Category / Architectural Planning

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  • Center for Anti-Racism at Temple University

    PROJECT SPOTLIGHT: Center for Anti-Racism at Temple University

    Born out of the George Floyd protests, Temple University issued an RFP to create the Center for Anti-Racism Research under the auspices of the Department of Africology and African American Studies. Selected in partnership with Pride Enterprises, this interior alteration and exterior addition to (2) existing hall buildings at Temple University for the Department of…

  • Vare Recreation Center

    Vare Recreation Center in the News

    Vare Recreation Center was mentioned in the Philadelphia Inquirer article "Philly’s soda tax is supposed to ‘Rebuild’ parks and rec centers. It’s been a slow start."  Despite the slow start of this Philadelphia Soda Tax funded project, we are excited to be a part of the movement aimed to create much needed recreational spaces in…

  • PlanPhilly Interview

    In this PlanPhilly interview  Ian explained his view on how architects can be more empathetic and contribute to communities of color. The interview explored how real estate development is tied to race. Ian discusses his methodology on practicing empathy to discover meaning in design, delves into the reasons for development being limited in communities of…

  • CDC: Conceptual Design for North 22nd Street Corridor

    The team at IS-DG participated with the Allegheny West Foundation for the conceptual design for creating a sense of place for the North 22nd Street corridor. Working with the Community Design Collaborative, Ian collaborated with several other local architects who volunteered their time to showcase what this underutilized street could be. The team created designs…

  • PEA: Stories from an Architect – Diversity in the Profession Panel

    Ian will participate in a panel discussion on diversity in architecture at AIA Philadelphia’s “Stories from an Architect” event. There is only one reason I pursued becoming an architect, but 1,369 decisions I had to make to stick with it. I will present a few of them along with a few other talented professionals on…

  • Race Architecture

    Race + Public Space Event

    Ian participated in the event Race + Public Space in December 2017 hosted by PlanPhilly, Urban Consulate, PhilaNOMA, Community Design Collaborative, and Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations. The event delved into conversations around race and design in Philadelphia and the disparity between the mostly white planning professionals and the mostly black residents. The panel…

  • Joe Frazier’s Gym – National Treasure

    The National Trust for Historic Preservation secured the Joe Frazier’s Gym recognition as a National Treasure. Ian Smith Design Group was honored to present the Trust a feasibility study for the re-development of the gym and are thrilled with the designation. Winning this designation protects this historic site. Designation as a Philadelphia landmark protects the…