Nelson Scott Smith is an architect, urban designer, and teacher, and artist.​​​ Travel, and living in the heart of great cities, shaped his beliefs about architecture and urban design. As a Rotch Traveling Scholar, his focus was the influence of climate, culture, and context on architecture and public spaces. Sustainability was an early interest; the cities and dwellings of northern Africa and Mediterranean Europe gave insights into building and urban form shaped by regional forces and resources. These studies and interests are the foundation of his professional career.

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For twenty-five years, Nelson was a partner with Sasaki Associates in Boston and San Francisco. Before joining Sasaki, he worked with other nationally-known architects and with an international firm in Rome.

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Nelson founded Artichoke Design Company as a platform for nimble design thinking, collaborations, active project and client involvement, and research and writing promoting climate action and social and environmental justice. Clients include public and private organizations, colleges and universities, and individuals. His work is throughout the United States. Internationally, it has taken him to Japan, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Korea, Mexico, Egypt, and the Middle East.