We are pleased to announce that Briana (Bre) Smith has been named Principal of RLR Associates.
Bre brings a background in Service Design, UX/UI, and Visual Communication Design to the RLR team, enhancing our approach to strategy and deepening how we create cohesive experiences across physical and digital environments.
Bre becomes only the second Principal in RLR’s 31-year history. Founder Rod Reid is stepping down from the role of Principal and will continue supporting the firm as Associate in Business Development.
Growing into Leadership Through Technical Excellence
Bre joined RLR in 2016. She was drawn to the firm’s legacy of shaping noteworthy brands and places throughout Indianapolis, where she was born and raised. Motivated by a desire to make a difference in her community, she immersed herself in the architectural and planning world to understand how experiential graphic designers enrich spaces centered on connection, wellbeing, identity, and civic pride.
Over the years, Bre has contributed creative direction and design execution on many notable projects, including:
- White River branding
- Riverside Promenade at Riverside Regional Park
- Riverside Adventure Park at Riverside Regional Park
- Purdue University Parker Residence Halls Exhibit
- Center for Black Literature & Culture digital interactives, branding, and extended theming
- Downtown Grand Rapids Wayfinding
- Kappa Alpha Theta Heritage Center Exhibits
- Hastings Museum Kool-Aid Exhibit
- Town of Avon, Indiana branding
- Greenwood, Indiana Wayfinding
- Indiana Association of REALTORS® interior branding
A Background Rooted in Community
Bre holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication Design from the Herron School of Art + Design at Indiana University Indianapolis. She is also an active member of the Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD).
Her passion for design is grounded in her commitment to service and helping others. From working at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful during her high school and college years to collaborating with the IU School of Medicine on a patient-provider shared decision mapping tool for the IU Health Simon Cancer Center, Bre has applied empathy and problem-solving to improve real experiences in her community.
Looking Ahead
RLR will continue to serve as a creative partner to municipalities, institutions, and design professionals seeking powerful strategies to amplify brand identity and connect people to place in distinctive ways. As Principal, Bre will guide the firm’s creative studio into its next chapter.
“Our 30+ years in the design industry reflects our ongoing dedication to quality and excellence. My goal is to carry that forward as we continue to evolve. What makes RLR special is our creative lens. Our ability to listen and frame design challenges is key to how we shape strategies that bring each project’s vision to life. That has always been our superpower, and it’s the foundation that I want to build on.”
Life Beyond Work
Outside of the studio, Bre enjoys life as a new mom, a big sister and daughter, attending art shows, and exploring the history of the communities around her.
We’re excited for the years ahead, and proud to celebrate Bre’s leadership as we continue creating impactful work.
