NELSON Worldwide, award-winning architecture, design, and strategy firm, has strengthened its leadership with the addition of Michael Smith. Based in Atlanta, Michael will be responsible for directing the firm's growing Life Science and Advanced Technology practice nationwide.
"Michael has a passion for designing facilities that spark innovation, support collaboration, and energize those that use the space," said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NELSON Worldwide, John "Ozzie" Nelson Jr. "The life sciences industry has seen tremendous growth over the past two years, and we're excited to have him join the NELSON team to support this practice and navigate the changes and challenges post-pandemic."
In his new role, Michael will lead the team in the design and development of life science spaces that support scientific discovery. Utilizing a multi-pronged approach, he will educate and mentor teams internally and work closely with the healthcare and education practices to spur creativity to create concepts that support client goals. An advocate for his clients, he will monitor project scope, schedule, and budget to ensure client satisfaction. Sustainability will also be a core focus for Michael. As a LEED accredited professional, he will work alongside his team to minimize its carbon footprint and ensure planet-positive materials and systems are integrated into all design concepts.
"One of my greatest sources of inspiration is collaborating with clients to overcome challenges and create sustainable facility solutions that assist scientists and physicians in solving the problems of disease in our society," comments Michael. "The pandemic has demonstrated the importance of biomedical science and the need to invest in our society's future. I look forward to working alongside NELSON team members and collaborating with our clients to create facilities that support the future of this industry while expanding adjacent sectors."
Michael is highly recognized within the industry and has over 30 years of experience planning and designing academic and biomedical teaching and research laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical research and development facilities, cleanrooms for microelectronics and medical device manufacture, and animal research facilities. Holding senior leadership positions at some of the nation's largest architecture firms, Michael has led the development of many notable projects and has experience with strategic marketing and business development, project acquisition, resource allocation, and the oversight of the programming, planning, design, production, and construction administration process.
