Finlay, along with other firm partners and employees. Accompanied by many other projects, Ben spent most of his time at MPF working on The Healey Residence. This project is situated on a historic peninsula on the coast of Greenwich, CT. The homeowner, founder and owner of Wren Kitchens, wanted a home, in close proximity to New York City, where he, his wife, daughter, and grandchildren could live surrounded by nature and the beautiful Long Island Sound. This is where the conceptual beginnings of the project emerged: the home reaches out, curving toward the waters, embracing the horizon to the south.

During Ben’s time working with MPF Architects, the largest project taken on was completing presentation-ready, hand-drafted drawings of the north and south elevations. Ben spent weeks altering architectural elements such as chimney heights and details, window proportions, mullions, trim throughout, covered entry, keystones, french doors, and dormers. After layering trace paper for weeks, the final design drawing was achieved through iteration, dedication, and attention to detail. Once inking was completed, the drawing was brought into Photoshop where color was introduced. At approximately 30”x60”, the drawing was impressive and well-received by the clients.

Ben worked out logistical problems that arose throughout the design process, including finding parking for the client’s car collection, and staff, while also maintaining a level of privacy. In turn, the parking entry forks, with staff parking to the right with a private entrance into the home, and the client’s parking to the left, which gracefully leads the passengers directly into the car gallery and lower level of the home. This lower level also includes a spa, massage room, changing room, private gym, wrapping room, chef’s kitchen, dog room, cedar closet, workshop, and staff quarters.

North Elevation Early Iteration

South Elevation Early Iteration