SmithGroup Elevates Craig Passey to Director of Health

SmithGroup, one of the nation’s leading integrated design firms, has elevated Craig Passey from Health studio leader in Phoenix, to the role of Director of Health for the firm.   

“During this time of change and opportunity in the healthcare industry, it was critical to identify a high-caliber leader who would continue to build on our momentum in this market,” said Troy Thompson, managing partner at SmithGroup. “We chose Craig to take on this role based on his innate ability to develop deep relationships with his clients, which has consistently led to successful project outcomes and long-term partnerships. We are confident that under his leadership, SmithGroup’s Health market will continue to flourish.”  

With more than 30 years of experience in the design of healthcare facilities, Craig has extensive expertise in the planning and delivery of large-scale, complex projects across the entire care continuum. He joined SmithGroup in 2005 and was promoted to studio leader in 2015. Craig is also board-certified by the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA).  

Craig’s partnerships with organizations like Banner Health, Indian Health Service and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have led to long lasting relationships across multiple projects for each. He has been a champion for design, serving as the principal-in-charge for Mountain Park Health Center-Tempe Clinic and River People Health Center, both of which received national recognition from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). 

“As I step into this new role, I am excited to work closely with the Health studios across the firm to support our overarching health market initiatives,” said Craig Passey, SmithGroup’s Director of Health. “With our long legacy of innovation and exceptional leadership and staff, we're committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible. We will continue to create transformative healthcare environments that make a positive impact on the industry."

Effective immediately, Craig succeeds Wayne Barger, who will be retiring in April 2026 after a distinguished career of over 40 years in the industry, including the last seven years at SmithGroup. During the time leading up to his retirement next year, Wayne will remain in a leadership position at SmithGroup as he transitions to the role of Federal Market Leader, using his deep knowledge of the market to shape and refine the firm’s overall strategy as this market continues to evolve.  

SmithGroup (www.smithgroup.com) is one of the world’s preeminent integrated design firms. Working across a network of 21 offices in the U.S. and China, a team of 1,500 experts is committed to excellence in strategy, design, and delivery. The scale of the firm’s thinking and organization produces partnerships with forward-looking clients that maximize opportunities, minimize risk and solve their most complex problems. SmithGroup creates exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology organizations, higher education and cultural institutions, urban environments, diverse workplaces, mixed-use and waterfront developments, and parks and open spaces.