We’re excited to share that Schmit + Associates was recently featured in Atlanta Real Estate Forum, one of the region’s most respected platforms for news and insights on community development and real estate innovation. The article, “Schmit & Associates: How Collaboration Shapes Better Communities,” offers an in-depth look at our philosophy and the values that guide our work across Georgia.

The feature highlights a theme that is central to who we are: Development is most successful when it begins with listening. Whether the project involves revitalizing an overlooked area, planning a new mixed-use district, or partnering with a municipality on long-range visioning, our first step is always to understand the needs, goals, and character of the community.  As the article notes, collaboration isn’t a step in the process for us — it’s the framework that shapes every decision we make.

The story also underscores how Schmit + Associates approaches the transformation of under-utilized or aging spaces. Rather than seeing land purely through the lens of buildings and parcels, we look at its potential to create walkable, connected environments that enhance quality of life and economic vitality. These outcomes are only possible because of the partnerships we form with residents, local governments, civic organizations, and private-sector colleagues. The article reflects how these relationships bring additional insight, creativity, and shared ownership to each project, ultimately resulting in better, more resilient communities.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to have our work highlighted in this way, and even more grateful for the partners who help make our projects successful. Features like this shine a light on the importance of intentional, people-focused development — work that centers on long-term value, community identity, and thoughtful growth.

Read the full article on Atlanta Real Estate Forum

For almost 8 years, Dave devoted countless hours as a volunteer with the Roswell Downtown Development Authority. Among the major projects the DDA tackled during that time, was the redevelopment of the long-struggling ‘Skillet’ property on Alpharetta Hwy in the heart of Roswell. After an arduous RFP process to select the right development partner, Dave took the lead in negotiating the sale of the property to SJ Collins for development of Southern Post. Roswell Magazine chronicles the path of this prominent project, as well as the evolution of the DDA.

Roswell Magazine recently set out on a mission to expand their local coverage, using talks with some of the city’s more involved residents. Each person would be asked the same question:

“What would you change first if you were publisher of Roswell Magazine for a day?”

After identifying 10 community leaders to speak with, Publisher Regina Barkley contacted Dave Schmit. Searching Google told her that Dave is someone who, as she writes, ‘walks the walk’. Although Regina didn’t get specific suggestions for her magazine, she did get Dave’s larger vision for Roswell and what he believes is needed for its viability going forward.

Professionally, Dave has worked to develop thriving communities in numerous cities around the country. Locally, he has developed projects like Roswell Court, Forrest Commons, and Veranda. He has worked on public initiatives like Roswell’s Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Economic Development Committees. He has led numerous civic and nonprofit boards, providing strategic planning as well as leadership. He has coached sports teams and mentored college classes.

He and his wife Rena have raised two sons here. Dave is invested in Roswell.

His experience has led him to clear philosophies about what a community, like Roswell, must have to have to succeed. Things like decisive leadership and deliberate action. Open and consistent communication among historic and environmental preservation groups, cultural, recreational and arts communities, business owners and government officials. From those conversations, decision making and action have to follow in a timely fashion. In this highly charged political era, it can be difficult to bring and keep a community together. Not everyone will share the same view of the best course. Leaders are challenged to break through conflicting ideas and loud voices to make reasoned decisions. How Roswell meets these objectives will directly impact the lifestyle that residents enjoy and the investments they have made.

Read the full article in Roswell Magazine.