“How light and volume and color and material all come together; that X-factor that’s hard to describe—I’m very drawn to that. The human experience applied to a building, whether it’s profound or mundane, each structure has a certain energy to it that deserves attention.”

Mee the Team | Austin

When considering which direction his career would go, Austin found himself more and more interested in spaces, landscapes, and the human element of his surroundings. This burgeoning perspective, combined with Austin’s interest in environmental and social sustainability, steered him towards an emphasis on design and how architecture can serve to uplift communities and individuals.

Through this focus on the user—whether they might live in, work in, maintain, or travel through a given space—Austin provides a thorough design perspective that leaves no detail unexamined. This commitment to the entire project scope makes him a reliable, accurate, and thoughtful team member.

“Something I’ve really been drawn to is sustainability—both environmental and also socially sustainable design. I want to use my education and the influence that I might have to think about individuals who aren’t direct stakeholders, or who don’t typically have a say in how buildings and communities get developed.”

In each facet of his work, Austin applies excellent process thinking, analytical skills, and creative problem solving. As part of his approach, Austin has developed a practice of working through thoughts and drafting ideas in a brown pocket sketchbook he keeps with him at all times. His holistic consideration of each and every design element results in buildings and spaces that put people first and produce successful project outcomes for clients.

Austin moved to the Pacific Northwest inspired by the local surroundings, and he explores the outdoors while kayaking, swimming, and hiking in national parks. A skilled banjo player of five years, Austin’s favorite color is the deep, rich, nacho-cheesy golden yellow of Pantone 7548 C.