SMS Architects

Stephanie L. Gilbert and Hessam D. Vakili are heading to The Lodging Conference in Phoenix, AZ, from October 7th - 10th! Don't miss the opportunity to connect with our business development team.

We’re excited to share a first look at a newly renovated guestroom at Palm Mountain Resort! Inspired by the natural beauty of Palm Springs, the refreshed spaces feature midcentury modern furnishings, vinyl flooring, and a soothing color palette. Full renovation expected to be complete in early 2025.

Interiors by Jensen Design Architects, Inc.

Stephanie L. Gilbert and Hessam D. Vakili will be attending ICSC in lively Palm Springs from September 23 - 25! Make sure to greet our business development team!

Significant progress at the Thompson Hotel! We love these final stages where our drawings become a reality. Stay tuned for more updates!

Our team participated in the IIDA Fashion Show yesterday! We designed a high-fashion couture piece in the style of Dolce & Gabbana. With stunning oceanfront views, a breathtaking sunset, and the chance to network with industry professionals, we had an amazing time!

Despite their differences, minimalism and maximalism are increasingly blended in contemporary trends. This fusion creates spaces that balance personality and structure, reflecting individual tastes and fostering innovation. Read more on the subject in our most recent blog post!

🔗www.sms-arch.com/blog/design-spectrum-striking-the-balance

Stephanie and Hess from our team had a fantastic time attending ICSC Vegas last weekend! Swipe for photos ➡️✨

May is looking busy with conferences and exciting events! Check out our schedule below. 🗓️

Stephanie L. Gilbert and Hessam D. Vakili will be attending ICSC in lively Las Vegas from May 19-21! Make sure to greet our business development team👋

Stephanie Gilbert and Hess Vakili will be attending the ULI Spring Meeting in vibrant New York City next week! Make sure you say hello to our business development team👋

Celebrating 15 Years of Design Excellence at SMS Architects!

As we commemorate our 15th anniversary, let’s take a journey through the remarkable history of SMS Architects, a multifaceted full-service design firm based in Irvine, California.

From MBH Architects to SMS Architects: A Transformative Journey

The Genesis: MBH Architects

Before SMS Architects emerged, our founding partner and Principal, Greg Simonoff, played a pivotal role at MBH Architects in Newport Beach. As the Director of Retail/Mixed-use, Greg honed his expertise in managing and designing various Project’s. His vision and passion laid the groundwork for what would become SMS Architects.

The Transition: SMS Architects Takes Flight

In 2009, SMS Architects was born. Our mission? To create meaningful spaces that transcend mere functionality. We embraced innovation, collaboration, and design excellence as our guiding principles. The transition from MBH Architects to SMS Architects marked a turning point—a commitment to pushing boundaries and redefining architectural norms.

Boutique-Sized Design Office with a Big Impact

SMS Architects shifted gears, transitioning from a large corporate office to a boutique-sized design studio. Our focus? Commercial mixed-use, retail, and hospitality. We’ve crafted signature single-tenant retail spaces and contributed to large-scale developments. Our portfolio boasts projects like, Dana Point Harbor, Lido Marina Village, and Pacific City.

Design as Our Driving Force

At SMS Architects, design isn’t just a task—it’s our driving force. We create spaces that resonate with society, fueled by innovation and collaboration. Our team, led by Co-CEOs Stephanie Gilbert and Greg Simonoff, continues to shape environments that inspire and elevate.

Join us in celebrating 15 years of creativity, resilience, and transformative design. Here’s to many more years of meaningful spaces! ✨🎉




On , we praise the exceptional contributions of the at SMS Architects. Their diverse expertise and unwavering commitment to excellence redefine the landscape of architecture. They drive the industry forward through and , exemplifying dedication to .

Today, we honor their achievements and aspire to continue advocating for a society that recognizes and values the contributions of all women in the !

Our latest blog post is live on our website!

Dive into the transformative power of with us as we explore the intricate relationship between and . From meticulous features to strategic , discover how each design choice shapes a more inclusive world. Join us on this journey towards a brighter, more accessible future. Don’t miss out—read now!

