[1] In 1874, he designed the Main Building of Vanderbilt University, later known as Kirkland Hall, as two French Gothic towers.

[9] Meanwhile, Smith designed Memorial Hall on the campus of Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee, built from 1892 to 1896.

[12][13] Smith quit his architectural career to serve in the Philippine–American War, where he commanded the 1st Tennessee Infantry Regiment of the United States Army in 1898–1899.

[2] They had several children, including a son, George J. Smith, who also served in the Philippine–American War,[15] and a daughter, who married Hart B.

Memorial Hall has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Wilson County since April 29, 1977.

[20] Meanwhile, one of Smith's apprentices, Clarence Kelley Colley, went on to become a renowned architect in his own right, with buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.