The globally recognized architecture and design firm Spacesmith has announced the appointment of its founder and partner, Jane Smith, FAIA, IIDA, to the esteemed Industry Advisory Group for the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) for the 2021-2023 term.
Known widely for her work as an architect, educator and entrepreneur, Smith has supported the State Department’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO) on projects designing the interiors for new U.S. embassies and consulates including in Mexico City, Chang Mai, Thailand, and Ankara, Turkey. For the OBO’s prestigious Industry Advisory Group, or IAG, Smith will provide professional advisory and best practices input over a term through 2023.
In supporting the Department’s U.S. foreign policy objectives abroad, Smith and 34 colleagues in the IAG “will work with the OBO to provide safe, secure, functional, and resilient structures that represent the nation’s government to hosting locations, furthering U.S. values, architecture, design, engineering, technology, sustainability, art, culture, and construction execution,” according to OBO. The IAG advisors include prominent architects, engineers, and construction professionals.
“It is my privilege to join this advisory group of distinguished colleagues and continue the U.S. State Department’s legacy of excellence in building design, construction and operations at our diplomatic locations abroad,” says Smith.
As a founding principal of Spacesmith, Smith leads the certified woman-owned architecture, planning and interior design firm with offices in New York City and the New York State Capital Region, and is an expert in civic architecture and workplace design. Spacesmith’s global client roster has led to noteworthy work for an extensive range of acclaimed civic, institutional, academic, corporate, retail as well as private clients.
Smith is recognized for leadership positions with architectural organizations, such as her current standing as a member of the Board of Trustees for Olana Partnership, a nonprofit that works to preserve the National Historic Landmark, Olana, in the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. As an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New York State and City chapters, Smith served on several of the association’s boards. She also was co-chair of the Architecture Leadership Council for the NY Building Congress. Smith served as Chair of the Interior Design Department of the School of Visual Arts.
Smith is a recipient of the AIA New York State President’s Award for outstanding contributions to the profession in education, industry, or government by a member. A highly sought industry expert, Smith enjoys participation in various educational and industry panels, including participation on a panel at the National AIA Conference with her OBO projects colleagues discussing collaboration and coordination in the creation of sensitive, large-scale embassy projects. Smith earned her degree in architecture, cum laude, from Arizona State University and her master’s in finance from New York University’s Stern School of Business.
