Detroit - April 30, 2003 - The
SmithGroup Incorporated is the American Institute of Architects Michigan
Firm of the Year. This award recognizes an architectural firm that has
produced distinguished architecture for at least ten years. The firm is the
oldest continuously practicing architecture and engineering firm in the U.S.
It celebrates its 150th Anniversary this year. Headquartered in Detroit with
eight U.S. offices, 900 employees and annual revenues of over $135 million.
The award will be presented on May 2, 2003 during the annual honor awards
program at Cranbrook Academy of Arts.
In the early 1800s, before America's Civil War, architecture was not yet a
profession. Various building tradesmen called themselves 'architects,' and
gaining an education in architecture was often limited to studying the few
available books.
That didn't curtail the aspirations of Sheldon Smith, a self-taught
architect who grew up as a farmer in Connecticut and New York. It was in
1853 Smith created a small practice in Sandusky, Ohio, initially designing
residences for the well-to-do. Two years later, Smith moved to the bustling
city of Detroit, Michigan. It was here that his career flourished, as did
that of his son and grandson who followed in his footsteps.
The architectural firm created by Sheldon Smith has survived, grown and
evolved through the ensuing 150 years. It has endured dozens of economic
booms and busts, including the Great Depression, when even the most
successful firms closed. Along the way, the firm grew from a
Detroit-centered practice to a major Midwest contender, and finally to its
position today as one of the nation's largest and most forward-thinking
firms. Its designs continue to set new standards in and outside of the U.S.
SmithGroup has created many of the nation's most ahead-of-their-time,
industry honored designs. The firm continues its ongoing culture of
innovation, quality and integrity. In early 2002, new Chairman David King,
FAIA and President & CEO Carl Roehling, FAIA directed their focus on the
core services of architecture, engineering and planning. Today, the firm is
emphasizing design excellence with each project it delivers.
Two examples include the Chesapeake Bay Foundation headquarters, the
"greenest" office building in the U.S. and a top example of the nation's
transition to sustainable, environmentally sensitive architecture. Another
is the new McNamara Terminal/Northwest WorldGateway, which in less than a
year after completion has propelled the formerly bottom-ranked Detroit Metro
Airport to world-leading status.
AIA Michigan is a component of the American Institute of Architects. Its
members sponsor the Honor Awards Program to bring to public attention
examples of good design and to recognize the people who make significant
contributions to the built environment.
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