Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Engineering Partner in Paris, TN
L I Smith & Associates is a full-service engineering and surveying firm with over five decades of experience serving public and private sectors. Founded in 1975, we specialize in land development, infrastructure design, and surveying services across 12 Central and Southeastern states. Our team combines technical expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions for complex projects. Recognized with the 2019 ACEC Engineering Excellence Grand Award, we maintain a commitment to ethical practices and community impact.As a certified Tennessee Small Business Enterprise, we prioritize client partnerships, regulatory compliance, and workforce development through mentorship programs. Our multistate licensing enables comprehensive coverage for projects of all scales, supported by long-standing relationships with government entities like TDOT and TVA. With leadership actively engaged in professional societies, we uphold industry standards while fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.
Services
Land Development
Infrastructure Design
Surveying Services
Subdivision Design
Road Design
Bridge Design
Storm Water Studies
Topographical Mapping
Sewer Design
Commercial Site Development
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have 50 years of engineering and surveying experience across 12 states.
- Our team holds licenses in multiple states for comprehensive multistate project coverage.
- We received the 2019 ACEC Engineering Excellence Grand Award for surveying innovation.
- Our leadership includes active members of the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers.
- We maintain long-standing partnerships with TDOT, TVA, and Metro Nashville government.
What people say
Excellent results
Fast, efficient
Proficient
Reasonable rates
Great staff
Services
Land Development
We provide comprehensive land development solutions from zoning compliance to construction layout. Our expertise creates sustainable residential, commercial, and industrial spaces while navigating regulatory requirements. With multistate licensing, we deliver tailored development plans that meet client-specific needs across diverse geographic regions.
Infrastructure Design
Our infrastructure design services cover roadway systems, water management, and public works projects. We specialize in creating functional, code-compliant designs for roads, bridges, and stormwater systems. With $1.5B+ in highway construction experience, we ensure durable, cost-effective solutions for public and private sector clients.
Surveying Services
We offer full-spectrum surveying services including ALTA/ACSM standards, boundary determination, and topographical mapping. Our 10-state licensed surveyors use advanced technology for precise data collection. With expertise in federal land redevelopment projects, we provide accurate foundation surveys for complex developments.
Subdivision Design
Our subdivision design services include site analysis, utility planning, and regulatory permitting. We create efficient residential and commercial layouts that maximize land use while maintaining environmental compliance. With extensive experience in municipal approval processes, we streamline development timelines for clients.
Topographical Mapping
We produce detailed topographical maps using advanced surveying technology. These maps support accurate site planning for construction projects, environmental assessments, and land development. Our team has extensive experience creating elevation models for infrastructure and building projects across multiple states.
People
Patrick Smith
President
President Patrick Smith leads LIS with 25+ years of engineering and surveying experience. A licensed professional in seven states, he expanded the Nashville office and developed training programs for industry certifications. He serves as former president of the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers.
Larry Smith
Executive Vice President
Founder Larry Smith brings 45+ years of industry experience as a licensed engineer and surveyor in multiple states. A Vietnam veteran and former Tennessee State Guard commander, he established LIS's reputation for technical excellence and client-focused service across the Southeast region.
Chris Conrad
Chief Operating Officer
COO Chris Conrad oversees daily operations with 30+ years of surveying expertise. As head of the Nashville office, he manages equipment inventory, fleet operations, and strategic planning while maintaining professional licensure in multiple states.
Ashley Horn
Vice President of Marketing
Vice President Ashley Horn directs LIS's marketing and communications strategy. With a master's in strategic communication, she developed the internship program and serves on boards for the American Advertising Federation and local chambers of commerce.
Tommy Young
Vice President of Surveying
Surveying VP Tommy Young has 28 years of experience leading land survey projects across 10 states. Recognized as Tennessee's 2024 Surveyor of the Year, he mentors staff and ensures technical excellence in all surveying operations.
Questions
What engineering services does LIS offer?
LIS provides land development, infrastructure design, and surveying services for public and private sector projects across 12 Central and Southeastern states.
Which states does LIS serve?
We operate in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
What awards has LIS received?
LIS won the 2016 Nashville Business of the Year and the 2019 ACEC Engineering Excellence Grand Award for surveying innovation.
What makes LIS different from other firms?
With 50 years of experience and multistate licensing, LIS combines technical expertise with personalized service and advanced surveying technology.