Meet Shelby L. Smith
“By utilizing modeling design, we’re able to put something in front of the client where they can more accurately visualize it.”
Innovation
In the News
About Shelby
This portfolio showcases a few innovative JMT projects Shelby has worked on.
Utilizing augmented reality to experience full-scale 3D modeling
Delivering Model Coordination available with Autodesk BIM Collaborate Pro
This pump station project alleviated flooding issues along Huger Street in Charleston, SC. Shelby was the site designer, completing all grading modeling and site plan production for civil discipline with the exception of utilities. She coordinated with the project team, assisted in training and guiding younger staff on best practices for modeling and design, and provided design support as she moved into the CIM Manager role.
Learn More about Shelby’s innovative thinking on JMT’s pump station project.
Leveraging technology to protect the City of Charleston, SC, with a modern drainage design.
Given historic Charleston’s unique drainage challenges and the importance of improved drainage in the overarching project, Shelby and JMT’s modeling team chose InfoDrainage for the stormwater drainage design portion of the project. With InfoDrainage’s close integration with Civil 3D, the team found the software easy to implement into their design cycle for the project.
Creative solutions for designing NASA’s vast underground utilities
Shelby served as the site designer for this high-profile client. The project evaluated and replaced sections of the extremely-complicated underground utility infrastructure at the Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, OH, improving the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the steam operations in 20 buildings.
Patriot Plaza, a space for people to gather
Shelby served as the site designer on this award-winning passive park which stretches between the Baltimore County Circuit Court and the historic courthouse in Towson, MD. The plaza features ADA access and sits on top of the Baltimore County Office of IT and Emergency Management Center. The plaza design includes a complex surface-subsurface stormwater conveyance system. She provided grading/design and coordinated and assisted the team with the production and details of the site/civil plan.
Autodesk University 2024 | AECO Industry Keynote Video
Shelby joined presenters Nicolas Mangon, Sasha Crotty, and Marta Bouchard to discuss how the AECO industry continues to face serious challenges around skilled labor, supply chains, decarbonization, and siloed data. Embracing new technologies and transformation is helping businesses tackle these challenges head on to achieve better outcomes. Learn how Autodesk Forma is helping facilitate better collaboration, quicker project delivery and better outcomes.
Protecting the City of Charleston with the Low Battery Seawall and modern drainage design
The improvements to the Low Battery seawall in Charleston, SC, will protect the surrounding community from future flooding. Shelby was part of JMT’s modeling team which leveraged InfoDrainage for the stormwater drainage design portion of the project.
JMT Improves Productivity and Collaboration with Model Coordination
Through Model Coordination, JMT brings engineers working in the vertical and horizontal realms closer together on projects. As a modern civil designer, Shelby offers her perspective on how clashes are reduced, collaboration is boosted between all team members, and designs can be completed faster and more accurately.
Setting the stage to be a changemaker
As the Autodesk CIM Manager for JMT, Shelby’s goal is to keep the firm moving forward by adopting the best technologies available for our projects. At AU 2023, the buzzing topic was artificial intelligence (AI). Some worry that AI will replace people, but AI learns through people, as they are the driving force for how these technologies will evolve. It’s time to set down the pencils and paper and lean into the exciting possibilities of change.
2023 State of Design and Make: An Interpretation
Autodesk recently released its first annual research study identifying drivers of change in the design and make industries. Shelby shared what resonated with her as a civil engineering professional.
2023 State of Design and Make: An Interpretation was used to launch the Autodesk Community in China and Japan. Published in English, Chinese, and Japanese.
With a background in Civil Engineering from Penn State University, Shelby’s journey has taken her from teaching first-year engineering students to leading the implementation of design standards for her company. Her love for grading design and exploring new modeling methods drives her to continuously innovate in her field.
Shelby has been with JMT for nine years, spending eight of those years as a Site Design Engineer in the Special Projects department, where she worked on a range of projects including bus facility headquarters, bus transfer stations, park development, street beautification, residential subdivisions, and utility design.
Now, as part of the Design Center of Excellence, Shelby thrives on innovation, especially in grading design and exploring new modeling methods. Her love for continuous learning drives her to stay at the cutting edge of the industry. As an active member of the Autodesk Customer Advisory Board for Infrastructure Design and the AUGI Advisory Board, Shelby enjoys sharing her knowledge through contributions to the Autodesk Community Blog, AutoCAD Community Tips, and AUGI.
Ambassador & Outreach Programs
Autodesk Expert Elite
The Expert Elite program recognizes customers around the world who contribute to the Autodesk Community by sharing their product knowledge, best practices and expertise.
AUGI Advisory Board Member
Connect & learn with 500,000 worldwide members Network with industry peers. Find quick answers and access helpful resources. Build your skills and advance your career. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and software updates.
Autodesk Research Community
Be part of a 360° Customer Journey: Help shape the products and services you use every day. Participate in user experience research and development tailored to your expertise, to innovate your work and industry.
