In 2015, SmithGroup partnered with a confidential American multinational automotive manufacturing company to systematically renovate a 2.3 million gross square foot campus mega-building in six consecutive stages. This renovation transformed the existing office environment from small cubicle spaces and private offices into a modern, agile work environment that aligns with the client's design principles of openness, collaboration, flexibility, identity, and well-being. This transformation allowed a more efficient use of square footage dedicated to amenities, collaboration spaces, and breakout rooms to better support these core design principles.

​

​Although I was involved briefly in previous stages of the building renovation, in January 2020 I was honored with the position of Architectural Design Lead for Stage 6; the largest of all the stages at 430,000 square feet. This square footage sprawls across three building additions, four floors, and includes major design and branding opportunities within and surrounding the main entry lobby.

​

​As design lead, my responsibilities included directing the architectural discipline team members and interdisciplinary coordination with the larger team to ensure my design was implemented and integrated. I provided leadership and assisted in mentoring junior team members throughout the design process. I assisted in establishing project timelines, staffing requirements, and defining roles and responsibilities of internal team members. I established, managed, and maintained project design goals and developed the conceptual design framework for the sixth stage of renovation. I implemented space planning strategies to improve user experiences and created branding identities through architectural expressions of the space.

​

​Throughout the project, I was responsible for composing presentations for client leadership meetings and funding approvals. I communicated designs to the client both orally and graphically on a regular basis. I have fostered and maintained effective and productive relationships with both the client and contractors. I prepared written communications to iterate design ideas, project documentation, and contracts. I have consistently resolved conflicts and provided creative solutions throughout the design and construction process. I have also been responsible for observing site conditions during construction to ensure the project’s conformance with the design intent.

​

​This project could not have succeeded without the extensive team that worked so hard to prepare and deliver construction documents and building information to our client and contractors. This was one of the largest collaborative efforts I have ever been involved in and I had the pleasure of working with outstanding individuals that continuously offered opportunities for me to learn and understand different perspectives of design. I continue to be honored and impressed with the final product of our labors.

​

​Throughout this project, and many other projects for this client, I have established procedures and protocols for project workflows to ensure consistency in SmithGroup deliverables. I pride myself on being an expert on this particular workspace environment and the client expectations associated with their many campus renovation projects. I have fostered and maintained effective and productive relationships with the client during my career at SmithGroup.