Brett Leavitt Biography

Brett Leavitt, AIA, LEED A.P., DBIA, is an award-winning architect dedicated to designing inspiring environments for learning. As a principal and studio design leader at SmithGroup, he helps steer the design direction for the firm’s higher education practice, in addition to creating solutions for significant education projects.

With over 25 years of experience in architecture, Brett is dedicated to creating long-lasting learning environments with a focus on high-performance design practices for the communities he serves including multiple planning and building projects for Chaffey College. He believes he can have a positive impact on the lives of students through the work that he does and finds joy in doing so.

A product of the California community college educational system, Brett is grateful for the opportunities he has been given to serve clients through design within the community college arena. Brett has volunteered as an instructor at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona for courses within the Department of Architecture, of which he is an alumnus.

Brett has spoken at professional conferences for entities such as the Community College Facilities Coalition (CCFC) and the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), of which he is a member. His writings and projects have been published on a variety of professional platforms including Building Design + Construction, Education Shapshots, and Comstock Magazine.

Brett is a native Southern Californian and lives in Yorba Linda with his wife Carin (a kindergarten teacher), and son Owen (a student).