SmithGroup Promotes Mitrovic and Sanders to Studio Leaders at Phoenix Office

SmithGroup, one of the nation's largest design firms, has promoted Stephanie Mitrovic to Science & Technology studio leader and Russ Sanders to Workplace studio leader at the firm’s Phoenix office.

Stephanie Mitrovic, AIA, the Phoenix office’s new Science & Technology studio leader, will cultivate the studio, maintain client relationships, and build new avenues to connect with future clients. In her prior role as lead interior designer, she was  involved with some of the firm’s most noteworthy science and technology and workplace projects including the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Energy System Integration Facility, Golden, Colorado; the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency Forensic Identification Laboratory, Hickam Air Force Base, Oahu, Hawaii;  and the new Axon Headquarters, Scottsdale, Arizona, slated to start construction in 2019. Mitrovic is a licensed architect and registered interior designer whose primary focus has been science and technology, higher education and corporate clients.

Mitrovic received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior design from Virginia Commonwealth University followed by a Master of Architecture from Arizona State University, during which she earned a Capstone Thesis on Urbanism and Public Interest from Universidad Torcuato di Tella in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She holds architectural registration in Arizona, is certified with the National Council of Interior Design Qualification as an Exam Ambassador, and is a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Russ Sanders, AIA, the Phoenix office’s new Workplace studio leader, will oversee the studio’s project delivery and business development efforts throughout the Southwest U.S. region. Simultaneously, he will continue to engage clients such as the City of Phoenix, Caterpillar and the City of Eloy, Arizona. Sanders was previously a leader in the office’s Workplace studio and served in the role of senior project manager, where he focused on the development and management of complex architectural projects such as Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 3 Modernization project.

Sanders is a graduate of Arizona State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Design and a Master’s of Architecture. He is a registered architect in the State of Arizona, and plays an active role in AIA’s Phoenix Metro chapter where he previously served as president and chairman of the Virtual Design & Construction Committee.

According to Brad Woodman, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Phoenix office director, the promotions are an integral part of the office’s mission to bring new and innovative strategies and approaches to its clients.

“Stephanie Mitrovic’s expertise in collaborating with clients to look at projects beyond their current needs will help us exceed our clients’ expectations. Russ Sanders’ leadership skills and ability to integrate the latest technology will enhance our efforts to advance the quality of our work,” Woodman said.  

“Stephanie and Russ will bring new insight and fresh perspectives to our leadership team, and I am confident they will excel in their respective roles and position us to further grow our science and technology and workplace practices,” he added.

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