Benjamin Noriega Ortiz

Career

Benjamin completed his first master's degree in Architecture at the University of Puerto Rico in 1982.  He moved to New York, where he earned a second master's degree in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University. Benjamin started his career at the interior and product design studio of John F. Saladino, Inc. where he spent nine years, including six as head interior designer. He established his own firm, Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, LLC in 1992.  Benjamin was named one of New York Spaces' top 50 designers. He was also named one of the top 10 designers by House Beautiful Magazine. Benjamin is ranked by Mate magazine 347 in their 2012 list of 500 Power Gays in the world. Benjamin was featured in Sheila Bridges:designer living episode 8 season 3.  Benjamin also designed a sconce for Nessen Lighting in 1998 which he calls Antorcha. "It means torch in Spanish" and the fixture reminds him of torches he would see growing up in Puerto Rico. Benjamin also teamed with Tapestria, an online company, to create a collection of sheers. For Cartier he designed a concept boutique to introduce the “Delice de Cartier” collection launched in SoHo, New York in 2002.  Morgans Hotel Group commissioned Benjamin's design firm with the remodeling of Mondrian Scottsdale, Mondrian Los Angeles, and Mondrian SoHo. Benjamin is responsible for the interior design of Russell Simmon's Liberty street apartment.  He also designed homes for Lenny Kravitz: A condo on Crosby street and a house in Miami.  In 2007, his first book Emotional Rooms, The Sensual Interiors of Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz, was published by Simon & Schuster.  His second book, Suspending Reality, is published by The Monacelli Press. In 2009, BNO design became a partner in the custom lighting studio ABYU Lighting with artist Steven Wine who is also Benjamin's life partner.