Devyn Smoter | Intern Architect

Growing up in Minnesota, Devyn watched her parents prepare home-cooked meals every day. “From an early age, I gained an appreciation for the process of it all.”

Processes have continued to intrigue her over the years. “I love to learn and understand how things work and go together,” she says.

Not surprisingly, Devyn has a strong appreciation for holistic design and its processes of balance. “I want to create meaningful experiences in functional spaces so that the design’s aesthetics are as positive and thoughtful for the user as its efficiencies and practicalities,” she explains. Devyn is especially interested in how holistic design can be applied to universal/accessible design and affordable housing.

“There’s a lot of opportunity here at NewStudio and the fast-paced environment is exciting,” Devyn adds.

Favorite Office Supply: Paper Mate Flair Felt-Tip Pen

Someday, I Will… Go on a road trip across the Midwest, stopping at each of Louis Sullivan’s “Jewel Box” banks

When I’m Not At NewStudio, I’m: Usually hanging out with my pup, Benny, or trying out new recipes

If I Was Stranded On An Island, The One Thing I’d Take With Me: My kayak so I could at least try to escape or at the very least paddle around for fun and explore the island

Where I’d Like To Visit Next: So many places… But I’d love to go to Turkey someday!

Best Book I’ve Read: No Baggage: A Minimalist Tale of Love & Wandering by Clara Bensen, because the way she writes makes you feel like you’re traveling alongside her. Her story is just so crazy and out of the ordinary, it’s inspiring!

Education:

B. Arch., Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis, MN