Cooper family profiled in Haddonfield Living

Benita and family were recently featured in Haddonfield Living, a publication dedicated and delivered to families in the Coopers’ hometown of Haddonfield, New Jersey. See it in PDF format below, and read the full text below.

From Vision to Legacy: A Life Well-Designed

Written by Anna Fielding for Haddonfield Living

SKETCHES OF A BEGINNING

Benita Cooper’s story began in Seattle, where she was born at the end of her mother's graduate degree program. Shortly after, her parents brought her back to the British colony of Hong Kong, where Benita spent her early childhood, loved learning, and excelled in school.

In the 1990s, in anticipation of Hong Kong’s handover to China, her mother’s side of the family decided to immigrate to the United States, relocating back to Seattle. Benita, at 12 years old, her sister, and her mother joined them, settling into a tight-knit community where all of her relatives lived within the same neighborhood, eight households in total. Benita had an easier time adapting than some of her family members due to her curiosity. Her outgoing personality and free spirit gave her the courage to explore her new surroundings.

“I was fascinated with American culture," she explains. "Plus, I suddenly saw how big the world was, and it stretched my mind wide open.” Already fluent in English and familiar with Western culture, Benita assimilated seamlessly into her new environment, a skill that would serve her well throughout her life.

Her upbringing played a significant role in shaping her mindset and ambitions. She recalls the way her family treated her and the freedoms they allowed.

"My fearlessness probably scared my mom a bit,” she reflected. “But she always had this way of treating me like I could do anything," she says. "That just became the way I thought about things—from a young age, I never saw barriers, just challenges to figure out."

This perspective would prove invaluable as she pursued a career in a male-dominated field.

LAYING THE FOUNDATION

Benita’s academic journey was shaped by her strong work ethic and her ability to thrive in challenging

environments. Not long after arriving in the U.S., the teachers and staff at Benita’s middle school became aware of Benita’s striking intelligence and placed her in accelerated honors high school classes that took place at the high school. She then took the SATs early which landed her a spot in a special program called Transition School, a pioneering program and one of just two in the country. At 15, she skipped high school entirely and started college at the University of Washington. It all happened fast, but she recognized the opportunity that was dropped in her lap and felt ready. She was built for this and embraced it.

"It was incredibly rigorous," she says. "It wasn’t just that we were taking advanced classes, but we were expected to handle a level of independence and responsibility that most high school students don’t experience. We were taught to think critically, question, explore, analyze, and innovate."

Her newfound independence ignited her creativity. She pursued dual majors in Architecture and Interdisciplinary Fine Arts, and signed up for study abroad programs in Rome and Mexico. In Mexico, she helped build a small healthcare campus for an underserved town, turning design vision into hands-on impact. In Rome, she witnessed how thoughtful historic preservation keeps a place’s identity alive.

BUILDING A LOVE STORY

The semester in Seattle, between Mexico and Rome, was when she met Jason, a graduate student at the University of Washington, who also happened to be heading to Rome! At the time, Benita was known for her striking blue hair and fearless personality. "She was so unique. I was mesmerized," he says. "I couldn’t take my eyes off of her and finally got the courage to talk to her in Italian class. When the teacher asked if anyone could lend her a textbook, I raised my hand right away and asked her out on a date after class." They clicked right away and became inseparable. Their relationship flourished while in Rome, and laid the foundation for the life they would build together, one filled with passion, creativity, and mutual support.

SHAPING A VISION

During her college thesis presentation, a renowned Seattle architect hired Benita on the spot. With a couple of years of professional experience under her belt, she was eager to push further and expand her horizons once again. She applied to Harvard’s Master of Architecture program and was accepted. Without hesitation, Jason moved with her to Boston, fully supporting her next chapter.

“That’s just the kind of partner Jason has always been—steadily and quietly empowering,” Benita shares. “I don’t take it for granted. He’s been a constant force behind my ability to chase my dreams.”

At Harvard, the work as expected was intense, but the atmosphere was electric—supportive, inspiring, and, somehow, fun. Benita found a group of best friends she still calls her “brothers.” She gained as much insight into design innovation and leadership as she did about true collaboration and friendship, especially with men. Along the way, she earned multiple awards and fellowships, including a research grant in Santiago, Chile, where her work contributed to the city’s Metropolitan Promenade—an ongoing project that continues to connect diverse communities.

When it came time for her thesis, history repeated itself—she was offered a job at a well-known firm on the spot.

