Jay Smith | AIA, Leed AP

Principal | Design Director

A Design Director and Principal for diverse corporate, commercial and institutional building typologies and master plans, Jay’s approach inspires and integrates the ideas of team members from all disciplines and levels of experience. His leadership across all phases of complex, large-scale projects is enhanced by his strength as a conceptual and analytical thinker. Jay recognizes the reciprocal relationship between ideas and making: the process of making can inform an idea, just as an idea can inform the process of making. Together, the two allow for new ideas and unexpected results to emerge.

While studying psychology, Jay became intrigued by how art, material, color and space impact people’s perceptions and experience of their surroundings. Inspired by the idea of creating these environments he found architecture as a professional calling.

Since joining the firm more than eighteen years ago, Jay continues to gain insight from the unique interactions between art, building and landscape and the reciprocal relationship of making and thinking about architecture.

Prior to joining the firm, Jay gained professional experience at Machado-Silvetti Associates in Boston and Wolf Associates in Malibu. He has taught as Professor of the Practice at the NC State’s College of Design, served as chair of the AIA Triangle Design Awards and routinely serves as a guest critic, seminar leader, panelist and mentor for students at a variety of universities. As a member of the AIA Triangle Board of Directors, Jay provides ensures year-to-year excellence for its membership.

Master of Architecture, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Bachelor of Arts, Hampden-Sydney College

Organizations
American Institute of Architects
U.S. Green Building Council

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