SmithGroup hires Matthew Dumich to lead workplace and mixed-use practices

The Chicago office of SmithGroup, one of the nation’s largest integrated design firms, has hired award-winning architect Matthew Dumich, FAIA, to lead its workplace and mixed-use markets. His diverse range of expertise will expand the quality and depth of SmithGroup’s design services in Chicagoland and beyond.

Dumich has extensive experience in the planning, design and management of large-scale commercial buildings, interiors and mixed-use development projects during his 18-year career with notable Chicago-based firms such as Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture and Valerio Dewalt Train Associates. Significant recent projects include the 16-story, 216,000-square-foot Godfrey Hotel in Chicago; the master plan for a 430-acre mixed-use community and innovation district, including the architectural design for 28 buildings, in Astana, Kazakhstan and Al Wasl Plaza, a mixed-use development with office, hotel, retail and an iconic civic event space in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Widely recognized for his outstanding service and leadership, Dumich was elevated into the American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows in 2017. Additional professional accolades include AIA National Young Architects Award (2013), AIA Chicago Dubin Family Young Architect Award (2012), and Building Design + Construction magazine’s “40 Under 40″ Award (2011).

A nationally recognized thought leader, Dumich has devoted much of his career to mentorship and professional development. This passion led him to co-found BRIDGE in 2009, a training and leadership program that pairs emerging architects with experienced AIA Fellows as mentors. A resource, advocacy and career guidance clearinghouse, BRIDGE informs next-generation professionals while establishing lasting, multigenerational relationships. Dumich was also recently appointed by the AIA National president to lead the 2019 Emerging Professionals Task Force.

“Matt brings an experienced perspective of the Chicago market and has a deep understanding of the drivers impacting our clients and their businesses,” said Tim Tracey, director of SmithGroup’s Chicago office. “As a principal and design leader, he will guide our teams in the creation of high-performing commercial buildings, interiors and mixed-use projects.”

SmithGroup’s workplace practice provides comprehensive planning, strategy and design services that help companies from across the U.S. create buildings and work environments that improve their organizations’ financial performance. Notable clients include Microsoft, Google, GoDaddy, Advisory Board Company, Ford, Ally Financial and Exelon Corporation, among others. Adding Dumich to the practice’s leadership team supports SmithGroup’s strategic plan to expand its position as a top design firm in Chicago and across the Midwest.

Dumich earned a master of architecture and a bachelor of science in architectural studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), which honored him with the prestigious Graduate of the Last Decade Award in 2008. A licensed architect and an active leader within the design community, he served as president of the AIA Chicago in 2017. Dumich is a native of Schaumburg, Illinois, and currently resides in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood with his wife, Christine, and son, Will.