Niles Bolton Associates (NBA), a leading architecture, planning and design firm, announces leadership changes as a part of its ongoing commitment to future growth. Current Executive Vice President, Jeffrey Smith, AIA, has been named President and C. Cannon Reynolds, AIA, has been named Managing Director effective June 30, 2023. Smith and Reynolds share decades of preparation and a deep commitment to maintaining the client-driven service model that built Niles Bolton Associates’ reputation over the past 48 years.
Smith, an architect and graduate of the University of Notre Dame, has been at the firm for over 30 years and brings with him a wealth of expertise in architectural design and project management. Smith has served on the Board of Directors since 2017. Reynolds is an architect and graduate from the Georgia Institute of Technology who has been with the company since 2000. Reynolds was named Managing Director of NBA’s Atlanta architecture group in 2015 and has served on the Board of Directors since 2013.
Current President, Ray Kimsey, AIA, will assume the role of President Emeritus and continue to provide guidance and serve as an ambassador for the firm. Kimsey, a Yale University graduate, has played a pivotal role in the company’s success, contributing substantial industry knowledge and forging strong relationships with clients and industry partners.
Founder, G. Niles Bolton, AIA, will remain as Chairman of the Board. Bolton has been at the helm of Niles Bolton Associates since its inception in 1975, guiding the firm and establishing NBA as a prominent player in the architectural profession. As Chairman of the Board, Niles will continue to provide strategic direction, offer invaluable insights, and act as a mentor to the executive team.
"We are thrilled to announce these leadership changes at NBA," said Chairman Niles Bolton. "Jeff Smith's proven track record and passion for design make him the ideal choice to lead the company into the future. I have full confidence in his ability to drive innovation, strengthen our client relationships, and continue our legacy of excellence. Ray Kimsey's transition to President Emeritus is a testament to his contributions and dedication over the years, and we are grateful for his continued support and guidance. I am excited to work alongside Jeff, Cannon, and the entire executive team as we embark on this new chapter for our firm."
Niles Bolton Associates is committed to maintaining the highest standards of design quality, client service, and industry leadership. With these management changes, the company is poised to leverage its rich heritage and capitalize on emerging opportunities, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner for architecture, design, and planning solutions.
About Niles Bolton Associates
Niles Bolton Associates is a 150-person firm providing architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and planning services. Founded in 1975, the firm has completed projects in 49 states and 16 countries and is currently the nation’s 46th leading architectural firm, and No. 1 for student housing, as ranked by Building Design+Construction magazine.
Related Stories
Mass Timber | May 23, 2023
Luxury farm resort uses CLT framing and geothermal system to boost sustainability
Construction was recently completed on a 325-acre luxury farm resort in Franklin, Tenn., that is dedicated to agricultural innovation and sustainable, productive land use. With sustainability a key goal, The Inn and Spa at Southall was built with cross-laminated and heavy timber, and a geothermal variant refrigerant flow (VRF) heating and cooling system.
Architects | May 23, 2023
DEI initiatives at KAI Enterprises, with Michael Kennedy, Jr. and Gyasi Haynes
Michael Kennedy, Jr. and Gyasi Haynes of KAI Enterprises, St. Louis, describe their firm's effort to create a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion—and how their own experiences as black men in the design and construction industry shaped that initiative.
Multifamily Housing | May 23, 2023
One out of three office buildings in largest U.S. cities are suitable for residential conversion
Roughly one in three office buildings in the largest U.S. cities are well suited to be converted to multifamily residential properties, according to a study by global real estate firm Avison Young. Some 6,206 buildings across 10 U.S. cities present viable opportunities for conversion to residential use.
Architects | May 23, 2023
Ware Malcomb hires Francisco Perez-Azua as Director, Interior Architecture & Design, in its Miami office
Ware Malcomb hires Francisco Perez-Azua as Director, Interior Architecture & Design, in its Miami office.
K-12 Schools | May 22, 2023
The revival of single-building K-12 schools
Schools that combine grades PK through 12 are suddenly not so uncommon. Education sector experts explain why.
Architects | May 19, 2023
Snøhetta architects make a bid to unionize the firm's New York studio
Employees at the New York office of architecture firm Snøhetta have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to unionize the studio. Snøhetta employees’ action marks the third time architects at a private-sector architecture studio in the U.S. took that step.
Healthcare Facilities | May 19, 2023
A new behavioral health facility in California targets net zero energy
Shortly before Mental Health Awareness Month in May, development and construction firm Skanska announced the topping out of California’s first behavioral health facility—and the largest in the nation—to target net zero energy. Located in Redwood City, San Mateo County, Calif., the 77,610-sf Cordilleras Health System Replacement Project is slated for completion in late 2024.
Arenas | May 18, 2023
How can we reimagine live sports experiences?
A Gensler survey finds what sports fans' experiences have been like returning to arenas, and their expectations going forward.
Government Buildings | May 18, 2023
GSA launches first biennial construction award program
Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced the new biennial GSA Construction Award program, which is seeking submissions this summer. The program was created to honor outstanding achievements in construction, with a focus on quality and craftsmanship, collaboration and team dynamics, sustainability, innovation, and technology. The first Construction Awards ceremony will take place in 2024.
K-12 Schools | May 17, 2023
Designing K-12 schools for students and safety
While bullying, mental health, and other acts of violence are all too common in schools today, designers have shown that smart and subtle preventive steps can make a big difference. Clark Nexsen’s Becky Brady shares how prevention and taking action at the design level can create safe and engaging learning environments.