🔗 rb.gy/utuavm

The Art of Detail at SMS Architects’ New Office

At SMS Architects, we believe the magic is in the . We’re excited to offer you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into our newly designed office space - where each feature tells a story. From the precision of extruded and the warmth of curated millwork to the vibrant custom mural graphics depicting Southern ’s coastline, our office is a testament to our dedication to purposeful and meaningful design.

Join us for a sneak peek into how we’ve woven our passion for into the fabric of our own space, crafting an environment that’s not just about work but about inspiration, innovation, and the celebration of . This is more than an office—it showcases and our unwavering commitment to detail.

SMS Architects has been prominently featured on the of the latest issue of the Orange County Business Journal! Our team’s exceptional work as the design for the Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Project takes center stage, showcasing our design capabilities and highlighting lifestyle experiences of restaurants, retail, and pedestrian connections.

This feature in  highlights our contributions to the Project and acknowledges the  team’s remarkable efforts in securing a $60 million loan for construction. This significant milestone was celebrated with a ceremony earlier this month, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey toward revitalizing  Harbor.

Architects collaborated with Burnham Ward to envision the commercial core that will serve as a vibrant hub for the of Dana Point and surrounding communities. Our commitment to that inspire and elevate communities remains unwavering, and we’re excited to continue shaping the future of Dana Point through our architectural vision.

Cheers to progress, innovation, and transformative design!

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Nicolas Biddle to Design Principal of SMS Architects in Irvine, CA!

Raised in the vibrant City of Cambridge, MA, Nicolas’s journey in architecture began at Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he honed his craft and passion for design. His dedication and talent were evident from the start. During his internship at in , MA, Nicolas showcased his exceptional design capabilities and presentation skills, earning him a full-time position as an architectural designer.

Throughout his tenure at Elkus Manfredi, Nicolas quickly became a Senior Designer, specializing in , , and -Rise design and construction. His expertise and innovative approach to design caught the attention of firms on the West Coast, leading him to join as Design Director. Since then, Nicolas has been instrumental in leading our design studio, collaborating with multiple developers and Project Owner’s to bring their visions to life.

As a licensed in Massachusetts, Nicolas brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role as Design Principal. His vision for the studio is one of continued growth and , where creativity knows no bounds, and each project pushes the boundaries of .

Additionally, Nicolas is a ambassador, promoting health and wellness through design, and an active member of the American Institute of Architects, , contributing to discussions on architectural innovation and best practices. His dedication to fostering relationships extends beyond the studio, as he actively engages in opportunities with future Clients to create meaningful partnerships.

Please join us in congratulating Nicolas Biddle on this well-deserved promotion! We are excited to see the incredible impact he will continue to make as a Design Principal at SMS Architects!

Last week, we celebrated the at the Harbor, marking the beginning of a remarkable journey. Thrilled to contribute our passion and expertise to the transformation of a 62-acre marina into a vibrant mixed-use urban space! 🏗️ Teaming up with visionary partners like Burnham Ward Properties, RD Olson Development, Bellwether Financial Group, and the City of Dana Point, we're set to redefine the landscape.

Swipe left to preview the first phase with renderings showcasing our state-of-the-art parking structure—the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics. This is just the beginning of a project that promises revamped retail and restaurant spaces, along with seven new structures, including an observation tower that will treat you to breathtaking 360° views of the revitalized marina and the Pacific Ocean. Get ready to embark on this transformative journey with us!

SMS Architects is thrilled to announce Hessam D. Vakili, LEED AP appointment as Co-Managing Director of our newly established Urban Design Studio!
 
With over two decades of experience in , , and -Use Development, Hessam brings a wealth of expertise in creating vibrant spaces that prioritize originality and forward-thinking design. Hessam is committed to fostering a culture of , , and , ensuring that every project reflects these values.
Throughout his career, Hessam has dedicated himself to pushing the boundaries of -driven architecture by embracing contemporary perspectives and cultural nuances. He firmly believes in the power of meaningful -making to inspire and engage communities. Having worked with renowned firms like and , Hessam is recognized for his and commitment to delivering impactful results. Beyond his professional achievements, he is passionate about mentoring emerging designers and contributing to philanthropic causes.
As an active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), American Institute of Architects (AIA), and American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), Hessam brings a wealth of knowledge and connections to our organization.
 
Join us in welcoming Hessam to our team as we continue to shape a better future through design innovation and community engagement!