On March 16, 2023, in honor of National Women's History Month, VANOMA hosted Kim Smith – the first female Principal and Owner of VMDO Architects in Charlottesville, Virginia. During this spotlight event, Kim shared with us her architectural journey and Latina heritage, as well as the importance of incorporating wellness into our personal and professional lives.
You can't control your beginning or end, but you can control everything in between. KIM SMITH, AIA, NOMA
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When you make it to the next rung on the ladder, reach back and pull someone along with you. KIM SMITH, AIA, NOMA
Celebrating Kim Thompson Smith
Kim Smith is a Principal and Owner of VMDO Architects in Charlottesville, Virginia. Her elevation to principal in 2010 made Kim the first female architect / principal in the firm’s almost 40-year history.
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 fairs, portfolio reviews and mentoring programs. Also, as a member of NOMA, she has volunteered on the HBCU Professional Development Program as a panelist/presenter of two programs – Negotiation and Pre-employment preparation.
In 2022, Kim joined the VANOMA board and has been making significant contributions to our thought leadership, and influencing the way in which we approach professional development for emerging professionals. Prior to joining our board, Kim founded Central Virginia 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.
It goes without saying, Kim is an incredible contributor to our profession and the Virginia design community, as well as to the next generation of design professionals.
Surround yourself with people who light up your world. KIM SMITH, AIA, NOMA
Read more about Kim Smith
Learn more about VMDO Architects
Register for the annual NOMA HBCU Professional Development Program
Keep up with all the latest VANOMA spotlight videos on our YouTube channel