Howard Dwight Smith (1886-1958), a Dayton native, was one of Ohio State's most important campus architects, serving as University Architect and designing iconic structures like Ohio Stadium and Thompson Library's tower. Smith's Neoclassical designs also grace the city of Columbus, many of which still stand today.
Howard Dwight Smith graduated from The Ohio State University in 1907 with a degree in Civil Engineering in Architecture, later earning his bachelor's in architecture from Columbia University in 1910. After graduation, Smith became the chief designer of John Russell Pope's firm (known for the Jefferson Memorial). He worked there until 1917, when he was persuaded to come to Columbus.
In Columbus, Smith designed Ohio Stadium, at that time the largest two-level open-ended stadium in the world. At the same time, he taught architecture at Ohio State from 1918-1921. Once Ohio Stadium was completed, Smith became the chief architect for Columbus Public Schools, designing schools in his typical Beaux-Arts-inspired style.
Most significantly, Howard Dwight Smith served as University Architect from 1929-1956, following Joseph N. Bradford. This included designing 30 buildings on campus and revising the campus master plan. (Smith proposed extending campus beyond the Olentangy River, and look where we are today.) He was also a consultant for other architectural firms and their projects in Columbus. After his retirement, he was succeeded by W. E. Linch.
Smith died in 1958 after suffering a stroke. Smith (-Steeb) Hall, a dorm on south campus, is named in his honor.