MEET THE DESIGNER

Founder and Craftsman of Davinci Designs, Ben Schmitt, brings his passion for modern furniture and local craftsmanship together in his latest creative venture, ensuring quality and creativity in every piece. After moving from Tucson, AZ, USA and spending five years in Switzerland with his family, including his wife, Anne, and their "wilds" - pup Mason and kitty Matilda, Ben opened his furniture design and woodworking shop in Rotkreuz, Switzerland in the Canton of Zug. returning to the States in 2020 they now reside in Indianapolis, Indiana where he continues to design and build furniture and wooden water craft.

Ben takes great pride in creating the custom design and woodworking projects that allow him to pursue his love for modern design, fine architecture and high-end customized furniture.

After discovering an eye for concept and design through his drafting and architecture classes in high school, Ben enrolled and completed the pre-professional year at the University of Arizona’s College of Architecture. The experience he gained after graduating from the University of Arizona in 1997 with a B.A. in Humanities only added to his breadth of knowledge, including the completion of a two-year apprenticeship under a Russian woodworker who studied at Moscow’s School for Conceptual Design and collaborating with a home builder of high-end residences situated on the coastline of Connecticut.

Born in London, England and raised just outside New York City in Westport, Connecticut, Schmitt enjoys hiking, reading historical biographies, listening to music, traveling as much as possible. 

Davinci Designs CH

Ben brought his artisan woodworking pieces to life at his Davinci Designs workshop, using exotic rare woods sourced from local Swiss sawmills, as well as natural wood and metal from area craftsman. He really appreciated the chance to support the local culture and getting to know artisans in the surrounding community.

Wood & Pulp

In 2015 Ben co-founded and launched Wood & Pulp with his close friend, David Olsen, owner and founder of Zocalo Magazine. Together, they created the downtown gallery to showcase handcrafted furniture and limited edition prints from local artisans in the the historic warehouse district of Tucson, AZ, USA. 

The gallery exhibited custom pieces designed and crafted by Ben, alongside other artists' furniture and limited edition prints. Regular local events were held in the bright, modern space as a part of the "Saturday night downtown art walks" hosted by the city, further enhancing and supporting the rich local arts culture in the close-knit Southwest community.