James Alcorn, a member of the American Institute of Architects and licensed by the state of California, was educated at two of the best schools of architecture in the United States and worked for several of the most prestigious architectural firms in the nation, before establishing his own firm. His work for the Oakland/Alameda County Coliseum Complex, Brea Civic and Cultural Center, Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene, and the Bank of Del Mar has won design excellence awards.

Jim received his Bachelor of Architecture from UC Berkeley, and Master of Architecture from Yale. He served in the design departments of Eero Saarinen and Associates in New Haven, and of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, San Francisco. Subsequently he was Vice President and Director of Design for John Carl Warnecke and Associates in Los Angeles, and Co-Director of Design and Vice President of the Hope Consulting Group, San Diego’s largest architectural and planning firm. He then formed Gaede/Alcorn Associates, which later became James Alcorn and Associates.

Paul Benton has been practicing in California since 1984, serving a variety of client needs ranging from architectural design to structural renovation to planning and project management.  He provides a unique and detailed project development view, both to provide an aesthetic and appealing design and to meet highly technical requirements.  He was appointed by the Mayor to serve on the La Jolla Shores Planned District Advisory Board, and has achieved approval for numerous projects from the La Jolla Community Planning Association and the California Coastal Commission.

Paul Benton and all his staff bring years of experience gained from work on large-scale and high-profile projects.  They take pride in providing a high level of service to all clients.  Paul provides a unique approach to coastal architecture and the unique environment of the American Southwest, and an innate sensibility when it comes to merging the form and function of a client’s needs.  Paul Benton has degrees from MIT and Washington University in St. Louis, and is licensed both as an Architect and Professional Engineer.

Charity Lonberger was licensed as an architect on March 22, 2012. She joined the practice after receiving her BA from Virginia Tech, having completed numerous design study projects in the North County coastal area.  She brings a wealth of experience in conceptual project development as well as design management from the working drawings phases through to construction. 

Charity has a substantial background in the practical issues related to construction, and frequently provides for the coordination of the final touches for the completion of the project.

Andy Benton joined the office in 2003. In his time working under Paul, he has been involved in regular site visits and collaboration with contractors and clients on countless projects. In addition, Andy researches the locations of new projects, and works with the state and local permit offices in obtaining permits and getting plans checked on schedule.

His duties most often include monitoring construction, construction management, creating innovative solutions to changes and problems in the field, and consulting with clients and contractors. These critical functions in the field have been essential to maintaining the high standards of quality and customer service Paul strives for.

Lindsay King has been with Alcorn & Benton Architect since March 2010.  With a Bachelor of Design from University of Florida, and a Master of Architecture from UCLA, and experience working at architecture, engineering and development firms, Lindsay has brought many projects from schematic design through construction completion. 

As project manager, Lindsay coordinates with engineers, consultants and contractors on a daily basis.  Lindsay is interested in sustainable architecture and public housing prototypes.  Lindsay is working towards her licensure as an architect.

Alexis Knepp has a Master of Architecture from NewSchool of Architecture + Design in San Diego.  She performs a variety of tasks, ranging from conceptual space planning to construction drawings to presentation three-dimensional modeling.

Alexis is most interested in urban planning and green design. She is working towards her licensure as an architect.

James Alcorn
AIA Emeritus
Project Architect
Paul Benton
Architect + Engineer
Charity Lonberger
Architect
Andy Benton
Project Manager
Lindsay King
Project Manager
Alexis Knepp
Project Coordinator
LEED AP