Cass Calder Smith established the San Francisco architectural firm that bears his name in 1990. Smith earned his bachelor and master of architecture degrees from UC Berkeley and is recognized internationally for his architectural and interior design projects. In 1999 he was named "One of the 60 Most Powerful People in the Bay Area" by San Francisco magazine, and in 2005 he was featured in 1000 Architects, a pictorial directory of the world's leading architectural firms. Firmly based in the modernist idiom, Smith draws inspiration from history's great architects and cities as well as the epic filmmakers of the last century. Bold imagery and intricate detail are characteristic of his designs balanced with experience and common sense.

Generous support for CCA public programs in San Francisco has been provided by Grants for the Arts / San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund.