At the astounding age of 23, Drew Haley Smith, a 2023 graduate of Auburn University, has etched her name in history as the youngest licensed female architect in the United States.
Conquering the rigorous Architecture Registration Examination’s six parts and fulfilling the Architectural Experience Program requirements, Smith achieved this milestone a mere year after graduation—an incredible feat accomplished over six years sooner than the national average, as revealed by Seay Seay & Litchfield (SS&L) Architects in a recent announcement.
Currently, Smith lends her expertise to the Auburn branch of SS&L, where she has already overseen projects with a combined value exceeding $173 million.
“Drew Haley Smith has proven to be an invaluable asset to our team here at SS&L,” enthused Jimmy Seay, Jr., Founder & Senior Principal Architect at the firm. “Her passion for design is unmistakable, and her work ethic is truly exceptional. We are fortunate to have her as part of our team.”
“Drew Haley’s accomplishment is a testament not only to her unwavering dedication but also to the nurturing environment fostered by Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design & Construction program,” a statement from the university read.
“We are committed to cultivating the growth of exceptional individuals like Drew Haley, who represent the future of our industry. We eagerly anticipate witnessing her career flourish and the significant contributions she will undoubtedly make to our firm and the communities we serve.”
Smith is presently immersed in the design of a cutting-edge war gaming center destined for Montgomery’s Maxwell Air Force Base. She expressed her gratitude to her loved ones and mentors for their instrumental role in her success.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone at SS&L Architects and Auburn University,” shared Smith in the press release.
“Being part of a team of passionate and driven individuals is truly inspiring. A heartfelt thank you goes out to my parents for their unwavering motivation, my siblings for their infectious sense of humor, my mentors for their guidance, and my incredible co-workers for their constant support and encouragement. I am truly blessed to be surrounded by such positive and supportive people.”
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Drew Haley Smith, the Youngest Licensed Female Architect in the U.S.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Drew. It’s a pleasure to have you here. You made headlines recently by becoming the youngest licensed female architect in the United States. How does it feel to hold that title?
Drew Haley Smith: Thank you for having me! It’s incredibly surreal and honestly a bit overwhelming. I’ve always loved architecture, and to achieve this milestone at such a young age feels like a validation of all the hard work I’ve put in. More importantly, I hope it inspires other young women to pursue their passions in fields like architecture.
Time.news Editor: That’s a fantastic perspective! You completed the Architectural Registration Examination’s six parts and fulfilled the Architectural Experience Program requirements in just one year after graduating from Auburn University. What motivated you to tackle this challenge so quickly?
Drew Haley Smith: I think it comes down to my passion for architecture and my desire to push boundaries in a traditionally male-dominated field. I was fortunate enough to have a supportive network at Auburn, as well as mentors who encouraged me to take on challenges. I wanted to get licensed while the knowledge was fresh and to make an immediate impact in my career.
Time.news Editor: You certainly accomplished that! In fact, you’re currently working at Seay Seay & Litchfield (SS&L), where you’re overseeing projects worth over $173 million. Can you share what types of projects you’re working on?
Drew Haley Smith: Absolutely! I’m predominantly involved in various urban development projects that focus on sustainability and community engagement. It’s really exciting to see how our designs can positively influence people’s lives and the environment. Working on such large-scale projects has allowed me to apply my creativity and technical skills in meaningful ways.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like you are making a significant impact already. Jimmy Seay, Jr., the Founder of SS&L, praised your passion for design and exceptional work ethic. How important is mentorship in this industry, both for you personally and for other young architects?
Drew Haley Smith: Mentorship is crucial. I’ve had amazing mentors throughout my education and early career who have guided me, provided opportunities, and helped me navigate the challenges of being a young female architect. It’s vital for established architects to support newcomers—especially women and minorities—so we can have diverse voices in the field. I hope to also become a mentor for others in the future.
Time.news Editor: That’s inspiring, Drew! With your blazing trail in such a competitive field, what advice would you give to young women aspiring to become architects?
Drew Haley Smith: My main piece of advice is to never underestimate your abilities. Don’t shy away from challenges and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Surround yourself with supportive peers and mentors, and always keep learning. The architecture world can be tough, but with passion and perseverance, it genuinely can lead to remarkable opportunities.
Time.news Editor: Wise words! Lastly, with your remarkable journey still in its early days, what’s next for you? Do you have any long-term goals you wish to achieve in your career?
Drew Haley Smith: I hope to continue taking on larger and more complex projects, especially those that emphasize sustainability and social responsibility. My dream is to eventually lead my own firm and champion innovative designs that make a positive impact. But for now, I’m excited to keep learning and growing in my role at SS&L!
Time.news Editor: Thank you for sharing your journey and insights with us, Drew. It’s clear that you are set to make waves in the architectural world, and we look forward to following your career closely!
Drew Haley Smith: Thank you so much! I appreciate the opportunity to share my story.