MICHELLE BELLON SMYTH
McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
SAY IT LOUD - SOUTH CAROLINA Exhibitor
South Carolina Based Designer
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The communities where we practice and the sites where our projects are located are a continuous source of inspiration. Each project is an opportunity to connect to people, place and something beyond, the culture which reinforces how we live.
MICHELLE BELLON SMYTH
Bio:
The Great Designer, Michelle Smyth, AIA, is a project manager, architect, and principal at McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture and has been in practice for nearly 20 years. Michelle currently leads the team for the firm's K-12 practice area in the Charleston Studio and is a recent graduate of Leadership South Carolina. Michelle believes educational facilities are some of the community's greatest assets and is passionate about these facilities serving their communities in the best possible way.
How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I took a summer architecture class during a high school summer program which demonstrated the discipline as a highly creative and rational practice. Because I had grown up studying piano and loved science and math, it was a great career choice.
What do you do?
At Furman University, I decided to change my undergraduate degree track from Chemistry/Pre-Med to Fine Arts, and then went on to receive my Masters Degree in Architecture from Clemson.
What excites you in the work you do?
Every day is different, and I'm always learning. I also love working with different people, from my office colleagues to the wider partners in the building and construction industry to our clients and their communities I get to meet and understand.
Who or what inspires you professionally?
The communities where we practice and the sites where our projects are located are a continuous source of inspiration. Each project is an opportunity to connect to people, place and something beyond, the culture which reinforces how we live.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
There are several, but I am most proud that my children have had the opportunity to learn in schools where I've participated in the design. That is most rewarding to me personally as a not only a design professional but as a career-driven mother.
Featured Project Name:
Old Chicora Renovation
Featured Project Location:
North Charleston, SC
Featured Project Completion Date:
TBD
Role in Featured Project:
Project Architect
Featured Project Description:
Serving the Chicora-Cherokee community in North Charleston, local nonprofit organization Metanoia focuses on community development derived from collaboration, careful listening and personal involvement. One key piece of their vision for the community is to transform the historic Chicora School, originally built in the 1930s, into a vibrant community activity hub. The 63,000 SF facility offers space to include an early childhood center, artists’ studios, a small theater and nonprofit offices.
