The Team

Rick Benson, a man with a multi-faceted history of achievement, has been President of RB Benson & Company, Inc. since he founded the firm in 1981. His well-established business has successfully completed over 60 single-family new homes in the Westport, Weston, and Fairfield areas, from finely crafted smaller homes to luxurious mansions.  Beautifully designed condominium complexes in Westport, Milford, Trumbull and Greenwich also bear the stamp of RB Benson & Co., Inc. His work includes spec homes, custom homes and renovation projects. In 2021, Rick was the winner of 3 HOBI awards from the CT Home Building Industry, offering recognition of achievement as a builder of fine homes.  The awards were for “Best Not So Big Spec House”, “Best Spec House 3,000-4,000 SF” and the most prestigious of all,  Spec House of the Year in CT” for 12 Great Marsh Road in Westport. He was recognized in 2023 with a Historic Preservation Award for the 2-year renovation/restoration of Greens Farms Church.  He has also been Rotarian for 34 years and recognized many times for his leadership and work with the Rotary Foundation. Rick’s impressive professional education includes an MBA in Corporate Finance and Real Estate from the Wharton School of Business and undergraduate degrees in Management Science and Engineering, Carnegie-Mellon University, and Economics, Denison University. A Vietnam combat veteran and Naval Lieutenant aboard the USS Hamner, he also served as Logistics Advisor for Destroyer Squadron 37 in the Pacific. Rick was Sail Training officer for the Tall Ship Gazela of Philadelphia from 1974-76, raced OpSail in 1976 and was in the Bicentennial Tall Ships Parade. Before starting his own firm, Rick’s superb organizational abilities were successfully utilized in the corporate world.  Honored for community service, Rick Benson gives generously of his time and expertise in many capacities. Whenever something needs to get done, needs a volunteer effort or volunteer organizer, Rick is the one who steps up to get the job done. Rick’s involvement spans local politics (Planning and Zoning, Conservation Commission, Board of Finance), extensive involvement in Rotary International, Greens Farms Congregational Church, Boy Scouts, Westport-Weston Family Y, United Way, Special Olympics, Compo Beach playground; his interests and contributions are wide-ranging.  After over 40 years as a resident of Westport, Rick is intimately involved in his community and has a unique insight into its needs and potential. His professional pride demands that he design and build each home as if he were to live in it with his own family. His homes feature spacious, elegant public rooms, multiple fireplaces, lavish appointments, gracious exterior entertaining areas and generous private accommodations for the family as well as meticulous construction, state of the art technology and energy saving and green components.
Not limited by stylistic constraints, the uniqueness of each project begins with a thorough understanding of every client’s personal requirements and aspirations, then thoughtfully designing an architectural solution that successfully resolves the project’s functional intricacies while providing a crafted and aesthetically pleasing design. By following a philosophy based upon design excellence, proven technical knowledge, efficient project management, and the utilization of the most current information technology, each project is undertaken with an uncompromising resolve to provide unsurpassed client service. In additional to architectural design, the firm offers a full range of services including: preliminary consultations, interior design, custom kitchen and built-in cabinetry design, project management, bidding coordination, contractor selection, contract negotiation, and construction management.Working with fewer clients ensures a personalized approach and allows for a process that nurtures close and responsive collaboration, attentiveness to project schedules, and professional responsibility. From the earliest stages of design to the completion of the construction, close attention is paid to each project’s budget by continually evaluating costs, providing comprehensive and thorough construction documents, and by working closely with reputable and respected contractors.With over two decades of experience, Don is a cum laude graduate of the College of Design Architecture, Art and Planning at the University of Cincinnati and was a former Associate with J.P. Franzen and Associates in Southport, Connecticut prior to founding his own firm. With a strong passion for the practice of architecture and design, he is able to confidently and successfully guide you through all phases of your project.Donald William Fairbanks Architect, P.C. holds current registrations in Connecticut and New York, and is a accredited member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Designer/Lifestyle Specialist: Shawna Feeley, Fairfield, CT 

Shawna Feeley has been working in interior design for over 18 years since moving from NYC to Fairfield to raise her daughters and follow her creativity. She began her design career as a hands-on DIY dynamo who transformed her home and was quickly employed by friends andneighbors to install crown molding, paint, wallpaper and tile. She built a backyard playset for her girls when her husband was out of town. She was featured on House Calls with Ron Hazelton refurnishing and hand-caning an antique chair. She developed her skills as seamstress and started her own window coverings and upholstery business, including installations. She loved working in her tool belt with her power tools. After taking a job with a Westport builder, she realized her passion for all things design was fed best by home building. She has designed interiors for over 70 new homes in Fairfield County, the Hamptons, and South Florida and has worked with numerous distinguished builders and architects on award winning homes. Shawna loves to create inspired surroundings and devotes herself to her projects. She has great vision for spec homes and a collaborative nature for custom builds, which she attributes to a decade of working exclusively with builders, vendors, subcontractors and buyers. She has extensive knowledge on high end construction with an elevated style for designing kitchens, bathrooms, and distinct architectural features. Shawna provides creative ideas, 3D renderings, and detailed elevations for her clients. She prides herself on providing innovative solutions, decadent indulgences, and elements of fun for the spaces she creates. Shawna Feeley Interiors is located in Fairfield, CT.