Ian Smith specialises in the design of buildings for the visual and performing arts. His first project was the award winning Charles Cryer Studio Theatre which incorporated the first UK theatre borehole cooling system. He went on to design the electrical services installations for the fast-track refurbishment of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre before leading the redevelopment of the Regent Theatre and the Victoria Concert Hall in Hanley (Stoke-on-Trent). Subsequent projects have included the Broadway (Peterborough), the Barbican Theatre, the Farrer Theatre (Eton), the Lightbox (Woking), Norwich Theatre Royal, LSO St.Lukes, Wigan Pier, Shakespeare North and the Royal Hall, Harrogate.
              In 2002 Ian took charge of acoustic engineering for the practice, which has flourished under his direction. Current projects include Hull Truck Theatre and a new performing arts centre for Cheltenham Ladies College. He is a fully active member of the ABTT with whom he has been working closely on the new technical standards to see that they are revised and updated to reflect current best environmental engineering practice in the design, operation, management and use of places for entertainment. He is frequently asked to advise on the feasibility of schemes (Richmond Theatre, Leeds City Varieties) and is helping to set the agenda for sustainable theatre design at all levels.