The Smithton Architect Team
Our team executes your architectural vision with rigorous and pragmatic performance — methodology.
Together, our capabilities include all phases of project development, integrating architectural conceptual design, documentation, negotiation, interior design, and construction administration.
The firm’s portfolio includes commercial, residential, and institutional projects, that range from master planning, market-rate, affordable, and mixed-use developments. We excel at executing the design vision of small and large scale projects, renovations and restorations. Stewarding in the enhancement of the community and the built environment.
Founder, Award-Winning Architect
Deborah M. Smithton AIA, LEED, AP
Deborah Smithton, founder and principal of Smithton Architects, holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona. For over three decades, she has led a wide-range portfolio—that includes single-family residences, mixed-use developments, and large-scale, multi-million-dollar multifamily projects. Her work spans Southern and Northern California, as well as Washington, Florida, Nevada, and Utah. Giving her a breadth of experience and insights, across diverse markets and regulatory environments. Deborah remains hands-on throughout projects—in collaboration with clients, consultants, contractors, and development teams. Guiding each phase from concept, design oversight, entitlement, and throughout construction administration. Notable is her ability to navigate complexity while delivering solutions that are efficient, buildable, and thoughtfully designed.
A licensed architect in California and Utah and a LEED Accredited Professional, Deborah is guided by the belief that strong architecture balances creativity and vision with pragmatism, accountability, and collaboration.
For Deborah Smithton, architecture began not as a career choice, but as an instinct—sparked at a young age by building a hand-crafted marble machine that revealed the interplay of form, movement, and problem-solving. Growing up in Southern California, she was immersed in a diverse built environment shaped by modernism, climate-responsive design, and evolving communities—early influences that continue to inform her understanding of how architecture creates a sense of place, and influences lifestyle, and culture.
Outside the studio, Deborah enjoys traveling, spending time outdoors with her family and dog, and attending country western concerts. She has a long-standing fascination with construction cranes and enjoys observing the activity and energy of active job sites. A Southern California native at heart, she also enjoys exploring new places, always curious about how people build, gather, and architecture that fosters the spirit of community.
Licensed in the State of California and Utah.
Awards AND ACCOLADES
Gold Nugget Award – Multi-Family Community of the Year EVOC, 2024
Gold Nugget Award – Best Multi-Family Housing Community 100 du/acre or more EVOC, 2024
San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF) Ruby Award for Project of the Year New Construction for City Heights Place and City Heights Plaza de Sol, 2024
Merit Award – doma, San Diego American Institute of Architects, 2004
Best Attached Housing Project, -Doma, San Diego Building Industry’s “SAM” Awards, 2003
Golden Nugget Award – CityWalk, San Diego, 2003
“Women Who Mean Business”, Architecture, San Diego Business Journal, 1996
Merit Award – Pier 1 Imports American Institute of Architects, San Diego Chapter, 1994
Beautification Award – Pier 1 Imports, City of Chula Vista, 1994
ELISABETH PAYETTE AIA
Project Architect, Project Manager
Elisabeth is a licensed architect in California and an active member of the San Diego architectural community. With more than 20 years of professional experience, she has practiced in California, Washington, Texas, and Oregon, and has led and contributed to a diverse portfolio of work across the Country —spanning mixed-use developments, multifamily housing, workplace, retail environments, education, science, and technology facilities, federal projects, and high-end interior design. She is deeply committed to the craft of architecture, the integrity of the process, and delivering thoughtful outcomes that elevate the built environment.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Elisabeth has lived in four states and three countries. She has resided in the San Diego community for over 15 years and embraces it as her forever home. Known for her depth of knowledge, collaborative approach and client centered mind-set, she consistently strives to create design solutions that reflect both vision and function.
When she is not in the studio, Elisabeth enjoys traveling to new places, days at the beach, going to sporting events and live music experiences with her family and friends.
