We are each who we are as a result of a unique mix of “nature and nurture,” our singular natures combining with our individual experiences to make us, every one, both wonderfully similar and distinctly ourselves.

     Gregory Z. Smith was born at William Beaumont Army Medical Center to Lieutenant Donald E. Smith and Jo-an R. Smith early in the Eisenhower years.  Living on Fort Bliss, the family traveled to and through Las Cruces shortly after Greg’s birth and many times in the following years as they lived and traveled throughout the Americas, from Alaska to Argentina.  That love of travel continues for Greg and his wife, Allison K. Smith, as they continue to enjoy learning more about New Mexico, the United States, and the world.

     Greg studied architecture at Texas A&M University, earning his bachelor’s degree in 1975.  He later studied education at the University of Texas at Austin, earning his teaching certificate in 1986 and his master’s degree in 1989.  After teaching elementary school for nearly twenty years, Greg decided to pursue his love of architecture by starting DnA - Designs in Adobe in Las Cruces.

     His parents had moved to Las Cruces in 1972, followed by his grandparents Richardson in 1986.  Two decades later, Greg stopped visiting Las Cruces nearly every holiday to live here on a full time basis.