TOP Interior Designer: Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz

From the designer

Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz is recognized as one of the most stylish and influential of today’s interior designers. Throughout his projects, he captures an unusual sense of openness and light through the use of color, materials, architecture, and the unexpected integration of timeless fashion.

Benjamin holds a Master Degree in Architecture from the University of Puerto Rico and a Master’s Degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University in NYC. He began his career in New York in 1983 at the world-renowned interior and product design studio of John F. Saladino, Inc., where he spent nine years, six as Head Interior Designer.

Establishing his own firm in 1992, Benjamin has traveled throughout the world to produce projects for such clients as rock star Lenny Kravitz, best-selling Mexican author Laura Esquivel, celebrity portrait photographer Mark Seliger, media moguls Michael Fuchs and Russell Simmons, fashion stylist Patricia Field and entertainment mogul, Sean Combs, among others.

In 2007, along with his husband artist Steven Wine, he re-imagined Steven’s former …And Bob’s Your Uncle store into ABYU Lighting. The couture lighting manufacturer is dedicated to the creation of whimsical and creative lighting fixtures. With much success, Benjamin has developed a reputation for his inventive commercial interior design, from stores and restaurants hotels.

He designed stores for Cartier and Diptyque, For MHG he designed Mondrian Scottsdale, Mondrian Los Angeles, Mondrian SoHo, and Mondrian Baha Mar, now an SLS hotel. He’s presently working on updating the Renaissance Times Square, establishing the first NH Collection in New York and completing the first Q&A residential hotel for Furnished Quarters at 70 Pine Street.

His work has been featured in dozens of newspapers, design blogs, books on design, in style and shelter magazines throughout the world, as well as on several television shows and series. His first book, Emotional Rooms, The Sensual Interiors of Benjamin Noriega Ortiz was published in 2007. His second book, Suspending Reality, Interiors by Benjamin Noriega Ortiz is in stores now.