Authors

Ben Ross


As an historic preservation specialist with RATIO Architects, Ben recognizes the complex issues that can emerge during preservation projects. He enjoys the challenge of using creative design to incorporate contemporary needs into historic structures. Aware of the economic, cultural and environmental benefits of building reuse, Ben works to achieve the client's goals while maintaining the historic character and quality of the building. Ben is a graduate of Ball State University Masters in Architecture program, with a concentration in Historic Preservation and Sustainable Design. He is a LEED accredited professional.




John Jackson


As the landscape architecture discipline leader, John oversees the design process and management of the project team to ensure the client’s objectives are met. His passion for designing spaces that enhance community life has resulted in helping clients achieve and enrich their goals since joining the firm in 1993. An industry expert, John understands the significant impact that a compelling and engaging urban design can have on its community, recognizing that enhancing urban quality and character can be a key factor in retaining and growing new companies and talent. An advocate of place making, John oversees his team through comprehensive planning and design phases that emphasize combining art and design to produce quality, user-friendly spaces. Recognizing the complex challenges and multi-tiered objectives that emerge during the urban design process, John works to design spaces that are unique, comfortable and memorable. John is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign landscape architecture program. He is also a LEED accredited professional.




Melissa Martin


Melissa believes that good design promotes action and evokes thought. Using compelling combinations of text and imagery that communicate ideas to the viewer, she enjoys addressing the challenges associated with achieving coherence among various publics. Before beginning any project, Melissa considers all the design possibilities and using her design knowledge and creative passion, organizes them into an effective solution. While technically a member of RATIO’s marketing staff, Melissa is a regular participant on urban planning project teams. Her graphic design skills, training, and experience are used to enhance RATIO’s planning documents, workshop materials, and presentations. Melissa is a graduate of Ball State University's fine arts program. She is also a member of the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA).




Anna Miller


Anna is an Interior Designer with a CIDA/FIDER-accredited Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Indiana University Bloomington. She has a background in Fine Arts with focuses on Studio Art and secondary concentrations in Art History and Business. She became a LEED AP in 2008 and is currently preparing for her NCIDQ professional certification.




Brian Staresnick


Brian is fascinated by cities. This manifests itself in both his professional and personal pursuits. Professionally, he is an urban designer. Outside of work you'll find him exploring the city on foot or bicycle. Brian received a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Ball State University and is currently seeking licensure. He is an active member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and other organizations committed to creating healthy, sustainable, livable cities.