Torri Smith
@torrismith
Architecture founder and principal blending biophilic, sustainable, and design-justice practice with community-led engagement.
United StatesWhat I'm looking for
BIO
Multidisciplinary designer, educator, and creative strategist with 10+ years of experience leading projects across architecture, visual communication, community engagement, and experiential design. Skilled in translating complex ideas into compelling presentations, visual narratives, and client-facing deliverables. Experienced managing cross-disciplinary teams, educational programs, and creative initiatives in both in-person and remote environments. Seeking remote opportunities in design, communications, education, and creative strategy.
ACHIEVEMENTS
2025 CreativeMornings Detroit Speaker/Panelist, contributing to a public conversation on creativity, design, and community impact.
2023 Dean’s Equity & Inclusion Initiative Fellow, recognized for work advancing equity, inclusion, and access within design education and practice.
2021 Thesis Super Jury Winner at the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.
Recipient of the Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship through the American Institute of Architects, supporting emerging architectural professionals pursuing licensure.
Guest Speaker for Detroit Design City at Bamboo Detroit, sharing insights on design, creative practice, and community-centered work.
Exhibiting artist with work and creative practice featured in local and regional publications including the Detroit Free Press, Metro Times, and Michigan Chronicle.
Board member and contributor across multiple design-focused organizations, including NOMAS, Design Futures Forum, and Public Design Corps, supporting initiatives centered on equity, mentorship, public interest design, and community engagement.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Principal + Founder
Arc Bae
Jan 2022 - Present (4 years 5 months)
Founded ARC BAE and led a design practice focused on environmental + social justice, biophilic and sustainable approaches, and community-collaborative projects, including the Corktown Social Justice + Non-Profit Incubator (in progress).
Designer
Hannah Architects
Jan 2024 - Jan 2026 (2 years)
Worked on master planning and design work for the North End Landing project, supporting a residential development of eight buildings (in progress).
Design Consultant
J29:7 Development Company
Jan 2022 - Jan 2023 (1 year)
Provided design consulting for J29:7 Development Company and facilitated community engagement conversations to inform development work.
Economic Dev & Design Manager
East Jefferson Development Corporation
Jan 2021 - Jan 2022 (1 year)
Managed economic development and design initiatives at East Jefferson Development Corporation, leading community engagement efforts to align design decisions with local needs.
Instructional Aide
ArcPrep
Jan 2020 - Jan 2021 (1 year)
Worked as an Instructional Aide for ArcPrep at Taubman College, supporting student learning within early design education programming.
Intermediate Designer
Rossetti Architects
Jan 2019 - Jan 2021 (2 years)
Served as an Intermediate Designer at Rossetti Architects, contributing to architectural design development for projects in Detroit.
Research Assistant
Taubman College, University of Michigan
Jan 2019 - Jan 2020 (1 year)
Served as a Research Assistant at Taubman College, University of Michigan, supporting architecture and urban design research in Ann Arbor.
Junior Designer
Rossetti Architects
Jan 2017 - Jan 2019 (2 years)
Worked as a Junior Designer at Rossetti Architects, supporting architectural design efforts and project development in Detroit.
Design Consultant
Interboro Partners
Jan 2017 - Jan 2018 (1 year)
Served as a Detroit Design Consultant at Interboro Partners, supporting architecture and urban design work with cross-team collaboration.
Architectural Intern
Rossetti Architects
Jan 2015 - Jan 2017 (2 years)
Completed an internship at Rossetti Architects in Detroit, supporting architectural design tasks and studio workflows.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Michigan Taubman College
Master of Architecture, Architecture
Earned a Master of Architecture at the University of Michigan Taubman College. Thesis: Equitable Landscapes.
Lawrence Technological University
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Architecture
Completed a Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Lawrence Technological University.
College for Creative Studies
Fine Arts & Illustration
2011 - 2011
Completed one year of coursework in Fine Arts & Illustration at the College for Creative Studies.
Purdue University
Communications
2009 - 2009
Completed one year of coursework in Communications at Purdue University.
Availability
Location
United StatesAuthorized to work in
Website
arcbaedesign.comPortfolio
arcbae.cargo.site/PORTFOLIOSocial media
Job categories
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