Project Manager, Cody Smith has been named a member of the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 40 Under 40 class. This remarkable achievement is a testament to his dedication to his profession, and his success at such a young age. This past year, Cody was honored with the Alabama Council of the AIA’s Young Architect Award. This prestigious accolade is the highest recognition bestowed upon a young architect within AIA Alabama, recognizing individuals whose leadership, service, and contributions have made significant positive impacts on the architectural profession and the AIA in the state of Alabama.
Cody Smith’s remarkable journey in the field of architecture commenced after his graduation from Mississippi State University in 2017, where he earned his Bachelor of Architecture and was awarded the 2017 MSU Undergraduate Research Award. His passion and dedication to the field were evident from the start of his career.
One of Cody’s most noteworthy achievements is his rapid path to becoming a licensed architect, a milestone he achieved in just seven years, five years ahead of the national average. This accomplishment exemplifies his commitment to excellence and his drive to excel within the profession.
Cody’s dedication extends beyond his professional achievements. He has been an active and valuable member of the architectural community, notably serving the Montgomery chapter of the AIA from 2018 to 2022 in various leadership roles, including a term as president in his final year as an officer. Currently, Cody serves on the board for AIA Montgomery, further contributing to the growth and development of the profession at the local level. In addition to his involvement with the AIA, Cody is a respected board member of the Alabama Center for Architecture, where his insights and expertise continue to shape the architectural landscape in Alabama.
Outside of his architectural pursuits, Cody enjoys travel and quality time with his family, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to life and a commitment to balancing personal and professional growth.
Since joining Seay, Seay & Litchfield Architects, Cody Smith has made significant contributions as a project manager and member of design teams for a range of projects. Notable among these projects are the Troy University Health Science Building, Troy University Center for Materials and Manufacturing Sciences, Troy University Student Fitness Center, Alabama Orthopedic Office, and his participation on the design team for the Opelika Police Station.
“Cody Smith’s achievements and dedication are a source of inspiration for young architects and professionals within the architectural community,” said Jimmy Seay, Jr., Founder and Senior Principal Architect at SS&L. “His selection for the Alabama Council AIA Young Architect Award is a testament to his exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to the profession, and the positive impact he has made on the architectural landscape in Alabama.”
Cody Smith’s role as a project manager is to develop projects from an idea to a built environment which includes leading the design team and consultants, managing client expectations and cultivating relationships with other industry leaders to ensure a successful project. He is the board director for the Montgomery AIA Chapter and the Alabama Center for Architecture, whose mission is to advance the enjoyment of architecture and design through engagement, education and collaboration.