Lee Schmidt is a native of Carmel, Indiana and graduated from Purdue University in 1970 with a major in Agronomy. After graduation, he began working for golf architect, Pete Dye, where he was a Design Associate for seven years on many projects including Casa De Campo in the Dominican Republic.

Schmidt was then offered a position as Vice President of Landmark Land Company where, for 12 years, he headed their Golf Course Design and Construction Division. During that tenure, he worked on such prominent projects as PGA WEST, La Quinta Hotel Resort, and Mission Hills Resort.

Schmidt then accepted a position as Senior Design Associate and spent seven years with Nicklaus Design, gaining extensive international experience. Spring City Resort in Kunming, China, Damai Indah, Jakarta, Indonesia and Nicklaus North, Whistler, British Columbia are a few of the projects that have gained international recognition with Schmidt as the lead architect.

In early 1998, Schmidt formed Schmidt-Curley Design with Brian Curley. Together, Lee and Brian built numerous world-renowned golf facilities including Amata Spring Country Club in Chonburi, Thailand, Mission Hills Resort in China, Stone Forest International Country Club, Kunming, China, and Clearwater Bay Golf Club, Lingshui, China

In 2011, Schmidt was honored by Purdue University as an Old Master, an award given yearly to ten Purdue Alumni who have made a significant contribution in their field since leaving Purdue. Lee is a Member and Past President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects with over 45 years of experience as Superintendent, Architect, and Builder.