Adrian Smith

Step into the world of Adrian Smith, the visionary architect behind some of the most breathtaking skylines on the planet. Born in Chicago and raised in Southern California, Adrian's journey began with a passion for drawing, guided by his mother's encouragement to explore architecture. His talent was undeniable—so much so that Skidmore, Owings & Merrill hired him before he even graduated from Texas A&M. Later, he completed his studies at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Over the decades, Adrian has left an indelible mark on cities across the globe, designing iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai—the world's tallest building—and redefining skylines in Chicago, Beijing, New York, Seoul, London, and Boston. In 2006, he founded Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, a firm that champions high-performance, energy-efficient, and sustainable design. Just two years later, he co-founded PositivEnergy Practice, advancing environmental engineering for the buildings of tomorrow.

With over 125 awards to his name, including prestigious honors from the American Institute of Architects and the Urban Land Institute, Adrian's legacy is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2011, he was honored with the CTBUH Lynn S. Beedle Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to his profound impact on the field of architecture.

Now retired, Adrian has embraced a new chapter, channeling his creativity into abstract painting. Alongside his wife Nancy, he is restoring a historic estate in Lake Forest, transforming it into "The Atelier," a haven for art and community.

We are thrilled to present Adrian Smith in our Summer Vignette interviews—a rare opportunity to hear from a true master of his craft. Join us on Patreon to discover the fascinating journey of a man who has shaped the skylines of our world and is now creating beauty in new forms. Don't miss this exclusive interview—subscribe today!