Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Smith.
Hi Seth, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When people ask about my story, I always kind of laugh because my first thought is, “Which one?” Since graduating from the NewSchool of Architecture + Design, I’ve found myself in all kinds of roles—designer, community volunteer, planning commissioner, council candidate, and now business owner. But looking back, everything connects pretty naturally.
I first got involved with Lemon Grove while interning in the City’s Community Development Department. I was studying architecture with a focus on urban planning, so digging into municipal codes and sketching early ideas for improving the local Skate Park felt like a perfect fit. Around the same time, I helped run social media for Lemon Grove’s Relay for Life, which taught me a lot about community messaging and bringing people together.
Right after graduating, I joined Architects BP Associates. And honestly, this is where things got real for me. When the housing slowdown hit and the firm shrank to just a couple of us, I suddenly became responsible for everything—3D modeling, code analysis, plan check responses, even construction administration—on a large multi-building project. It was absolutely a trial by fire, but that experience shaped me. It deepened my understanding of building codes, city processes, and what it takes to get a complex project permitted and built.
That foundation eventually led me to the Lemon Grove Planning Commission, where I now serve as Chair. I’m proud of the work I’ve done there—updating the City’s Massage Establishment Ordinance so it fights human trafficking while still supporting legitimate businesses, and creating a native pollinator landscape policy that helped Lemon Grove become California’s first Pollinator Pathway City. I love being the person in the room who can bridge different viewpoints and find solutions that help the whole community.
In 2024, I ran for Lemon Grove City Council because I really believe thoughtful planning and strong ordinances can shape a healthier, more connected city. I didn’t win, but I absolutely plan to run again in 2026.
One of the things I’m most proud of is designing and permitting “The Neighborhood”—a community event space in Lemon Grove that I worked on pro bono. Since opening in 2025, it’s already hosted everything from documentary premieres to fashion shows, concerts, board game nights, and little league meetings. Seeing people use and enjoy a space I helped make happen has been an incredible experience.
And now, after ABPA’s owners retired, I’ve started my own building design company: Incolo Design LLC. Even though it’s still new, the relationships I’ve built over the years have brought in several multi-family and ADU projects right away. I’m excited for what’s ahead and for the new ways I can continue serving and energizing my community through design.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Outside of the trial by fire that I mentioned in my story, one of the challenges that I have had to overcome is my tendency to be introverted. I have a natural inclination to observe and introspect. Funny enough, many of the ways that I have been able to help my community are to be making decisions from a dais, speaking at community events, and networking with movers and shakers in Lemon Grove. It is certainly a skill that I have had to acquire.
I suppose that I could also add that the first time that I applied for Lemon Grove’s Planning Commission I was rejected due to lack of experience. So, I took that, not as a “no” but as a “not yet”. I went on to go through that trial by fire while working for ABPA and successfully applied to the Lemon Grove Planning Commission.
We’ve been impressed with Incolo Deign LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Incolo Design LLC is a building design business that focuses on creating spaces that function seamlessly for the people who live, work, and connect in them. The first official project of Incolo Design is “The Neighborhood” and it is a shining example of creating space for community to happen. While “The Neighborhood” is a commercial project, I have been involved on a wide range of project types including custom homes, multi-family residences, commercial buildings, and mixed-use developments. In each project that I have completed I am known for my honesty, transparency, quality customer service, and ability to guide clients through the complexities of their project’s permitting process. I believe that each person and project is important and deserves to be handled with care. Especially in the ADU market, a person and their project can become “just another job” to the company working on it and Incolo Design is set apart by treating each project that is taken on as the most important project that it has ever done. I am proud to have received feedback saying that Incolo Design’s brand is friendly and approachable. I take pride in being easy to work with and caring for my clients. Currently, Incolo Design offeres design services for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), custom homes, multi-family homes (apartments or condos), and small business buildouts (like “The Neighborhood”).
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was a pretty creative, curious, and nerdy kid. I played trading card games competitively (Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!), disassembled and reassembled the family computer to find out how it worked, built everything out of Legos from houses and space ships to functioning trash grabbers. I especially enjoyed playing strategy games. Sort of stereotypically, I got into architecture because of Legos. I really enjoyed building houses and making sure that they optimized for Lego-people to live in them. It helped that my dad’s friend was an architect – I got to see a bit of what he did while I was young and decided that is what I wanted to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://incolodesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seth.andrew.smith
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/votesethsmith
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sethandrewsmith
