LIFE AT SMITHGROUP
SmithGroup has evolved from a small Detroit-based architectural practice to a global, integrated design firm creating award-winning projects around the world. Yet, in many ways we still have that small firm vibe: We work collaboratively and creatively. We share ideas and learn from one another, regardless of job title or tenure with the firm. We know one other, we need one another, and we believe that every person here is a unique and valuable member of the team.
A FORWARD-THINKING CULTURE
JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
At SmithGroup, we are committed to the hard work to champion and employ just polices and equitable frameworks to foster diverse representation and inclusive outcomes. J.E.D.I. leadership in these topics strengthens workplace culture, prioritizes talent development and retention, builds deeper community, and elevates design excellence that is accessible to all people.
COMMUNITY
Collectively and as individuals, SmithGroup employees support their communities in many ways—renovating affordable housing, raising money for food banks, cleaning up beaches, planting urban farms, mentoring students and supporting numerous other excellent causes. Whether working on behalf of a client or our own neighborhoods, we’ve enjoyed many opportunities and we seek out ways to pay it forward.
OUR COMMITMENT TO A CARBON-POSITIVE FUTURE
SmithGroup has a long history of leading sustainable design, pushing the envelope on innovations to address the climate emergency. Our promise to design a better future embodies a deep commitment to a net-zero and ultimately carbon-positive future, embracing climate mitigation and adaptation in all our integrated design work as well as reducing the carbon footprint of our own operations.
OUR J.E.D.I. LEADERS SHARE HOW OUR CULTURE IS EVOLVING
Our commitment to Design a Better Future includes creating a workplace focused on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (or J.E.D.I.). Architect Chris Mayor and architectural designer Kamille Hampton, both members of SmithGroup’s J.E.D.I. Committee, speak OFF THE CUFF about how our J.E.D.I. values are advancing the culture at SmithGroup. Together with their fellow committee members, they are guiding change in our policies, processes and investments to become the just, equitable and inclusive workplace we aspire to.
OUR CULTURE IN ACTION
THE VOICE OF INTERNS: CLIMATE ACTION AND THE FUTURE
The AEC industry is at the forefront of seeking ways to mitigate the effects of the climate emergency, by working to create a more resilient built environment. To achieve this goal, today’s design and construction professionals must continue to educate, train and expose the next generations to empower and enable them to make a difference through their career paths. We asked our 2022 interns to share their thoughts about climate action and how they hope to advance this mission.
OPPORTUNITIES AT SMITHGROUP
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AT SMITHGROUP