That opportunity took her and Jason to Philadelphia, where they officially started their life together, tying the knot in the summer of 2005, a month after her graduation.

BREAKING GROUND

After completing her studies, Benita embarked on her career as an architect, facing the challenges of a demanding field. She was determined to prove herself in an industry where women, particularly minority women, were underrepresented.

Benita soon noticed that while entry-level roles in architecture firms felt evenly distributed, leadership remained overwhelmingly male and lacking in diversity. She also spotted inefficiencies between architecture, interior design, and construction—gaps she was determined to bridge.

The playing field wasn’t—and still isn’t—level, but she has always felt fortunate. Over time, a circle of support organically formed around the young architect. Friends of friends noticed her creative spark and began offering her small projects. A contractor told her she had what it takes to start her own firm—and that he would build her projects.

In 2008, Benita took the leap and founded her own firm in Philadelphia, built on joy, integrity, and fierce client advocacy. From the start, she did things differently—blending architecture, interiors, landscape, furniture, and project management into one seamless process. Benita’s early projects showcased her dedication to thoughtful, well-executed design. Over time, she built a reputation for her ability to balance historical preservation with modern functionality. Her work on historical properties and thoughtful renovations set her apart.

"I know the odds weren’t necessarily in my favor, but I’ve never let that define me. That's why I don't take my career for granted, and am so grateful for every little opportunity that has come my way. I always focus on the work—because in the end, that’s what truly speaks,” she explains Soon, more contractors and suppliers lined up, eager to collaborate. An ecosystem of collaboration, creativity, and shared opportunity emerged. She landed major projects at some of Philly's most iconic buildings such as the Divine Lorraine, The Met, and Reading Terminal Market.

In 2013 and 2015, she and Jason welcomed their two sons. Seeking a better education for their children, they moved to Haddonfield in 2016—where her love for architecture and passion for community would finally merge.

RESTORING THE PAST

Benita’s move to Haddonfield marked a new chapter in her career - one that blended her passion for architecture with her desire to give back to the community. She quickly became involved in efforts to revitalize the downtown area, applying her expertise to projects that honored the town’s rich history while embracing thoughtful, modern updates.

Her team continues to focus on their core values–joy, integrity, and client advocacy–in order to ensure the highest quality return regardless of the project. Their ability to balance historical preservation with thoughtful modernization made the company a key figure in Haddonfield’s revitalization efforts. Whether working on individual homes or larger community projects, she remains committed to honoring the town’s past while building a vision for its future.

One of her most current and notable projects involves a notorious historic home across from the middle school that had long been a point of fascination in the community. "For some reason, people are obsessed with that house," she says with a smile. When she was approached to work on it, both the client and she knew it was the right fit. "The homeowner didn’t find me through word of mouth in town. He got my name through a trusted colleague from a completely different town. As soon as we talked, he knew I was the right person for the job because he wanted someone who would do it right."

Not one to remain stagnant, Benita launched a fabrication shop in 2018 with a friend called Coop Forge to execute the most intricate details in her designs: statement furniture, custom signage, and original architectural fixtures—a testament to her unwavering commitment to quality and ability to get things done.

BUILDING THE FUTURE

Beyond her tremendous portfolio of built work, she has dedicated herself to community initiatives that support education and empowerment. Her mentorship and career discovery programs—in partnership with Haddonfield Public Library, Haddonfield School District, Markeim Arts Center, Girl Scouts, and more—have inspired many young people, particularly women, to pursue the field with confidence.

Along with her work inspiring youth, Benita founded The Best Day of My Life So Far, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, in 2009. The idea stemmed from a simple yet powerful phone call with her grandmother, during which her grandmother shared a deeply personal story—one she had never told before. In that moment, Benita recognized the profound joy it brought them both—her grandmother’s joy in sharing her stories and Benita’s joy in discovering them. That moment sparked an idea: a six-week storytelling group at a local senior center. But what began as a short-term project never ended. The group continues to meet to this day and has grown into a nationwide movement, touching thousands of lives through stories and connections.

With a vision to empower older adults to share their personal histories, educate youth to actively listen, and improve mental health care across the country, Benita is building more than structures—she’s building a legacy. Reflecting on her journey, Benita is grateful for the experiences that have shaped her career.

"Everything I’ve done, every challenge I’ve faced, has led me here," she says. "And I wouldn’t have it any other way."