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Anthony Bennett: Mapping Every Detail

By Caitlyn Stair, Diamond Certified Research Reporter

From the rooftops of Johannesburg to the savannas of Africa, Anthony Bennett has spent a lifetime navigating new terrain. Today, those same skills—adaptability, curiosity and problem-solving—help him guide remodeling projects from concept to completion.

Originally from Durban, South Africa, Anthony was raised and educated in Johannesburg before beginning his career as an engineer. After several years in the city, he found himself longing for a different pace and direction. In 2000, he made the shift into the tourism industry and spent the next 15 years as a full-time safari guide, followed by nearly a decade of freelance guiding throughout Africa while also taking on handyman work.

Anthony moved to California in 2017 and joined the Bliss Design Build team in 2024, marking his third major career shift. While the industries may seem different, he sees a strong throughline. “The remodeling industry is very much tied into engineering in terms of problem-solving, teamwork and having a big picture in your mind,” he explains. “It’s about breaking that picture into segments and figuring out the flow of the project.”

Today, as project manager at Bliss Design Build, Anthony oversees residential remodeling projects from start to finish, helping bring clients’ visions to life through careful coordination and communication. He says the most rewarding part of his job is seeing the transformation come together at the very end. “Clients see it in bits and pieces along the way, but when it’s finished and everything looks beautiful and fresh…that’s the moment.”

Anthony embraces the inherent challenges of the remodeling process, which keep each project dynamic and engaging. “It’s a little bit like surgery—you don’t really know what you’re going to find until you open things up,” he says. That unpredictability calls for creativity and adaptability, especially when unexpected issues arise behind the walls. “You have to figure out how to make it work,” he adds. “That’s part of what makes it satisfying.”

A key part of Anthony’s approach is maintaining clear communication with clients throughout their projects. “A lot of it is daily communication and checking in,” he affirms. “Sometimes we need to adjust things based on what we discover, so it’s about managing expectations and keeping clients involved every step of the way.”

Anthony lives in Oakland with his wife, Karin, where he has embraced both the community and the environment. “We have a great, diverse neighborhood,” he says. “It’s a bit gritty, but it reminds me of Johannesburg in some ways. And being close to the bay and the mountains means I can always get out into nature.”

Travel remains one of Anthony’s greatest passions, especially exploring the outdoors with friends. He has visited destinations across South America, Africa and beyond, exploring a wide range of landscapes, with Patagonia and Madagascar among the most memorable. “I’ve been very fortunate to see many beautiful places and experience what they have to offer,” he says.

At the core of Anthony’s work is a commitment to seeing each project from the client’s perspective. “It’s easy to focus on getting the job done, but it’s just as important to make sure it looks good and feels right for the client,” he offers. “I approach each project with that mindset. I think to myself, ‘Imagine it’s your house…what would you do?’”

Ask Me Anything!

Q: Coffee or tea?
A: I could go for either.

Q: If you could time-travel, would you go to the past or the future?
A: The past. I’d love to witness how the world unfolded, especially from a geology perspective. Take the Grand Canyon, for example—imagine being able to sit and watch it form, almost like a time-lapse.

Q: What’s the strangest food you’ve ever eaten?
A: Sea urchin. It wasn’t my favorite. The texture and flavor just didn’t work for me.

Q: What’s your favorite animal?
A: The African elephant. I love watching their interactions, especially the youngsters. They’re playful and mischievous, and the dynamics within the family groups are fascinating to observe.

Q: If you could immediately travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: The Himalayan region of Nepal. I love mountains, hiking and trekking, so it would be incredible to explore that landscape.