TESSA PANTANO
JOB CAPTAIN
Tessa earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design from San Francisco State University in 2013. Since then, she has worked with several design firms, gaining her professional experience across commercial, hospitality, and residential projects. She excels in architectural drafting and 3D rendering, bringing client visions to life with clarity and creativity.
Tessa has a particular talent for transforming ideas into compelling visual stories. She enjoys collaborating closely with our team and clients, guiding them through color theory, and finish design to create spaces that feel both functional and beautiful.
Outside the studio, Tessa enjoys discovering the newest restaurants in the city, practicing yoga, and pursuing her creative interests—including hand-crafted projects, working with fabrics, designing and sewing.
MELISSA GOLDFARB
JOB CAPTAIN
Melissa is from Long Island, New York and earned her Master of Architecture, from Northeastern University in 2011. She built a diverse foundation working in Boston, New York, and San Diego across multiple project types and markets. Melissa’s passion for architecture took root early, sparked by childhood afternoons spent assembling LEGO structures and imagining unique spaces. That curiosity evolved into a career grounded in thoughtful design and technical rigor.
Her experience includes educational facilities, tenant improvements, multifamily housing, retail environments, and urban design initiatives. Over the course of her career, she has advanced from architectural designer to project manager— supporting projects for respected institutions including NYU, Columbia University, and private developers.
Since relocating to San Diego in 2014, Melissa has blended East and West Coast influences in her design approach. She brings a collaborative mindset, technical acumen, and a well-rounded design sensibility to every project she leads. In her free time, she likes to hike, bike ride, and take road trips to national parks with her husband, toddler, and two pups. She enjoys reading, gardening, and visiting the many fun San Diego dog parks.
HOLLY RICHARDSON
CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
Holly Richardson is a brand strategist and business development executive with more than three decades of experience leading company growth in branding, sales, and marketing. She brings an entrepreneurial mindset and refined eye for brand elevation and is widely recognized for building layered campaigns and high-impact partnerships that create opportunity. Her work is focused on elevating brands to remain resilient, relevant and innovative in the ever-evolving business landscape. She integrates strategy and organizational alignment, to execute company goals.
Raised in a small California country town, Holly developed an early appreciation for community, authenticity, and meaningful values. Early in her career, she co-founded of an Australian national surf-fashion company, launching a trajectory that has spanned decades of work with luxury and design forward brands across hospitality, festival production, bespoke luxury goods, architecture, design, real estate and design-forward publications. She finds it her passion and has remained dedicated to work in these industry sectors. Her interior design certification from Interior Design Institute, Newport Beach, informs her understanding of place-making and our built environment. Outside of work, she enjoys the arts, nature and wildlife, with a love for reading, culinary and music experiences, and time spent connecting with friends and family.
CASEY POOLE
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Casey Poole serves as the Executive Assistant to Principal Architect Deborah Smithton; Casey plays a vital role in keeping Smithton Architects running smoothly. She brings exceptional organization and follow-through to Deborah’s day-to-day schedule, operational projects, and key firm initiatives. Casey finds genuine fulfillment in supporting others and assisting in structure that helps the team do their best work. Casey grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and fell in love with San Diego, and made it her home in 2015.
She hails from the creative community and is also a talented abstract artist. She teaches art workshops throughout San Deigo and creates custom paintings for an international clientele. Her favorite medium is alcohol ink as it creates a flow experience like water and is playful. Casey loves showing adults how to explore abstract art and tap into their own creativity.
Casey spends her weekends at games with her soccer— playing son. She spends loads of time with her extended family and friends, enjoying peace, presence and the simple art of living. Her daily favorite is the beauty of sunsets.
HANNAH MURDOCH
Administrative and Payroll Assistant
As Administrative and Payroll Assistant, Hannah plays a vital role in supporting the firm’s daily operations with precision and discretion. With a strong foundation in administrative coordination and payroll processing, she ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across internal systems—enabling the team to stay focused on delivering exceptional work.
Her service to excellence helps create a positive internal culture and seamless experience for the team and clients.
DUKE
THE OFFICe Dog