Our team understands the ever-present conflict of great design and efficient, value-conscious construction.
We have an exceptional understanding of the development process and building codes, and we thrive in the ability to navigate the myriad of jurisdictional requirements that are essential to a project’s success. We have a diversity of knowledge in all aspects of the industry.
DEBORAH M. SMITHTON AIA, LEED AP
Founder, Award-Winning Architect
For Deborah, it all started at a very young age with a magic marble machine she created. After taking a drafting class in high school she fell in love with architecture and all things construction. In 1989 she graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona and started her architectural career in San Diego.
With over 30 years of experience, Deborah has been involved in a wide variety of projects from single-family developments to multi-million dollar mixed-use projects, throughout Southern and Northern California, Washington, Florida and Nevada.
She enjoys both the design and construction aspects of a project and feels most at home on a job site, solving problems or sitting around a table with a group of talented people collaborating on a project.
Licensed in the State of California and Utah
Awards
Gold Nugget Award – Multi-Family Community of the Year EVOC, 2024
Gold Nugget Award – Best Multi-Family Housing Community 100 du/acre or more EVOC, 2024
San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF) Ruby Award for Project of the Year New Construction for City Heights Place and City Heights Plaza de Sol, 2024
Merit Award – doma, San Diego American Institute of Architects, 2004
Best Attached Housing Project, -Doma, San Diego Building Industry’s “SAM” Awards, 2003
Golden Nugget Award – CityWalk, San Diego, 2003
“Women Who Mean Business”, Architecture, San Diego Business Journal, 1996
Merit Award – Pier 1 Imports American Institute of Architects, San Diego Chapter, 1994
Beautification Award – Pier 1 Imports, City of Chula Vista, 1994
Smithton Architects is a collaboration of inspired people.
We believe that collaboration is key to our success, and by creating relationships with some of the brightest in their fields, we are able to work together to bring your vision to life.
“From conceptual design all the way through to construction administration, Deborah and her team are incredibly responsive and focused on problem-solving, making them great partners in project execution.”