Smith, Farias Named Principals

SMMA Symmes Maini McKee Associates Names Jessica Smith Ryan Farias Principals

SMMA is pleased to announce that Jessica Smith, Director of the firm’s Technology Studio, and Ryan Farias, Director of Marketing, have been appointed principals. They join a group of 25 professionals with decades of industry experience whose backgrounds span numerous areas of expertise. As principals, they will share in the responsibility of maintaining the health of the firm, guiding its continued growth and shaping its strategic vision for the future.

Jessica has been a key contributor at SMMA for more than a decade. In addition to her responsibilities heading the firm’s Technology Studio, she serves as a project manager, leading teams to successful outcomes for an extensive client list that includes EMC Corporation, the University of Massachusetts, GE Healthcare Life Sciences, and Analog Devices. She is also SMMA’s quality manager, ensuring that the firm meets the International Organization of Standardization’s stringent ISO 9001:2008 requirements, a clear demonstration of SMMA’s commitment to quality and process integrity.

Ryan joined the firm in 2011, and his tenure has been defined by a focus on thought leadership and knowledge-sharing, notably resulting in the implementation of SMMA’s intranet, the Hub; the expansion of the Marketing Department, both in terms of staff and services provided; and the firm's shift toward more strategic pursuits, which has resulted in commissions for Boston Public Schools, Providence College, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“The professionalism, passion for ideas, and team-focused approach that Jessica and Ryan bring to the office each day have been significant drivers of the firm’s success,” said Ara Krafian, Chief Executive Officer. “Along with the Board of Directors, I am delighted to recognize their ceaseless dedication to helping SMMA be a leader in the design community with these well-deserved promotions.”

The contributions that Jessica and Ryan have made to date are felt firm-wide, and will have lasting effects that extend well into the future. Their addition to SMMA's principal leadership strengthens a group whose foresight and expertise provide the foundation of the firm's commitment to design excellence.