Smith Dalia Architects of Atlanta (SDA) has built its reputation on award-winning historic preservation, healthcare, multi-family, mixed-use & university architecture, plus sustainable design and consulting.

Aggressively confronting deteriorating cities and urban sprawl, SDA’s reputation has broadened to design honoring the context of history and place that is also sustainable. Many SDA projects have helped transform decayed neighborhoods into vibrant communities.SDA was launched in 1987 from the shared vision of Markham Smith and Tom Dalia, who believed that inspired and responsible architecture could be a catalyst for positive community change. Their education at Tulane University School of Architecture and professional beginnings in the richly historic city of New Orleans offered a unique opportunity to produce high-profile historic preservation projects, which translated into the Atlanta streetscape. SDA’s noted restoration of Piedmont Park returned a treasured icon to midtown Atlanta.Turning twenty this year, Smith Dalia’s long-term links with City government, urban planners and developers, affordable housing agencies and neighborhood groups serve to effectively navigate disparate agendas and to realize even the most complex urban renewal plans. One of the first firms to undertake large-scale adaptive use of industrial buildings in metro Atlanta, SDA’s Principals have developed expertise in adaptive use programs with a consistent sustainable focus.The Firm’s central tenet of sustainability in planning, design and construction is fostered through SD Green, its in-house Energy Services department. SD Green offers complete LEED consulting and administration services in addition to energy modeling, audits and educational seminars. Elements of sustainability are found in every Smith Dalia design, and its architects are required to seek LEED accreditation.SDA’s focus includes the affordable housing and non-profit market. Smith Dalia is experienced at these challenging funding mechanisms, while its designs have restored a human face to these projects. Its award-winning programs have wholly de-institutionalized traditional expectations of affordability, and enhanced the quality of life for many disadvantaged persons.