Stephen Bender

FHC Board of Directors
University of Florida, Professor

Stephen Bender is professor in residence at University of Florida Citylab-Orlando where he teaches graduate architecture with a focus on revitalizing neighborhoods through design. As a program with an emphasis on urbanism, especially concerning Florida cities, Citylab is connected with neighborhoods in the Orlando region through direct engagement with citizens and community organizations. In this context, Stephen’s teaching and research spans the design of buildings, policy, education, and strategic planning and community design. He is also a Florida Registered Architect and principal of bndr, llc, a small practice offering design and construction management services. Stephen’s architectural work is broad but focused by sustainability and innovation. This focus is evident in projects involving shipping container upcycling and prefabrication, especially as an affordable housing solution. Stephen received a Bachelor of Design from UF and after living a year in the Netherlands he went on to obtain a Master of Architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.