Kim Thompson Smith, AIA, NOMA is a Principal and Owner of VMDO in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her elevation to principal in 2010 made Kim the first female architect / principal in the firm’s almost 40-year history.  In addition to this achievement, Kim founded Central VA Women in Design in 2009, served as a director on the Virginia Society AIA Board from 2009 – 2010, and was an AIA Virginia Emerging Leaders in Architecture Program Committee member for four years, from 2009-2013.
 

As the daughter of an immigrant and a first-generation college graduate, Kim is passionate about supporting students of diverse backgrounds.  She has participated in the live and virtual version of Hampton University’s Archi-camp program, Career fair, portfolio reviews and mentoring programs.  Also, as a member of NOMA, she has volunteered on the HBCU Professional Development Program as a panelist/presenter on in two programs – Negotiation and Pre-employment preparation.