Today we’d like to introduce you to Lee Austin.
Hi Lee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
With an interest in Architecture, I pursued my formal education from Ferris State University in 1962 and remained in the field all this time. After working for other Architects and being required to perform all facets of architecture for each project, so back in 1978, I decided I was tired of being stuck in a departmentalized structure so I felt I could try to venture out on my own and get more variety in work and experiences. Overtime, I considered specializing in churches as they promoted more flexibility of design but chose to branch out to all sectors of architecture for the business side of things, and the challenges in design each project brought. Throughout the years, I felt the firm should always provide a service to any client or project of any size regardless of budget as every building and destination should have the chance to be influenced by good design. In the firm, my goal was to always create a work atmosphere where all of my employees were treated the way I would want to be treated or where they were never asked to do something I wouldn’t be comfortable doing myself. And throughout the years, these principals have just helped guide us and kept us going no matter what.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh no, it has not. Over the years the economy, work force availability, and some tough client requests have thrown some obstacles our way. Construction, and therefore Architecture, is very dependent on the economy. When times aren’t great, people aren’t building so the projects and income start becoming more scarce. So to weather the storms, we got creative in learning new ways to attract limited clients, maintain quality services, and promote unique imaginable designs. An Architect is never just an Architect when you are working for yourself. You are an Architect, part business professional, part lawyer, part artist, and everything in between. Unfortunately as the years go on, there don’t seem to be many who are still interested in this feat. As a result, I have tried my best to mentor the next generation just like all of my past mentors did for me. Taking that step back and giving them the breathing room to take on things in their own right while keeping things on track and done the right way. As we continue to do that as a firm, we are seeing more investment and get to repeatedly see myself and my employees see their projects built . And there is no greater feeling than that.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a firm, our mission is to shape our built environment through thoughtful, resilient design that serves people, purpose, and place. As a full-service architectural and engineering firm, we specialize in a wide variety of structures—each designed with care, creativity, and tailored to the community that the building serves. We know the limitation of Architectural design services, especially in the Saginaw area so we do our best to take on projects of all backgrounds and sizes. We like to say, from a dog house to a skyscraper, we aim to offer a unique design that the client can own and be satisfied with through consistent, ethical and thoughtful development of our projects from start to finish. With this motto, we have been fortunate to have experience in almost every sector of architecture to varying degrees and have honed a sense of adventure with our work where we are willing to give everything an attempt with the clients, guiding them along the way.
I feel that our specialty isn’t a type of project but rather the quality design and the diversity of thought / experience our team brings to the table. We are committed to delivering integrated solutions that balance innovation, practicality, and affordability. Every project is a collaboration, and every structure is a step toward a more connected, functional, and inspired tomorrow for Michigan’s communities.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Just like most independent contractors or small business owners, when you step out on your own there is always a risk of not “making-it” but I never let that stand in the way. A risk is only a risk if you can’t find a solution to the problem you have been presented. To me, it comes down to the willingness to take the time and find the solution. I think I always got that from my Dad. No matter what he was faced with, it was never a question of can it happen, but simply a matter of how. I like to think I take on that same mentality. Risk isn’t something scary but rather simply a problem that still needs an answer.
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