In 1994, Ms. Smith received her B.F.A. in Painting from the University of Washington and an M.F.A. in Textile Design from the University of Kansas in 2002.

Focusing her research on domestic textiles, Ms. Smith explores the concepts surrounding the House as a Symbol of Self and the notion that how we decorate relates directly to our personal and communal beliefs, aspirations and values. She has researched and published (Surface Design Journal 2002) about the social and political role of Wallpaper in western history, has been interviewed on Home and Away in Lawrence Kansas and lectured on the topic Psychology of the Domestic Space to a broad range of audiences.

Ms. Smith produces a limited edition line of Home textiles and bags under the name Domestic Element and sold in specialty stores around the country. Each item is hand crafted in her studio. She is continually exploring different techniques for creating patterns from hand-printed linen to computerized jacquard weaving. These patterns merge historical motifs with a contemporary conversation. A recent addition to the studio is a wide format digital textile-printer. Used for printing on silk, the printer enables her to design more detailed and individualized patterns. Ms. Smith's work has been published in Philadelphia Style Magazine, Fiberarts Magazine, American Craft, and Lawrence Journal World.

Domestic Element exhibits across the country in the form of Installations. Most recent exhibitions were at the Atlanta Design Museum in Atlanta, the School of Visual Arts West Side Gallery in New York City and the Woven Fiber Art House in West Chester, PA. In addition to her Home textile Line, Ms. Smith is currently collaborating with a wallpaper company, Studio Printworks, on a series of conceptually inspired patterns. The New York Times published this collection in the House and Home section on June 10 2004. GQ, The Times (London), I.D. Magazine, and House and Home have all reviewed the wallpaper.

Presently Ms. Smith lives in Seattle, Washington.