McLean, VA - Aug 6, 2025 - Miller & Smith, a leading homebuilder in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region, today announced the retirement of Robert Spalding, Vice President of Land Development, after nearly two decades of dedicated service and more than 40 years of leadership across both the public and private sectors of urban planning and development.
Since joining Miller & Smith in 2005, Spalding has been an instrumental force behind many of the company’s Maryland-based communities, overseeing land development projects that span from early-stage design entitlements through final construction. His work includes standout communities and non-residential developments such as Centerpark, Woodcrest, Gallery Park, and Tapestry in Montgomery County, as well as the award-winning Tallyn Ridge neighborhood in Frederick County.
One of the projects Spalding is most proud of is Tallyn Ridge, a thoughtfully designed neighborhood nestled alongside Pinecliff Park in Frederick. The 441-home community includes generous open space, a pool and clubhouse, and scenic ridgeline views, creating a vibrant, connected environment where families continue to thrive. “Watching Tallyn Ridge evolve from lines on paper into a place where kids are playing, neighbors are chatting, and families are building their lives, that’s what makes it all worth it,” said Spalding.
Spalding’s unique perspective, shaped by his experience in both municipal government and private development, enabled him to serve as a bridge between jurisdictions and builders. “Sometimes it felt like translating between two different languages,” he reflected. “But being able to align our development goals with public priorities led to better communities for everyone involved.”
That commitment to thoughtful development was deeply aligned with the values at Miller & Smith, a company that celebrated its 60th anniversary last year. Since 1964, Miller & Smith has built more than 20,000 homes and developed over 8,000 acres of land throughout Virginia and Maryland. The company has earned a reputation for creative design, innovative placemaking, and a consistent ability to adapt to the needs of homebuyers and the evolution of the market.
Spalding attributes that longevity to a culture of mentorship, professionalism, and principled leadership. “What’s kept Miller & Smith going for six decades is its foundation—laid by its founders and passed down through each generation of leaders. Every transition has carried forward a deep commitment to creativity, doing the right thing, and building neighborhoods and houses people are proud to call home.”
In addition to his work at Miller & Smith, Spalding has been an active member of the broader planning and development community. A certified planner with degrees from the University of Maryland and the University of Virginia, he has been invited to present at national conferences for the Urban Land Institute and the American Planning Association. He also served on the board of the Maryland-National Capital Building Industry Association and held the role of Vice President for Montgomery County in 2011 and 2012.
“These opportunities helped me see beyond individual projects,” Spalding said. “Engaging with peers across the region gave me a better understanding of the ripple effects of policy and regulation, and allowed me to advocate for sensible, forward-thinking development standards that ultimately support better neighborhoods.”
Looking back, Spalding hopes his work will continue to shape the region for generations to come. “Neighborhoods don’t go away. The roads we build, the homes we plan—people may be living in them for hundreds of years. My hope is that the communities we’ve created stand the test of time, not just physically, but as places where people feel connected and truly at home.”
As he enters retirement, Spalding looks forward to spending more time with family, traveling, running races in new cities, and, after years of reading zoning ordinances and legislation, finally reading for pure enjoyment. “I’ll miss the people the most,” he shared. “The calm professionalism, the sense of purpose. It’s been a privilege to work alongside such a thoughtful, talented team.”
Miller & Smith celebrates Robert Spalding’s many contributions and lasting legacy, etched not only in blueprints, but in the streets and neighborhoods where lives unfold.
Founded in 1964, Miller & Smith is a privately owned builder and developer active in residential real estate throughout the Mid-Atlantic. One of the largest private homebuilders in the Washington, DC metropolitan region, Miller & Smith has built more than 6,500 single-family homes, 10,000 townhomes, and 2,100 condominiums, and developed 18,500 home sites in 150 communities across Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware. The company is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.
For more information, visit www.millerandsmith.com.
Media Contact
Company Name: Miller and Smith
Contact Person: Erica Bell
Email: Send Email
Phone: 703-821-2500 x145
City: Vienna
State: VA
Country: United States
Website: https://millerandsmith.com
