Schmitz & Associates is recognizing Benjamin Suber’s 15-year milestone with the firm this year. Since joining in 2011, Ben has grown from intern and planning technician to GIS Manager and planner, helping strengthen the firm’s project research, hearing preparation, permit strategy, and GIS mapping capabilities.
As GIS Manager, Ben supports project research, forward planning, and entitlement strategy for residential, commercial, and industrial development projects throughout Southern California. He is skilled in ESRI ArcGIS and has created maps and exhibits used in presentations before the City of Malibu, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, and the California Coastal Commission.
For property owners, developers, municipalities, and project teams navigating complex land use approvals, Ben’s work helps bring clarity to the planning and permit process. His GIS expertise, research support, and hearing preparation help Schmitz & Associates continue providing detailed, strategic land use consulting and permit processing services across California.
How Ben Has Made an Impact
- Over the last 15 years, Ben has:
- Rose from intern to GIS Manager and planner
- Helped strengthen the firm’s in-house GIS mapping capabilities
- Developed systems for hearing preparation, presentations, and deadline management
- Supported complex projects through multiple hearings, appeals, and approvals
- Helped reinforce the firm’s meticulous approach to identifying potential project issues early
- “I’ve been able to get so many different approvals,” Ben said. “I feel like I’ve become the gold standard in getting hearings done in a proper manner.”
Over the years, Ben has brought structure and consistency to complex hearing preparation, helping keep projects organized, deadlines on track, and presentations ready for review.
Ben’s academic background reflects that same detail-oriented mindset. He holds a B.S. in Regional Development with a Spanish minor from the University of Arizona, an M.P.P. from the Pepperdine School of Public Policy, and an M.S. in GIS & Technology from the USC Spatial Sciences Institute.
He also credits the team as one of the main reasons he has stayed with Schmitz & Associates for 15 years, noting that he has learned a great deal from the people he works with and continues to refine his approach along the way.
Outside of work, Ben is active in community service, leads volunteer events, and is an avid runner. He recently completed the Great Race of Agoura triple challenge and won the mile race overall.
Schmitz & Associates is proud to recognize Ben’s 15 years with the firm and the experience, consistency, and care he brings to the team.