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Detroit-based SmithGroup sees Midwest regional revenue climb 14% in 2024
Founded in 1853, architecture/engineering firm SmithGroup is continuing to flourish with 20 offices across the U.S., 1,500 employees and a presence in the Midwest that goes back to the firms earliest days.
SmithGroup, which is the longest continually operating architecture/engineering firm in the country that is nota wholly owned subsidiary, was founded as an architectural practice in 1853 in Ohio by Sheldon Smith, who moved the firm to Detroit in 1855.
Engineering was added to its services in the early 1900s by Smith's grandson, Fred Smith. Fast forward to the 2000s and the firm, after going through a couple of mergers that extended its reach to the East and West coasts and a couple of name changes, reverted to its SmithGroup moniker in 2018.
Answering Changing Needs
By expanding its services to meet the ever-evolving needs of its clients, the Detroit-headquartered firm has seen its revenue grow in the Midwest and nationally. Its Midwest revenue increased to nearly $104 million in 2024 from $90.7 million in 2023. Its national revenue soared to $440 million last year from $362 million in the prior year.
Roxanne Malek, managing partner, says the firm's national revenue has tripled over the last 10 years, which she attributes to its emphasis on understanding and meeting their clients' objectives.
"The driver of how we've gotten to where we are is Бу being really focused on solving our clients' biggest challenges, whether that's energy consumption or space utilization [or other challenges]," Malek says.
While it has welcomed growth, Malek says SmithGroups success is not all about driving revenue, but about extending engagement with clients and solving their needs, which may go beyond traditional architecture.
"It's been really about solving those greater challenges [of clients] and making ourselves more capable...