My journey as CEO of IDG+ Architects

My early years

My childhood was a difficult one, but it was here that the seeds of my passion for architecture were first planted. I am the eldest of four boys, and at the age of six my parents took me and my brothers to live with my paternal grandparents. My parents, both struggling with mental health issues, made the painful decision to leave us with our family, knowing they could not provide the stability we needed. For years I wondered why they left us and it was only later in life that I understood their struggle and desire to give us a better life.

Living with my grandparents gave me a sense of stability, but I always wanted the love and security that I saw in other families. On the way to and from school, I admired the houses in my neighborhood, imagining what it would be like to live in a home filled with both parents, love, and a sense of belonging. This fascination with houses and the environments they create sparked my passion for architecture. I was drawn to the idea that physical spaces could reflect emotional needs—safety, comfort, and love.

School and church were my refuge. These were places where I felt emotionally, spiritually, and academically supported. It was there that I learned to appreciate the power of education, faith, and community in shaping a person’s future.

The mentor who changed my path

My path to becoming an architect was guided by a mentor who also became a surrogate father to me—my uncle, an architect himself, who married one of my aunts. He was instrumental in helping me realize that architecture could be my calling. It was his influence that led me to enroll in the architecture program at Prairie View A&M University, where he even taught me for a time.

During my early years at school, I realized that architecture is not just about creating buildings, but about creating an environment conducive to nurturing and growth, which is exactly what I craved as a child. Every design I created was shaped by this vision. My work became a way to bring to life the spaces and environments I wish I had experienced as a child. Every detail was thoughtfully designed and reflected my desire to create an environment that fostered a sense of belonging, comfort and opportunity.

Evolution of IDG+ Architects

In 2001 I founded IDG+ Architectsa firm that reflects not only my passion for design, but also my faith. Name IDG+ means “I design for God”, where the plus sign represents the cross. My faith in God has always been the foundation of my work, and I view every project as an opportunity to use the creativity He has given me to encourage others. My mission has always been to serve, using architecture as a tool to improve the lives of those who are often overlooked.

Today, IDG+ Architects has expanded to include three offices in Houston, Illinois and Dallas, with plans to open a fourth office in Zimbabwe. Our company has had the honor of winning several prestigious competitions, including the international design competition in Malawi. This project was especially meaningful to me because it demonstrated that architecture, when rooted in purpose, can bring hope and transformation to communities in need.

Service-Based Vision

Vision IDG+ Architects The mission is simple but profound: to create and design structures around the world that improve the standard of living of the most disadvantaged and underserved communities. We don’t just design buildings; we create an environment that promotes dignity, pride and opportunity. Whether we’re designing schools, community centers or housing developments, our work is always guided by a desire to lift the spirits of those who need it most.

For me, architecture has always been about more than just aesthetics or function. It’s about creating spaces that provide what I lacked as a child: comfort, stability and a sense of belonging. My early experiences growing up without the safety of a traditional home shaped my approach to each design. Each project reflects my desire to create environments that nurture the human spirit.

Rejection of old thinking for development

As a child I was given a nickname Miss. The name reflected a certain characteristic of my younger self—a lighter, more carefree version of who I was. Now, at 71, I have long since surpassed the qualities that made that nickname appropriate, but there are still people close to me who think it is appropriate. Like entrepreneurshipThere are times when we have to let go of old ways of thinking, names and beliefs that we have passively accepted in order to realize our higher self. Evolution from Miss to Ben S. McMillan III is a reflection of my transformative journey, which is similar to how I built IDG+ Architects into a faith-driven, globally influential firm.

Starting a business

Start IDG+ Architects This was not something I did on a whim—it was the culmination of years of reflection, mentoring, and a deep sense of calling. After working in this field, I realized that if I wanted to pursue holistic and purposeful design, I needed the freedom to chart my own course. Becoming an entrepreneur has allowed me to align my work with my faith and vision, giving me the opportunity to create spaces that serve a higher purpose.

What Makes Me Unique as an African American Leader

As an African American leader in the field of architecture, I bring a unique experience to the table. My journey has been one of overcoming adversity, both personal and professional. My resilience and faith have shaped my approach to leadership, design, and service. I have faced the challenges of being a minority in a field where representation is often lacking, but these challenges have strengthened my resolve to lead with compassion and creativity. My goal has always been to use my experiences to encourage others, especially those from underrepresented communities, by showing them that they too can achieve their dreams.

Commitment to Community

My commitment to community is central to the mission. IDG+ Architects. Architecture has the power to change lives, and I believe it is my responsibility to use my talents to serve those who need it most. Whether we’re building schools in low-income neighborhoods or designing homes that strengthen family and community bonds, my goal is to create sustainable environments that inspire pride, hope, and opportunity.

The role of technology

In today’s fast-paced world, technology plays an important role in our daily activities. IN IDG+ ArchitectsWe use state-of-the-art software for 3D modeling, virtual walkthroughs and project management. This technology allows us to bring our designs to life in ways that were not possible when I first started in this industry. This allows us to create more accurate designs, collaborate with clients around the world and stay in touch with every detail of the project.

Technology has also played an important role in our global expansion, helping us manage projects remotely and ensure that our future office in Zimbabwe meets the same high standards of design and execution as our other offices.

What’s next for IDG+ Architects

Looking to the future, future IDG+ Architects bright. We are expanding globally and plan to open our fourth office in Zimbabwe, allowing us to extend our mission to new communities in need. We are also exploring more sustainable design methods, with a focus on creating sustainable buildings that improve the quality of life for the people who inhabit them.

Our goal is to continue to grow by taking on more challenging projects that challenge us to think creatively and compassionately about how architecture can be used to solve real-world problems. We want to be known not only for the beauty of our designs, but also for the impact our work has on communities around the world.

Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

My advice to those who are planning to start their own business: know your “why.” Entrepreneurship is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. There will be challenges along the way, but if you are driven by a strong sense of purpose, you can overcome any obstacle. My faith has been the foundation that has sustained me through the ups and downs of my journey. If you are clear about your goal and committed to staying the course, you can achieve more than you ever imagined.

Contact me

If my story resonates with you or you would like to learn more about the work we do at IDG+ ArchitectsI’d like to connect. You can contact me here: