Who we are

John Lincoln         
John Lincoln founded Benchdog Development in 2005. He received his BS from the University of Minnesota in 1989 and his MArch from the University of Wisconsin in 1993. He began his career in architecture and spent time as a project architect for Morgante Wilson Architects before moving into the construction field. John worked for 7 years at the preeminent homebuilder BGD&C and then later for Hewitt Horn, Inc. where, John built some of the finest homes in the city. John’s background in architecture and construction combines a sense of design with fine building practices unparalleled among today’s general contractors.

John Ballack         
John Ballack recently joined Benchdog Development after a long and successful career in architecture.  He received his BArch from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1996. After which, he worked first for Morgante Wilson Architects, Ltd. and then most recently as Senior Principal Architect for Jonathan Splitt Architects, Ltd.  He is a licensed architect and affiliated with the American Institute of Architects (AIA).  John’s work has been published in Dream Homes Chicago and Chicago magazines.  In addition, his work received the AIA’s Distinguished Building Award (for design excellence) in 2006. John’s passion and experience in architecture, design, detail, and construction brings a fine level of sophistication to our practice.

Alina Cowden
Alina worked with John to found Benchdog Development in 2005.  As Vice President of the company, she is responsible for maintaining the company’s infrastructure and internal management.  She graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1993.  Following a brief career as an assistant editor for a publishing company, she worked for 5 years at McKinsey and Co. providing project administration for their retail practice.

Stephanie Grais
Stephanie received a Bachelor of Arts from Dartmouth College in 1991.  After becoming a Certified Public Accountant in 1997, she worked for the Terra Museum of American Art for 6 years serving first as their Membership Coordinator and then later became their Administrative Services Manager.  Stephanie is responsible for all the accounting at Benchdog Development.