2008 FAB AWARD

Lifetime Achievement Award

Rebecca Nolan,
Associate AIA, IIDA, LEED AP

Senior Vice President and Managing Director of SmithGroup

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual for design excellence and leadership throughout an interior design career spanning a minimum of 20 years.

As Senior Vice President and Managing Director of SmithGroup’s Minneapolis office, Rebecca Nolan is well-known by her clients and colleagues for her team leadership, commitment to the community, open communication and client dedication.  In addition to over 27 years of industry experience, Rebecca serves on the company’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors and holds board appointed positions co-chairing the Ownership Succession and Leadership Program, and the Diversity Initiative.  Additionally, Rebecca is a co-leader of the Workplace National Practice, responsible for the overall direction of the firm’s workplace practice, providing insight, industry trends and leadership firmwide for the growth of the practice.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Rebecca returned to Minnesota and opened the SmithGroup Minneapolis office in July 2004, expanding the firm’s award-winning portfolio in healthcare, science and technology, higher education, and workplace environments.  Previously, Rebecca served as President for SmithGroup’s California operations.  Her leadership allowed the firm’s offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles to rise to become among the company’s most successful operations. The San Francisco Business Times named Rebecca as one of San Francisco’s “Most Influential Women in Business.” The list, which recognizes women who demonstrate depth of experience and strength of leadership, recognized Rebecca’s successful ability to forge her own path and develop leadership principles within a tradition-bound industry.

In addition to her commitment to SmithGroup, Rebecca is an active participant in the design industry and community.  She is an active member of the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), CoreNet Global, American Institute of Architects, and served on the Editorial Advisory Board for Contract magazine from 2005 to 2007.  Rebecca has been a jury member for industry design competitions, including the 2003 Design Awards Program for the Society of Environmental Graphic Design and Northern California International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Student Chapter Design Competitions.  Additionally, Rebecca has been a guest lecturer at San Jose State University, Washington University and the Art Institute of Minnesota, and participates in continuing education coursework.

Rebecca and her husband Michael, SmithGroup’s Minneapolis Workplace Studio Leader, have two children and reside in Excelsior, MN.

Recent Minneapolis Projects:
Virchow, Krause & Co, Minneapolis, MN
Bowman and Brooke, LLP, Minneapolis, MN
Lyn-Lake Greenway Center: A Sustainable Development, Minneapolis, MN
Fifth Street Towers, Public Spaces Renovation, Minneapolis, MN
Hinshaw & Culbertson, LLP, Minneapolis, MN
Johnstech International, Minneapolis, MN
Marshall BankFirst, Minneapolis, MN
PB Americas Headquarters and Regional Offices, Multiple Locations Nationwide
UCare Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Liberty Mutual, US Central Region
City of Minneapolis, Business Information Systems
CB Richard Ellis Shoreview Corporate Center

Education
BS-Interior Design, University of Minnesota, 1980
Advanced Management Institute, San Francisco
Washington University, Graduate School of Architecture, Continuing Education

Registrations
National Council for Interior Design Qualification

Affiliations
Associate AIA, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
International Facilities Management Association (IFMA)
International Interior Design Association (IIDA)
Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW)
CoreNet Global