Ben Harris (765.398.4895; tozaiarch.ben@gmail.com)

Ben has 40+- years of experience in architectural design and construction. He earned an Associate's degree from Indiana Vocational Technical College and has worked as a carpenter and general contractor as well as being an architectural designer and draftsman. These experiences contributes to his ability to solve design problems in a practical way.

Ben is located in Kokomo, IN and has worked with Charles Ellis for 30+- years.  He has raised three sons and is a grandfather as well as being a devoted husband.  He is a skilled guitar player and plays many other instruments as well.   

Nik Seiber (765.432.8421; nik.seiber@gmail.com)

Nik is currently enrolled in the Master of Architecture program at Ball State University.  He also has a professional degree in Landscape Architecture. His main interest in architecture is the use of sustainable technology and building methodology.  His Master of Architecture thesis is titled, The Soul of Sustainability.

Nik is located in Green Castle, IN, He is a former student of Charles Ellis at Ball State University and has worked with him for 5+- years.  His 3D rendering skills are invaluable to the further development of Tozai Architecture.

Charles Ellis (513.225.7320; tozaiarch@gmail.com)

Charles has 40+- years of experience in architectural design and construction. He is a Registered Architect in Indiana/ Ohio. 

He earned his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Architecture (five year professional) degrees from Ball State University with a Fine Arts minor.

He also holds a Master of Science in Architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati; program with emphasis on theory, critique and history.  His thesis is entitled 'Direct RADICAL intuition: toward an Architecture of Presence through Japanese ZEN aesthetics' which investigates the underlying aspects of developing architecture that is in harmony with humanity and nature that explores creative potentials of environments. 

He also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Furniture Design from Herron School of Art + Design at Indiana University in Indianapolis with emphasis on art/ experimental furniture.

His architectural design experience includes commercial (retail, restaurants, general and medical offices, recreational facilities, banks, churches, manufacturing and warehouse facilities) and residential (new custom and additions/ remodels ranging in costs from $20,000- $3,000,000) projects. He has commercial interior design experience and has earned an interior design professional certification; National Council for Interior Design Qualifications; Registered Interior Designer. 

He has an art studio where he also pursues his artwork; sculpture, furniture (www.tozaiart.com) and has past experiences as a carpenter, general contractor and stained glass artist which assists in his grounded yet whimsical approach to his work.

Charles is located in Cincinnati, OH and Indianapolis, IN. He is a step father of a grown son and daughter, a grandfather, father of two daughters. He is also a martial artist who has earned black belts in judo, jujutsu and aikido.  He actively practices and teaches and is the head instructor of the children's program at Aikido of Cincinnati.