About The Author

Neil H. Smith studied Land Management at the University of London and worked for Grosvenor in England and Western Canada before joining a small Grosvenor team to lead Mobil’s diversification into the development of “New Communities.” He later became responsible for Redwood Shores in California, located on the edge of San Francisco Bay—an experience that deeply reinforced the importance of environmental issues.

The Olayan Group then encouraged a broader perspective that looked beyond individual buildings to the quality of their overall setting and surroundings. This approach led to the formation of Rockwood, where Neil served as the founding Chairman. Rockwood continued to advance these ideas, focusing on wider contextual and environmental considerations that ultimately shaped a growing interest in the “Health of Our Cities” in an increasingly dense world.