Cope Linder Architects LLC, of Philadelphia has promoted senior associate Cheryl A. Smith, AIA, LEED AP, to principal. Working in tandem with principal-level designers, Smith leads much of the firm’s technical side of practice, from code and constructability reviews to complex building envelope performance analysis.

“Cheryl’s strong technical and management background has been extremely valuable in assisting clients and construction teams to successfully complete large, complex, and fast-track projects,” said Cope Linder Architects Managing Principal Ian Cope, AIA. “Her extraordinary leadership qualities and commitment to mentoring our professional staff have had a tremendously positive impact on the firm’s success. As we begin to celebrate the firm’s 50^th year of practice and enter into a new era, Cheryl’s unwavering professionalism, positive attitude, and business acumen make her a welcome addition to our leadership team.”

Smith has over 25 years experience in mixed-use, office, retail, and hospitality design. She currently manages the following Cope Linder projects:

1441 Chestnut Street includes two hotels, designed within a single mixed-use, LEED-certified tower rising 51 stories at 15^th and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia. Starwood Hotel & Resorts will operate the dual-branded facility, which will include a 295-room W Philadelphia and 460-room Element Philadelphia. The 773,000-sf project is scheduled to open in 2018. Smith coordinated a large team and moved the project through the entitlements process, zoning, building code, and Starwood approvals, including building envelope review and energy modeling coordination.

1300 Fairmount includes mixed-use residential, parking, and retail adjacent to the Divine Lorraine. Smith led the project through schematic design and is currently working on zoning, planning, and community approvals and evaluating the building envelope and energy efficiency.

The Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa includes expansion and renovation since 2004 at the Atlantic City, New Jersey, entertainment complex. Smith has led collaborative, ongoing work to keep the facility fresh. Active projects include a new two-story nightclub and installation of a large-scale abstract glass sculpture above the registration desk, both under construction.

“A hallmark of Cope Linder Architects is its commitment of principal-level involvement, especially during early project phases when clients are confronted with major development decisions,” explains Ian Cope. “As the many clients who have worked with Cheryl would attest, she is absolutely committed to proactive management and effective communication among all parties necessary to complete complex projects.”

Smith directs all phases of project development, including initial programming, consultant documentation, scheduling, construction phase services, and post building occupancy. In addition to her project responsibilities, Smith coordinates staffing assignments and promotes firm-wide sustainability practices.

An active volunteer in the design community, Smith co-chairs the Philadelphia Building Enclosure Council, an interdisciplinary forum for emerging building envelope issues, jointly founded by the American Institute of Architects and the National Institute of Building Sciences. She also serves as the AIA/Building Enclosure Technology and Environmental Council liaison at the National Institute of Building Sciences, as a member of the Architectural Glass Institute advisory board, and as a past ACE Mentor Program board member.

Smith also serves as chair of the Philadelphia University College of Architecture and the Built Environment Advancement Council, where she works with the executive dean and a panel of industry professionals to support the university’s mission and to guide the college’s advancement in areas of design, construction management, and sustainability.

Smith holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and is a member of the American Institute of Architects, National Institute of Building Science, International Code Council, and the Delaware Valley Green Building Council.