A small and dedicated team, we value collaboration – within our studio and with our clients. We are interested in authentic projects with people who are excited to explore the unique potential that comes with their particular set of needs, wants and constraints.
Peter C. Smith, AIA
Founder, Architect
Peter was introduced to design at an early age thanks to his Dutch grandfather, a landscape architect. Peter’s understanding of the environment and impact of his interventions was the overarching lesson he learned – and is an essential truth he still values today. Peter’s active outdoor lifestyle and physical relationship to the environment, through sailing, skiing and biking, inspire and influence his work and his understanding that we have the responsibility to preserve and respect our natural environment through good design and conscious material choices.
Peter has over two decades of experience designing and managing all phases of residential and commercial projects. Before founding Designsmiths, he worked for firms in Chicago and Traverse City where he gained experience on everything from government and educational projects to restaurant interiors and single-family homes (not to mention everything else in between). Peter enjoys jumping between scales and programs, taking ideas and methods from one type of project and applying them in new ways to others. At Designsmiths, he collaborates with the team, as well as with engineers, builders and clients, prioritizing open dialogue, creative thinking and adaptability to create functional, interesting and efficient buildings.
Peter earned his Master of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, and a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He studied architecture in Spain and Finland, and attended the Glenn Murcutt Masterclass in Sydney, Australia.
Peter is a Licensed Architect in Michigan, President of AIA Northern Michigan, LEED Accredited and NCARB Certificate holder.
Ruth Preusser
Architect
Ruth joined Designsmiths for the opportunity to create unique and serene environments at a variety of scales. She is comfortable working on urban planning concepts as well as small but surprising details for both residential and commercial buildings.
Ruth is a licensed Architect in Switzerland, where she is originally from. She has been working as an Architect in Switzerland for twelve years and has designed and realized small, medium and large projects.
She holds a Masters of Architecture from ETH Zurich where she developed her conceptual ideas that are created through a harmonious interplay of a variety of elements (site, materials, people, etc.). Outside the studio, you can find Ruth baking bread, running, and exploring new places.
Charlotte Smith
Founder, Designer
Charlotte believes that anything is possible in the world of design, and particularly thinks that every project should be unique, with its own character. With over 20 years of experience, she brings with her a deep understanding of environmental design, commercial and residential architecture, and a healthy dose of humor and straight-forward communication (thanks, most likely, to her Texas upbringing). She is endlessly curious about built spaces and the people and communities that inhabit them.
Prior to founding Designsmiths, Charlotte worked on exhibit design, graphic design and commercial and residential architecture for Scrafano Architects, Bruce Mau Design and SOM in Chicago, and abroad at Peter Stutchbury Architects (recipient of Australia’s Gold Medal for Architecture and all around big deal) in Sydney, Australia. These diverse experiences prepared her well for her many hats worn at Designsmiths. Charlotte is responsible for designing and managing the early stages of designs, understanding clients’ programs, and sketching out some 3,000 or so ideas to find the right direction for each unique project. She also prides herself on keeping the studio collaborative, creative and fun.
Charlotte received her Master of Architecture from University of Michigan, where she was also a Genevieve Hafner Memorial Scholar. She received her Bachelor of Environmental Design from University of Colorado at Boulder. An influential experience early in her career, Charlotte attended the Glenn Murcutt Masterclass in Sydney, Australia.
Charlotte enjoys being an active participant in her local community, serving as the chair of the Traverse City Art Commission and volunteering her time at the Old Art Building in Leland. Lately, Charlotte has been inspired by landscape design and is enjoying exploring its endless potential. Turns out anything is possible in landscape design too.
Brittany Luea, AIA
Architect
Brittany is a keen believer that one’s environment impacts their experiences in life and finds purpose in creating spaces that inspire and benefit others. Her passion for architecture stems from her joy of drawing and utilizing both sides of her brain to create spatial solutions. She sees herself as equally creative and technical and brings those skills to the studio.
Brittany began collaborating with the Designsmiths team in the Fall of 2021. Prior to her work at the studio, she had experience on a number of residential, educational, and commercial projects. Brittany has worked for McIntosh Poris Associates and InFORM Studio, both in metro Detroit, Michigan. She also worked at Kingscott Associates in Kalamazoo, Michigan as an Architectural Designer. Early in her journey, she spent a glorious summer studying Architecture History and Photography in Rome, Italy.
Brittany received her Master of Architecture with Distinction as well as her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The University of Michigan. Her accomplishments include the following: Boston Society of Architects Unbuilt Architecture Design Award, Yerex Scholar, MAF AIA Michigan Presidents’ Scholarship, Raoul Wallenberg Award, and Saarinen Scholar.
Brittany is a Licensed Architect in Michigan and NCARB Certificate holder. She recently completed the Global Innovation Catalyst iX program through the Stanford Center for Professional Development.
Jaime Stratford
Studio Manager
Jaime is an administrative professional with a passion for organization and helping others. She grew up in the Chicagoland area and earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality & Tourism from Southern Illinois University. With a desire to explore outside of the Midwest, Jaime lived in Boston, then Denver, while pursuing assistant roles in various industries.
Jaime moved to Traverse City in 2022 and joined Designsmiths as the Studio Manager, to support the close-knit team in all aspects of their business.
Employment
Every so often we are in need of talented, creative people to join our studio. If this describes you, please send your cover letter, resume and portfolio to smiths@designsmiths.us.
Our studio is a critical piece to our collaborative process. Perfectly planted between the woods, the water and downtown, the studio provides an invigorating space for us to develop ideas, share discoveries, test theories, laugh, question solutions, and wave to the familiar faces that walk by.
