Philadelphia Business Journal features Ben Willis:
2026 Business of Pride
"Much of Union’s work designing dignified, attainable housing impacts the daily lives of LGBTQ+ people around the country. We’ve helped restore several historic buildings that now provide homes for AIDS Care Ocean State and are currently working on a new apartment building specifically for older LGBTQ+ residents." —Ben Willis
"Designing spaces that offer a sense of belonging and care to these elders—many of whom lack the extended family support of their straight peers—has been an exciting opportunity to serve and work alongside the community."
Ben Willis Associate Principal and the Director of Union’s Philadelphia office, has been featured in the Philadelphia Business Journal’s 2026 Business of Pride series, an annual recognition highlighting LGBTQ+ leaders driving meaningful impact across the region’s business community. Ben relocated to Philadelphia with his husband in 2019, bringing Union with him and establishing the firm’s first satellite office. Under his leadership, our Philadelphia team has grown substantially and taken on projects that embody our mission to ensure our design work strengthens and enriches the communities it serves.
The work highlighted in the piece speaks to that mission: the renovation of the Henry Ossawa Tanner House, a National Historic Landmark in North Philadelphia that was once threatened with demolition, is a project rooted in Black heritage preservation and community revitalization. A new mixed-use building delivers 42 affordable homes for adults with intellectual disabilities.
When asked what career accomplishment he’s most proud of, his answer wasn’t an award or a project. It was being asked to be a mentor by younger colleagues — and that is so Ben.
“Pride is an invitation for reflection: to honor previous generations who kicked down the doors, to celebrate the impact and presence of the current LGBTQ+ community, and to look out for, and lift up, those who are still on the margins.”
—Ben Willis