Benson and I met through USC Badminton, which quickly became one of my first core group of friends as an international student. Looking back, we shared so many fond memories - playing badminton until 2-3am, eating before and after these late night “practice” sessions, climbing over (or under?) Lillian’s high school gate in the middle of the night, running a half marathon in Disneyland, and even visiting me in Singapore.

Benson was always a warm, kind, and thoughtful friend. It has been more than 10 years since he and Lillian visited Singapore and stayed with my family, and my family still talks about the funny moments during that trip. Like when we went to eat chicken rice and Benson ordered two plates of rice because “I’m an American, I eat a lot!” 😂, or visited playgrounds and Marina Bay Sands late at night (notice the trend here haha), or an impromptu photoshoot in our garden, complete with Benson’s backflips.

Benson was truly a special and treasured friend. To borrow a line from Benson’s last card to me before I moved back to Singapore from NYC, there was a “sense of comfort and safety in earned friendship over the years… We’ve frozen the bond in time, somehow even growing it more through fondness and remembrance.” I will miss you buddy.

My heart goes out to the Chien family and Eefee. 

I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Benson Chien—a former student, incredibly talented designer, and above all, a truly generous and thoughtful human being. Benson was a standout in my Fall 2013 advanced topic studio. From day one, it was clear that he was not only sharp and creative, but also humble, kind, and a joy to work with.

We had reconnected last fall when he kindly offered to speak at a USC alumni event we were hosting in NYC and even offered to host us at Powerhouse Arts, a project he was leading for Herzog de Meuron. Though he had to bow out due to health issues, he assured me he’d be back to 100 soon. I had no idea at the time how serious it was.

Last year, he surprised me by writing a generous and brilliant testimonial for my ACSA teaching award. I still smile when I read it. 

Benson’s wit, generosity, and brilliance left a mark on everyone who knew him. My heart goes out to his parents, his family, and his partner. He left us far too soon, and he will be dearly missed.

I first met Benson in my first Arch. studio at USC. I still remember the first model he ever put together for studio was COVERD in tape because he was still learning how to glue pieces together. My mom had visited me and the first thing she said as she walked into the studio was seeing his model and asked, "What happened, did someone forget to toss out a ball of tape?". I remember telling her that it was Benson's project and she was in utter shock, I could not have imagined that he would become one of my close friends at that time. 

The second year, I happened to live on the same floor as him and although he was super intelligent, bright, and a design genius, he was still honing his home economics skills. There were many nights when he would text me to come over and help. Whether it was because he dropped his taquitos between the oven door and the oven (because he didn't have a baking sheet and tried to use single layer of aluminum foil); or whether it was because he tore his pants and needed help sewing; or if it was because he got some stains on his favorite shoes and needed help cleaning... (mind you these shoes were usually so worn down that you could see his toes). Sharing an apartment with him, Isaac, and Miki for the years following was part of what kept me going in Architecture and what kept me motivated to graduate. He always made sure we had moments of fun and laughter through the sleepless nights.

Needless to say, there was never a dull moment with Benson and he was always helping others when asked. There were many nights that he would help me with a grasshopper script for my project or help me reduce a file size because my computer was typically at full capacity. As long as he had his thai drunken noodles, Half & Half boba, some home made baked goodies, and cuddle time with Miyu (our apartment orange tabby), he was always ready to get up the next morning and get on his bike to meet more friends and be a social butterfly. I'm truly grateful to have met him and be included in his LARGE circle of friends.  He introduced me to so many good places to eat and explore all throughout LA and NY.  You were truly one of a kind!!! We miss you.