SmithGroupJJR hires Lise Newman as Workplace Studio Leader in Detroit

SmithGroupJJR, one of the nation's largest architecture, engineering and planning firms, has hired architect Lise Newman, AIA, as Workplace Studio leader at its Detroit, Mich. office.

Newman comes to SmithGroupJJR after serving as part owner and principal-in-charge of design at Landry + Newman ARCHITECTURE in Birmingham, Mich.  In her new role at SmithGroupJJR, Newman will work closely with Detroit and corporate leadership in business development and marketing efforts as well as leading local, regional and national projects.

Newman’s 25-year career has been dedicated to the programming, planning and design of corporate, educational and recreational facilities.  Her most notable projects, all in Michigan, include the 120,000-square-foot Mercedes-Benz Financial Headquarters, Farmington Hills; the 320,000-square-foot Trinity Health Corporate Headquarters, Livonia; and the 100,000-square-foot Corporate Headquarters for Taubman Centers, Inc., Bloomfield Hills.  In addition to Michigan, Newman is a licensed architect in California. 

“Lise brings to the table the ‘big picture’ of design possibilities for our clients.  With her experience running her own firm, Lise’s business acumen is very high.  Technically, her programming and planning skills are the best in the business,” remarked Jeff Hausman, AIA, LEED AP, director of SmithGroupJJR’s Detroit office. 

Newman graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin.  This was preceded by an undergraduate study in business administration from Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas.  Among her professional affiliations are the American Institute of Architects Michigan (AIAMI) and Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), Detroit chapter.

SmithGroupJJR (www.smithgroupjjr.com) is ranked a Top 10 design firm by Architect, the magazine of the American Institute of Architects. Its staff numbers 800 employees in 10 offices across the U.S.  A national leader in sustainable design, SmithGroupJJR has 343 LEED professionals and 81 LEED certified projects.