Autodesk Customer Advisory Board (CAB) for Infrastructure Design
This invite-only, highly curated peer groups connects your company directly with the Autodesk Infrastructure development team. There will be three boards, one in the Americas (including Central and South America), EMEA, and another in the APAC region, all consistent of product experts and company leaders from a wide range of AEC firms who want to help make the tools better.Your representative will get to meet with like-minded professionals in the AEC Infrastructure Industry and share your company’s experiences with the Infrastructure team as well as provide feedback and input on our vision and roadmap for the future.
ACEC/PA PennDOT State Kit Work Group
As PennDOT continues to advance their technological efforts, ACEC/PA has been working with the department to ensure that those advances not only benefit consultants, but the transportation industry as a whole. PennDOT has established an Autodesk Statekit work group, that focuses on Autodesk developments, similar to the existing Open Road Designer (ORD) work group.
AutoCAD User Group (AUG) | LinkedIn
The AutoCAD User Group (AUG) is for ALL AutoCAD users, students, and learners. As this user group evolves, it will become a place where AutoCAD learning content, tips & tricks, and advice to all AutoCAD users will be posted and shared.
C4C3D Autodesk User Group
This peer-to-peer user group is an open conversation to connect and network with peers in the industry. Autodesk Construction Cloud, ACC, while not new for most is a new technology for Civil Engineers and frequent Autodesk and Peer assistance will help improve your success.
Resources
Pre-Recorded Live Panel Discussion
Recording available for AUGI Members on the AUGI Mighty Networks Community
Hosted by Robert Green and panelists R.K. McSwain, Shelby L. Smith, David Butts, and Alex Lepeska. (Recording available for AUGI Members on the AUGI Mighty Networks Community AUGI Community (mn.co)
upcoming events
Webinar
August 22, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Central
Civil User Group
Enhancing Geolocations with ACC
Geolocation integration can greatly improve project accuracy and coordination. Explore the geolocation features in Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and learn how to effectively use them to enhance your projects. Understand the benefits of precise location data and its impact on project outcomes.
Webinar
September 5, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Central
Civil User Group
Streamlining Project Workflow with Sheet Set Manager for Web
Sheet Set Manager for Web is a powerful tool for managing project documents and workflows. Join us to learn how to streamline your project documentation process, improve collaboration, and enhance productivity. Get hands-on tips for utilizing this tool to its fullest potential.
AU 2025
September 16, 2025
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Central
Presentation by:
– Jamie Gant III
– Tommy Heitzman
– Shelby L Smith
Innovators Stage
Design, Build, Experience: Immersive Digital Twins
Imagine walking a design site before it’s ever built, with grading, buildings, and utilities unfolding around you in full context. Immersive digital twins make that possible, turning project models into shared experiences that improve communication and bring teams into alignment before construction begins. In this fast-paced, high-level session, three voices from civil design, immersive technology, and construction will share insights from the field. Rather than a technical deep dive, this session offers a big-picture look at how immersive digital twins are bridging disciplines, reducing errors, and clarifying complex data throughout the project lifecycle. When stakeholders can visualize a design in its environment, they are empowered to make faster, more confident decisions. Join us to explore how immersive workflows support better outcomes from concept through construction.
AU 2025
September 17, 2025
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Central
Moderated by: Shelby L Smith
Panelists:
– Alex Mercado, JMT
– Tom Richardson, MWM Design Group
– Kristina Youngblut, CIMA+
– Gil Cordle, LJA
Panel Discussion
Breaking Down Silos in Digital Transformation
One of the biggest challenges in digital transformation is getting disciplines to work together, sharing data and information in real time. Whether technical, organizational, or cultural, silos slow progress, create inefficiencies, and keep teams from reaching their full potential. This panel brings together industry leaders who are actively climbing that mountain. Through candid conversation, they’ll share real-world struggles, setbacks, and the steps they’re taking to reach higher ground. Expect honest insights, bold ideas, and practical strategies to break down barriers, improve communication, and build stronger, more connected teams. If you’re navigating the uphill journey of digital transformation, this session is your chance to pause, gain perspective, and gather the tools needed to keep moving forward together.
AU 2025
September 18, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Central
Moderated by: Cary Mandell, Autodesk
Panelists:
– Shelby L. Smith, JMT
– Abby Lott, Autodesk
– Barbara Koffenberger, Autodesk
– Kristina Youngblut, CIMA+
Innovators Stage
Out of the Shadows, Into the Light: From Experience Designer to Architect – Success Stories of Women in AEC
Throughout history, women have pioneered innovations that have shaped the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, laying the foundation for groundbreaking technologies and radical transformations. We’ll explore the powerful impact of women driving change across the industry, and look ahead to the future of how we design and make. Hear from Autodesk Expert Elites and influential product designers at the forefront of transformative technologies. These women have adopted AI-powered generative design solutions. They’re using digital twin technology to create climate-resilient architecture. And they’re driving the successful integration of cloud-based platforms across large-scale organizations. Whether you’re a woman in AEC or an ally, this session will provide actionable insights, inspiring stories, and an opportunity to connect and ask questions with the trailblazers shaping the future of design, construction, and technology.