AIA PICKS SMITH FOR PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

April 20, 2007 - Detroit - The Michigan Chapter of the American Institute of Architects selected Rochester architect, Arthur F. Smith, FAIA, to receive the prestigious Hastings Award. Robert Hastings, FAIA was a Detroit architect with what is now called the Smithgroup. He rose through the local, state and national components of AIA and became national president in 1970. Smith will receive his plaque at the Annual Celebration of Excellence in Architecture in Plymouth at the Inn at St. John on April 20. The Inn will play host to over 200 architects for their celebration. This year will mark the 150th Anniversary of The American Institute of Architects.

Anyone who has ever met Smith is struck by his enthusiasm and passion. His greatest passion is design excellence. His ability to creatively solve complex issues with innovation has resulted in over thirty design honors and awards. He is a design principal with Harley Ellis Devereaux in Southfield and provides their clients with creative solutions to complex business challenges.

After earning his Architecture degree from Lawrence Technological University (LTU), his loyalty to the university and the profession has been unwavering. He is currently a thesis advisor for the Master’s Program and an adjunct professor for Interior Architecture. For four years he sponsored a design scholarship for the School of Architecture. He was on the Dean Selection Committee and is on the School of Architecture Curriculum Advisory Committee. While with Neumann/Smith & Associates, Inc., Smith designed LTU’s Engineering Building Addition and the new A. Alfred Taubman Student Services Center with Harley Ellis Devereaux. Hastings was also a LTU supporter and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate. Smith is also on the advisory board for Ferris State University’s Architectural Technology Program.

Smith is chairman of the AIA Michigan and AIA Detroit Honor Awards Committees.. He is an active member of the American Institute of Architects, where he served as President of AIA Michigan and AIA Detroit. He is the recipient of the Young Architect of the Year from both AIA Michigan and AIA Detroit. Art received his Fellowship into the American Institute of Architects in 1999 and the AIA Detroit Gold Medal in 2004.

The American Institute of Architects Michigan, headquartered in the historic Beaubien House across from the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit, established its awards program to bring to public attention the value and importance of architectural excellence and to recognize those whose notable achievements encourage all to make excellence in architecture the standard.

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