Long before he was working on large-scale civic projects, Ben Wathen (‘13) was a kid in Nashville who just wanted to make things. That interest—which explored engineering, computer science, and art—eventually led him to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Architecture and Designand now to the 40 Under 40 by World Architecture Festival (WAF), in collaboration with The Architect’s Newspaper. The program recognizes North American architects, selected by an international jury, whose work and leadership are influencing the direction of the profession.

Wathen joined TVS, an Atlanta-based architecture and interior design firm where he now serves as a senior associate, shortly after graduating from the School of Architecture. He was immersed almost immediately in large, multidisciplinary teams and high-profile, competition-based projects, including major convention centers in China.

“The scale of the projects I was a part of was not something I could have been prepared for,” Wathen said. “You have to think about its civil presence, how it’s going to play design wise in the urban environment and how it could shape the city for decades to come.”

Competition projects, such as the West China International Expo City, shaped his design methodology and continues to inform his work on domestic projects.

Each project under his belt taught Wathen an ethos of open design dialogue, encouraging team members at all levels to contribute ideas and develop strong design arguments, which he imparts on the next generation as a part-time educator at Kennesaw State University.

“I’m interested in helping people articulate why design works,” Wathen said. “Whether in practice or in the classroom, the ability to communicate intent is critical.”

For Wathen, the honor reflects not only individual achievement but also the collaborative environments that shaped him, from UT’s architecture studios to the teams he now leads in practice.

“I still see myself as learning,” he said. “Every project is an opportunity to refine how we think, work together, and make something meaningful.”

Now balancing the demands of civic projects with mentorship and teaching, Wathen sees the 40 Under 40 recognition not as a milestone, but as momentum. “The work is always evolving,” he said. “What matters most is continuing to adapt, supporting the people around you, and making spaces that genuinely serve the public.”