
Kaye A. Smith
Vice President | Carolinas' Co-Director | Senior Cost Manager II
Kaye’s 35-year career is defined by curiosity, determination, and trust earned through decades of consistent, relationship-driven leadership. She began her career with hands-on learning and field experience, building a practical understanding of how cost decisions impact projects. That foundation continues to shape her approach today: grounded, detail-oriented, and focused on helping owners make confident decisions.
As Vice President, Kaye brings both technical expertise and personal investment to every project she leads. Her client relationships include owner-direct work—including a growing portfolio with Clemson University—that reflects the trust institutions place in her judgment when the stakes are high. Discover more about Palacio’s owner-direct Cost Management in our case study: Direct Access, Direct Impact