Gresham Smith, a leading architecture, engineering, design and consulting firm that has called Nashville home for more than 50 years, is an industry leader in innovation. At Gresham Smith, innovation is not just about adopting emerging technologies—it’s about transforming the design and planning process to create healthier, more connected communities.
“At Gresham Smith, innovation isn’t just about adopting technology—it’s about redefining how we design for a better future,” said Mike Sewell, director of innovation at Gresham Smith. “Our forward-thinking approach empowers both our employees and clients to push beyond conventional solutions, driving transformative outcomes that align bold ideas with community needs.”
In 2025, Gresham Smith was named one of the world’s top 10 most innovative architecture firms by Fast Company. This distinction underscores the firm’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced computational design to redefine the built environment and enhance client engagement. The firm has also undertaken a number of collaborative partnerships with some of the country’s leading research institutions, including Vanderbilt University in Nashville. The two organizations have entered into an agreement to explore the future of innovation and design.
“Vanderbilt and Gresham Smith share a passion for innovation and collaboration,” noted Chris Rowe, executive director for industry collaborations in the Office of the Vice Provost for Research and Innovation at Vanderbilt University. “By formalizing our historic relationship in this way, we have a clear path forward for an even more comprehensive initiative. Our world-class researchers are eager to continue working with Gresham Smith’s engineering and design professionals to translate solutions into the real world for the direct benefit of our communities.”
In recent years, Gresham Smith has significantly advanced its AI-driven design approach. By developing generative and interpretive AI tools, the firm has enabled its employees to streamline tasks such as design ideation, data analysis, and project planning. AI-powered assistants have also been deployed to automate time-intensive processes like proposal development and marketing material creation, increasing efficiency and allowing designers to focus on creativity and problem-solving.
Computational design plays a critical role in the firm’s forward-thinking strategy, aiding teams in making data-driven decisions that improve efficiency, build consensus, better facilitate the client experience, and drive sustainability and resiliency. This approach has been particularly effective in large-scale projects such as battery plants for electric vehicle manufacturers and urban planning initiatives that optimize transportation, energy use, and accessibility.
Another area where Gresham Smith continues to push boundaries is in client experience and community engagement. The firm has introduced interactive platforms like Tw Insights, named one of Building Design +Construction’s 2024 Great Solutions, which allows clients to explore and provide real-time feedback on floor plans, and MPATH: Empathic Insights, an award-winning tool that quantifies how individuals emotionally experience designed spaces. These tools have been invaluable in healthcare, transit, and urban renewal projects, where user experience and emotional response shape the success of a project.
Additionally, the firm has fostered a culture of innovation through investments in its Futures Lab, a dedicated space where employees can explore AI, computational design, and interactive technology. Internal hackathons and the firm’s innovation portal have encouraged employees at all levels to propose and develop new tools, leading to transformative solutions that improve both internal processes and client engagement.
“Our commitment to continuous innovation allows us to align client aspirations with community needs, bringing bold ideas to life in a way that is both thoughtful and impactful,” said Rodney Chester, CEO and board chair of Gresham Smith.
With $328 million in annual gross revenue and 26 offices across the United States, Gresham Smith continues to make a lasting mark on the design industry. By integrating technology, fostering collaboration, and prioritizing people-centered solutions, the firm is setting new standards for innovation. As it looks toward the future, Gresham Smith remains dedicated to shaping environments that enhance quality of life and drive transformative change.
