Simons Architects is pleased to congratulate Austin Smith on his upcoming retirement at the end of August 2026.

Over his distinguished career, Austin has made lasting contributions to the architectural community throughout Maine and greater New England. As Simons Architects’ first employee, and partner for the past 16 years, he has played an essential role in shaping the studio and its work for decades, bringing thoughtful leadership, technical expertise, and a collaborative spirit to every project.

Austin has overseen many of the firm’s most significant projects, including work for the Waynflete School, the Casco Bay Ferry Terminal, Portland Public Library, Bigelow Laboratory Dormitories, the Brattleboro Music Center, and the Borsage Family Education Center at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Most recently, he has worked on the Rising Eddy Pool for the City of Portland and Maine Public’s new Portland headquarters, scheduled to open this August, among many others. His unique perspective as both a licensed Architect and Landscape Architect has enriched every project, creating buildings and landscapes that are deeply connected to their communities and environments.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Austin has generously shared his remarkable knowledge and passions with colleagues and the broader community. His advocacy for birds helped inform the development of bird-safe building legislation in both the City of Portland and the State of Maine, and he will continue to serve the community as a member of Portland’s Planning Board while pursuing his many other interests.

We are deeply grateful for Austin’s steady leadership, generosity, positive outlook, and extraordinary depth of knowledge. His influence has shaped not only our projects but also our studio culture, and his legacy will continue to be felt for years to come.

Please join us in thanking Austin for his many contributions and wishing him every happiness and success as he begins this exciting new chapter.

Julia, Kayla, Ryan, and Matt
Simons Architects, Partners and Principals