Biography
Roger Smith believes in the power of design to transform cities and strengthen communities. He brings deep expertise in translating community needs and aspirations into inclusive environments that serve a broad range of people.
With more than 30 years of experience, Roger has directed a diverse portfolio of projects, including master plans, mixed-use developments, corporate offices, housing, hotels, and museums. He leads the Cities and Urban Design and Mixed Use and Retail Centers practice areas within Gensler’s Morristown office. His collaborative approach and commitment to design excellence have shaped award-winning projects across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. As co-director of the Gensler Research Institute’s Center for Research on Equity and the Built Environment, he advances design through the lens of the human experience and uses research as a tool to support equity and justice. He also serves on Gensler’s Global Inclusion Committee. Roger holds a Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.
Research-driven, community-centered design helps architects and designers reimagine cities, towns, and neighborhoods in ways that foster stronger, more resilient, and more equitable communities that reinforce a sense of place.
Selected Projects
![[NEEDS INPUT: alt text]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/iexz7ctt/development/02d1e3b043ef23c1da7d24de7cfdc5d224c0a911-6000x3798.jpg?w=3840&q=75&auto=format&fit=max)
![[NEEDS INPUT: alt text]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/iexz7ctt/development/5c3afdca5ecc6eb24501bed1bf708ccaf12f7066-8192x5464.jpg?w=3840&q=75&auto=format&fit=max)
![[NEEDS INPUT: alt text]](https://cdn.sanity.io/images/iexz7ctt/development/92a98670a37c17c0fd2ffd8e652e32419c93c372-8688x5792.tif)
Roger's Posts
Qualifications and Recognition
Bachelor of Arts, Oberlin College; Institute for Architecture & Urban Studies, New York, NY; Master of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania
New Jersey
LEED Green Associate
National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)
Urban Land Institute Northern New Jersey; Regional Plan Association (RPA)
AIA New Jersey
Innovate100 Honoree (2024); AIA New Jersey Distinguished Service Award (2020)
Adjunct Professor: New Jersey Institute of Technology Hillier College of Architecture and Design
Adjunct Professor: Michael Graves College at Kean University
Adjunct Professor: Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania