Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Engineering & Surveying Services in Tennessee
L I Smith & Associates (LIS) has been a trusted leader in engineering and surveying services for over 50 years. Our team of licensed professionals operates across 12 states in the Central and Southeast U.S., delivering innovative solutions for land development, infrastructure design, and surveying projects. We combine decades of industry experience with cutting-edge technology to address complex challenges in both public and private sectors. Our commitment to ethical practices, technical excellence, and community impact has earned recognition including the 2019 ACEC Engineering Excellence Grand Award. As a certified Tennessee Small Business Enterprise, we prioritize client partnerships, sustainable practices, and professional development for our team.Our multistate expertise ensures compliance with regional standards while maintaining timely project execution. From initial surveys to final construction layouts, LIS provides comprehensive services tailored to each client's unique needs. Our leadership team includes veterans of the U.S. Air Force and Tennessee State Guard, bringing disciplined expertise to every project. With offices in Paris and Nashville, Tennessee, we remain dedicated to advancing industry standards through continuous learning and technological innovation.
Services
Land Development
Infrastructure Design
Surveying Services
Subdivision Design
Topographical Mapping
Road Design
Sewer Design
Bridge Design
Storm Water Studies
Commercial Site Development
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of engineering and surveying experience
- Our team provides multistate coverage across 12 states
- We utilize cutting-edge technology for innovative solutions
- Certified Tennessee Small Business Enterprise since inception
- Awarded 2019 Engineering Excellence Grand Award by ACEC
Associations and certifications
- American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
- Tennessee Small Business Enterprise
What people say
Excellent results
Fast, efficient
Proficient and good at their job
Very reasonable
Great staff
Services
Land Development
Our land development services transform raw land into functional spaces for residential, commercial, and industrial use. We handle zoning compliance, environmental assessments, and construction layouts while prioritizing sustainable practices. With expertise in subdivision design and topographical mapping, we create solutions that balance client needs with community impact across 12 U.S. states.
Infrastructure Design
We specialize in designing essential infrastructure systems including roadways, bridges, and water management solutions. Our team delivers over $1.5 billion in highway construction layout experience while incorporating stormwater management and sustainable materials. From initial surveys to final construction documentation, we ensure compliance with federal and state regulations for public and private sector clients.
Surveying Services
Our surveying division provides precise measurements for property boundaries, construction projects, and environmental assessments. Licensed in 10 states, we offer ALTA surveys, topographical mapping, and georeferenced modeling using drone technology. These services form the foundation for successful land development and infrastructure projects across diverse terrains.
Subdivision Design
We create comprehensive subdivision plans that optimize land use while meeting regulatory requirements. Our services include site analysis, utility planning, and stormwater management for residential and commercial developments. By integrating environmental considerations with practical design, we help clients maximize property value while ensuring long-term sustainability.
Topographical Mapping
Our topographical mapping services provide detailed elevation data crucial for construction and land development projects. Using advanced surveying technology, we create accurate digital terrain models that inform site planning, drainage solutions, and infrastructure placement. This foundational service supports successful project execution across various industries.
People
Patrick Smith
President
President Patrick Smith leads LIS with 25+ years of engineering and surveying experience. A licensed professional in multiple states, he expanded the Nashville office and introduced drone technology. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Mississippi State University and serves as former president of the Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers.
Larry Smith
Executive Vice President
Founder Larry Smith brings 45+ years of industry expertise as a licensed engineer and surveyor in multiple states. A U.S. Air Force veteran and former Tennessee State Guard Regimental Commander, he established LIS's commitment to technical excellence and community service while maintaining active roles in professional engineering societies.
Chris Conrad
Chief Operating Officer
COO Chris Conrad oversees daily operations with 30+ years of surveying experience. As head of the Nashville office, he manages equipment inventory, fleet operations, and strategic planning while maintaining his Professional Licensed Surveyor credentials across multiple states.
Tommy Young
Vice President of Surveying
Vice President Tommy Young directs surveying operations with 28 years of experience, including 25 at LIS. Holding licenses in 10 states, he mentors staff and ensures technical excellence. Recognized as 2024 Surveyor of the Year by the Tennessee Association of Professional Surveyors, he maintains active involvement in industry organizations.
Ashley Horn
Vice President of Marketing
Vice President Ashley Horn leads marketing and communications with a Master's in Strategic Communication. She developed LIS's internship program and serves on the American Advertising Federation board while managing brand development and recruitment initiatives for the firm.
Questions
What engineering and surveying services do you offer?
We provide land development, infrastructure design, and comprehensive surveying services including topographical mapping and ALTA surveys across 12 U.S. states.
In which states do you operate?
Our services cover Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
How long have you been in business?
L.I. Smith & Associates has provided engineering and surveying services since 1975, with over 50 years of industry experience.
What sets LIS apart from competitors?
Our multistate licensing, 50+ years of experience, and integration of drone technology with traditional surveying methods ensure innovative, comprehensive solutions for complex projects.
Do you handle both public and private sector projects?
Yes, we serve both sectors with expertise in government projects for entities like TDOT and TVA, as well as commercial developments for private clients.
What notable projects have you completed?
Recent projects include the BNA Terminal Planning project, Milan Army Ammunition Plant redevelopment, and Nashville Soccer Club practice facility, demonstrating our diverse capabilities.
Reviews (6)
Matthew Horton
Mar 22, 2022
Report
By far the best service around. I highly recommend doing business with them. If I could give them a higher rating I would!
Cole Hazlewood
Mar 20, 2022
Report
Hands down the only good place to get your land surveying done around the Paris and Nashville area. 10 out of 10.
Cole Hazlewood
Mar 13, 2022
Report
Great people business been around for forever. Good family owned business everyone in Paris and Nashville should go to. Give it a 10 out of 10
Itsa Mystic Life
Feb 19, 2022
Report
Not impressed at all. Gave 1 star because I couldn't do a negative star review. Final results have left us feeling lied to & cheated. Made an appointment for a month out, due to their busy schedule. No call, no show. I called that evening after waiting all day, and eventually got a voicemail later that night saying they were delayed and would reschedule. Their team finally showed up, but never let us know they were on the property, our dogs alerted us to their presence. Despite, county plot lines and 3 different family members of the former owners, independently telling them where the old property line was established (this has been family property for over 100 years), they shaved off a sizable amount of our land. There has been some talk as to question their integrity and willingness to alter lines to benefit more affluent land holders.
Diane Soli
Jun 24, 2021
Report
Had survey done in 2019 and just now found out that it is wrong. They are correcting but if owner of adjacent property hadn't questioned our original survey, who knows how long we would have been clueless.
James Eichel
Oct 07, 2020
Report
He has done numerous surveys for me and gets them done quickly and efficiently. Easy to contact and easy to deal with. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!