DETROIT — Hannah & Associates Inc. and Neumann/Smith Architecture (Neumann/Smith) have formalized the long-standing business association between the two firms and key partners and established a joint venture known as Hannah-Neumann/Smith. The strategic partnership creates a Detroit-based, woman-owned, minority business enterprise offering comprehensive architecture and interior design services. With new offices in the historic Wright-Kay Building, Hannah-Neumann/Smith can better serve current and future clients in the downtown community and play a prominent role in the city’s revitalization.
Hannah-Neumann/Smith has the creativity, expertise and experience to help clients develop distinctive new buildings or help them repurpose, restore and modernize existing facilities. The joint venture offers a thorough understanding of historical structures, urban sites and neighborhood context that will ensure design solutions that make a positive contribution to Detroit’s architecturally rich history.
The managing partner of the joint venture is Beverly Hannah Jones, AIA, a native Detroiter with more than 28 years of experience in the architectural and construction industry. The joint venture partners include Joel Smith, AIA, President of Neumann/Smith Architecture; Gene Carroll, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, a partner at Neumann/Smith Architecture; and J. Michael Kirk, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, a principal at Neumann/Smith Architecture.
“Hannah & Associates has been working with Neumann/Smith for many years and it is only natural and fitting that our two firms have come together in a formal joint venture during Detroit’s exciting comeback,” Jones said. “We can’t wait to be part of the downtown ‘buzz’ and know it will spark the imagination of our design professionals and the clients who participate in the process with us.”
“We are jointly and independently committed to providing exceptional design services in the community and look forward to doing great things together in the years to come,” added Joel Smith, AIA, a Partner in the joint venture. “Establishing a collaborative studio space in an historic downtown building was important to show we’re here for the long run and are making a financial as well as personal investment in the future of Detroit.”
