Richard has been working as an architect since 1970 and started his own practice in 1976 in Whitefish, Montana after working with firms in NY and MT. His architectural design experience includes: hospitals, schools, libraries, banks, commercial office buildings as well as numerous residences in Montana, Oregon, Hawaii, and Alaska.

Smith graduated from Montana State University and holds a bachelors and masters degree from the School of Architecture. All his design work is initially drawn by hand with construction documents prepared utilizing the latest Revit 3D computer drawing program. Richard's design work is a process of satisfying the client's program and budget. This process requires regular clear communications with the client throughout the design and building process.