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A clear path: Brad Smith Managing partner of McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture (Best Firm Architecture #12 for 2018), a 260-person architecture and interior design firm based in Greenville, SC.
By LIISA ANDREASSEN Correspondent
“I want to help others be successful – that’s a lot of fun,” Smith says. “Building the firm culture is also enjoyable. Our culture is to practice good design – design that leads to a happy client and staff. I’m excited to be part of all this.” A CONVERSATION WITH BRAD SMITH. The Zweig Letter: How many years of experience – or large enough book of business – is enough to become a principal in your firm? Are you naming principals in their 20s or 30s? Brad Smith: We’ve made some strategic hires that we call associate principals. It’s a position that someone from the inside or outside can apply for. It’s a stepping stone for a smooth internal transition and makes the process for in- vesting in the firm easier. We also look at gifting stock so there is not so much of an initial investment. We’ve elevat- ed several people over the years and helped them with buy- in by providing resources and assistance at local banks. We have a few in their late 30s. Currently, we have 24 share- holders, three major ones, and for the most part they are interested in the ideas of ownership.
TZL: Do you tie compensation to performance for your top leaders? BS: It’s mixed within the firm. Most compensation is not tied to performance. Some bonuses are given to top staff but most people have salaries that are commensurate with their experience and role. “Benefits have evolved over the last 25 years. Today, we provide more flexibility than ever before – in how and where people work.” TZL: Have you ever closed an underperforming office? If so, tell us about it. BS: We have not had to close an office (studio) for lack of performance. We have looked at re-tooling studios so they have a laser focus on the needs of their specific
See A CLEAR PATH, page 12
THE ZWEIG LETTER January 28, 2019, ISSUE 1281
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