Neumann/Smith’s business is built on longstanding relationships, and one of the most cherished is our decades-long connection to Detroit architecture and interior design. Since our founding in the 1960s, we have completed hundreds of projects across the city, partnering with notable organizations like Bedrock, Hunter Pasteur, Sterling Group, Microsoft, Marriott, and Campbell Ewald. Our work spans from iconic locations such as Campus Martius, Capitol Park, and the Riverfront to neighborhoods like Corktown and Midtown. This extensive portfolio reflects our deep ties to Detroit and our commitment to its growth.
With a thorough understanding of historical structures, urban sites, and neighborhood context, we deliver design solutions that honor Detroit’s architectural legacy. Our work in Detroit over the years has given us a big-picture perspective on key factors for project success, and our strong relationships with the city’s governing agencies have been instrumental in bringing these projects to life. Detroit is a vital part of our legacy.
detroit roots
Some noteworthy projects we’ve contributed to in Detroit include the Huntington Bank Tower, Residences Water Square, the One Kennedy Square high-rise in Campus Martius, and the Perennial Corktown development. When designing new spaces, we thoughtfully consider site history, community needs, and neighborhood character. We are also well-versed in the City’s CBO process and community engagement strategies, ensuring all voices are heard.
Honoring Detroit’s history is a privilege we don’t take lightly. We’ve worked in some of the city’s oldest buildings–First National Building, Wright-Kay Building, Michigan Central Station, State Savings Bank–and some of the newest. We’ve transformed these historic spaces into thriving workplaces, cozy apartments, and high-end restaurants that attract visitors and enrich the lives of Detroiters.
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Multi-family elevated waterfront living The Residences Water Square
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Hospitality + Food/Beverage integrating historic culture The Godfrey Detroit
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Parking a vision beyond parking The Z Deck + The Belt
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Hannah-Neumann/Smith multi-generational riverfront experience The Shed at Valade Park
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Adaptive Reuse + Historic Preservation restoring history + community Henry Street Apartments
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Community + Experiential Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park
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Multi-family Perennial Apartments
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Multi-family Perennial Townhomes
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Multi-family The Apex
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Hospitality + Food/Beverage JW Marriott Detroit Water Square
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Workplace Sachse Construction
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Parking BCBSM Jefferson
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Parking SOMA
Hannah-Neumann/Smith—a strategic partnership between Hannah & Associates, Inc. and Neumann/Smith Architecture.
Our Detroit Design studio is located on the third floor of the Wright Kay Building. It is home of our historic preservation hub where we serve many of our Detroit clients, designing innovative workplaces and multi-family developments that have helped attract new business to the city. The studio represents Neumann/Smith being front and center in downtown Detroit’s revitalization and is also home to Hannah-Neumann/Smith.
The limited liability company formalizes the long-standing business association between our two firms and key partners to create a Detroit-based, woman-owned, Minority Business Enterprise offering comprehensive architecture and interior design services. With offices in the historic Wright-Kay Building, Hannah-Neumann/Smith actively serves current and future clients in the community and is playing a prominent role in the City’s revitalization.
