Our Mission

To provide beautiful, impactful design to all.

At SMPL Creative we are passionate about creating sustainable, inclusive spaces that empower communities and promote well-being. Our approach is holistic, integrating architecture, interiors, and place-honoring strategies to create socially driven designs and believe that beautiful and functional design should be accessible to all.

Our work has been recognized with international awards, exhibitions (Boston, Washington D.C., Venice Italy), and speaking engagements. We are actively involved in sustainability initiatives and industry organizations, continuously seeking opportunities to blend thoughtful design with community-driven solutions.

We are eager to bring our expertise in sustainability, social impact, and design excellence to your next project. If you’re interested, connect with us below.

Offices

NORTHERN VIRGINA

101 N Union St

Alexandria, VA 22314

Follow Us

WASHINGTON D.C.

1400 16th St NW, Apt 103

Washington, D.C. 20036

Email Us

info@smplcreative.com

FOUNDER | ARCHITECTURAL + INTERIOR DESIGNER

  • Shelby founded SMPL Creative in 2025. She has a background in architecture, but has always has a strong interest and knowledge in interior design and sustainability; as well as an interest/experience in Urban Design and research. She is passionate about supporting her community and using design as a form of preventative medicine. She believes that spaces should be both beautiful and healing.

    She started her career off in high-end residential design, and draws from that skillset to bring design excellence to every project. She has worked on a variety of project types from homes, dorms, and shelters to hotels and restaurants, from community centers and offices to schools and museums.

    Beyond the office, Shelby is an artist and has an extensive photography background. She also enjoys dabbling in furniture design, painting, and ceramics. In the mornings you can find her on a bike ride or at the yoga studio. In the evenings she is often seen at networking events or trying a new restaurant. Shelby strives to spend as much time outside as possible and loves to bring nature in.

    She resides in Arlington VA with her 2 cats she rescued from Kuwait. She has her own veggie garden and is working to become a bee keeper, both to support agriculture and take care of her favorite bugs! In the winter she loves to ice skate, but in the summer she loves to spend time at the beach; so it’s fitting that her name is SHELL-BEE.

    Master of Architecture, Virginia Tech WACC | 2022

    Bachelor of Fine Arts, Architecture + Photography, MassArt / Minor in Sustainability, Colleges of the Fenway | 2018

Serving the Community | Supporting our Mission

BELLRINGER RIDE for Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center @ Georgetown University

YOUTH PROGRAMS @ The District Architecture Center

  • Sustainable Greenhouses

  • Bee an Architect

Designer Dirt Day at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

DESIGNER DIRT DAY @ Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Our Collaborators

Being a small shop we work with a group of wonderful people who make our projects happen.

  • Ben McGuirl, RA, NCARB, SARA

    OWNER AT MCGUIRL ARCHITECTS, PLLC

    Ben and I first worked together at Winstanley Architects and Planners. We worked great as a team and when we both went off on our own we decided to collaborate. Ben brings his architectural knowledge to our projects.

    Ben has extensive knowledge of high-end design from single family residential to dorms to retail and restaurant design. He has done many projects in the city of Alexandria and is well versed in the permit and historic approval process.

    Ben believes in harmony between buildings and context. He strives for his designs to fulfill his clients’ aspirations. He is passionate about nature and being involved in the community, both of which he integrates into his work.

  • Art Giannopoulos, PE

    CO-FOUNDER + MEP-FP ENGINEER

    Art is an MEP Engineer with knowledge and experience from both the design and installation sides. He uses his skills to help his fellow community members, specializing in design, installation, and maintenance of retail and restaurant systems.

  • Paul Beckmann

    OWNER AT BECKMANN ARCHITECTS

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!