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.
Low Battery Water Infrastructure Project in Charleston, SC
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.
AEC Community Leader of the Year: Shelby L. Smith
Shelby L. Smith, CIM Manager at JMT in Pennsylvania, exemplifies this award through her wide-ranging contributions, including supporting the C4C3D User Group, writing for the Autodesk Community, developing Civil 3D exams, and presenting at AU. Known for her ability to simplify complex topics, she fosters environments where collaboration and learning take priority over expertise. In a constantly changing field, Smith stands out as someone who not only adapts but also guides others through transformation with clarity and purpose.
Technology and the Human Factor
Technology is evolving all around us, and the tools we use are becoming more powerful by the day. Yet even the most advanced software cannot replace the critical thinking, empathy, and lived experience of the people behind the work. In a world shaped by automation and acceleration, it is more important than ever to remember the human factor and make space for the people who bring ideas to life.
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.
Shelby L. Smith thrives on breaking down silos and bringing people together to create smarter, more connected designs. As Civil Information Modeling (CIM) Manager at Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson (JMT), she champions innovation in infrastructure design, guiding teams toward model-based, collaborative workflows that connect disciplines and bridge technology gaps.
Her commitment to collaboration extends beyond her role at JMT. Shelby serves on the Autodesk Customer Advisory Board for Infrastructure Design, the AUGI Board of Directors, the Autodesk Expert Elite program, and participated at Inside the Factory (ITF) event, where she helps shape the future of design technology and community engagement.
Shelby is a recognized speaker and industry leader with more than 20 years of Autodesk expertise. At the 2025 Autodesk University – the Design & Make Conference, she was honored with the Autodesk Design & Make Award for AEC Community Leader of the Year. In addition to volunteering with the Autodesk Community and contributing to the Customer Advisory Board and Expert Elite Summit, she has shared her expertise through numerous Autodesk University sessions and meetups, including presentations, panels, and industry talks.
Her passion for knowledge-sharing extends into the broader Autodesk Community. She co-leads the Civil Infrastructure Technology Exchange (CITE, formerly C4C3D), contributes to AUGI CON as both panelist and moderator, and regularly publishes practical insights and thought leadership pieces through the Autodesk Community Blog and AutoCAD Community Tips.
No matter the setting, whether on stage, in a meeting, or in a casual conversation, Shelby is passionate about sharing knowledge, sparking curiosity, and encouraging others to step outside their comfort zone, knowing it can lead to unexpected opportunities, meaningful connections, and real growth.
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 Board Member (previously Advisory Board)
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.
CITE 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.
CLASSES
The Reality of Digital Twins: Aspirations vs. Limitations
Recording available for AUGI Members on the AUGI Mighty Networks Committee (mn.co)
Digital twins promise a seamless connection between physical assets and their virtual counterparts, offering real-time insights, predictive analytics, and smarter decision-making. But the ideal often clashes with the reality of tight schedules, limited budgets, fragmented data, and evolving technology. This panel brings together a dynamic mix of industry experts across the full project lifecycle, including horizontal and vertical design, immersive technology, and construction administration. With perspectives from both Autodesk and Bentley platforms, and experience ranging from infrastructure modeling to field implementation, this conversation will explore the aspirations behind digital twins and the practical limitations teams encounter on real-world projects. Together, we will unpack what defines a digital twin, examine what is achievable today, and share strategies for moving forward with more connected and intentional outcomes.
Unlocking Digital Transformation in Water Infrastructure
The water industry is undergoing a state of rapid change as it faces a $1 trillion global risk of damaging flooding and water shortages that could impact 5 billion people by 2050. It’s estimated that 60% of global water utilities will be forced to undergo digital transformation of their infrastructure to adapt to growing risks and meet sustainability demands. Join the Autodesk water team as we explore how digital transformation is reshaping the way the world manages water and water infrastructure. Through the lens of Autodesk’s desktop hydraulic modeling products—InfoWorks ICM, InfoDrainage, InfoWater Pro, and InfoWorks WS Pro—we’ll explore practical examples of how rapidly advancing digital technology is helping transform the workflows of industry stakeholders, including utilities, consultants, engineers, water modelers, and others.
Revolutionizing Site Design: Harnessing the Power of Civil 3D Corridors
Join this captivating case study presentation, challenging traditional design approaches in Civil 3D software. Reimagine site design by using the power and flexibility of corridors applied in nonlinear features such as parking lots. Witness how this out-of-the-box thinking tackles site design challenges, and uses the power of Civil 3D to streamline workflows and enhance design efficiency.
AECO Industry Keynote 2024
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. In this session, our AECO leaders will share the latest updates for the business, including news across our industry cloud and product portfolio, and stories of customers who are innovating to Make the Future. Join us to learn how Autodesk Forma is helping facilitate better collaboration, quicker project delivery and better outcomes.
Calling All Technology Managers Panel Discussion
Hosted by Robert Green and panelists R.K. McSwain, Shelby L. Smith, David Butts, and Alex Lepeska, explore a conversation with top CAD and technology managers in AEC industry, diving into how they’re tackling today’s digital challenges and shaping tomorrow’s workflows.
upcoming events
Webinar
October 10, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Central
Civil User Group
The AU Roundup
Grab your front-row seat as we discuss the best of AU 2025 Nashville with the community. We will share the top moments, exciting sessions, and fresh insights from Music City.
Webinar
October 24, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Central
Civil User Group
AI-Powered ACC: From Clicks to Magic
What happens when AI and Autodesk Construction Cloud team up? You get less clicking, fewer repetitive tasks, and more time for the fun stuff. In this session, we’ll unlock how AI can streamline your workflows, from automating routine steps to customizing tasks with the Autodesk API.
Webinar
November 7, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Central
Civil User Group
Conquering Desktop Connector Fears
Working in the cloud doesn’t have to be spooky! In this post-Halloween edition, we’ll tackle the tricks and treats of Autodesk Desktop Connector, helping you face those haunting challenges and turn them into confident workflows.
Webinar
November 21, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Central
Civil User Group
Coding Workflows: What’s Your Vibe?
Ready to find your coding vibe? We’ll discuss how vibe coding with Visual Studio Code, API workflows, and bulk data migration are transforming Civil 3D design. We will present case studies, elaborating on what’s working, what’s possible, and how coding can amplify your everyday workflows.
Webinar
December 5, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Central
Civil User Group
Let’s talk D-O-T’s
Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are opening new doors for Autodesk deliverables, and we’ll take a high-level look at what that means for designers. From emerging state kits to evolving digital document standards, join us as we explore how DOT requirements are shifting and what opportunities lie ahead.
Webinar
December 19, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Central
Civil User Group
Can you point cloud in the Cloud?
Point clouds aren’t just stuck on your desktop anymore! We’ll explore how ReCap and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) are teaming up in the cloud, making it easier to manage, share, and connect reality capture with your design workflows.
Webinar
January 9, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Central
Civil User Group
Forma your dreams
Forma is sparking new conversations beyond the building world. With growing connections to Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) and expanding support for civil infrastructure, we’ll explore where this evolving platform might take us in the future.
Webinar
January 23, 2026
10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Central
Civil User Group
Industry panel discussion
Join us for a dynamic panel discussion where experts share their experiences with Network, VPN, Egnyte, Nasuni, Panzura, Citrix, and Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC). We’ll weigh the benefits, drawbacks, and everyday challenges of each, offering insights into what works best across the industry. Expect plenty of lively perspectives—and maybe a few friendly disagreements along the way.