Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon George.
Hi Sharon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My path into architecture wasn’t exactly planned. Even though I was the kid who was always drawing floor plans and rearranging furniture, I didn’t actually know what architecture was, and I certainly didn’t know any architects. I come from a family of engineers. I started college studying mathematics until one day I happened to walk past an architecture studio, filled with large drawing boards. I was fascinated! After learning about the program and what architects do, I knew it was what I was meant to pursue.
I earned my Bachelor of Architecture in South India where I grew up. Studying design in a hot-humid region where buildings aren’t air-conditioned has fundamentally shaped the way I think about my role as an architect. An architect has failed if their building doesn’t shelter people from the heat and keep them comfortable. I wanted to learn more about passive design strategies and energy efficiency. So, I came to Austin in 2000 to pursue a master’s degree in Sustainable Architecture in the Design with Climate program at The University of Texas School of Architecture. I’ve called Austin home ever since.
Before founding Architecture By George in 2016, I spent 15 years designing custom homes, first at a local firm specializing in high-end green homes and later as the Director of Architecture at a luxury design-build firm that built $5-15 million homes. Those experiences gave me a strong foundation in residential architecture and construction that ultimately led me to build my own practice, centered on thoughtful design that results in family-friendly, high-performance homes.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely not.
One of my biggest challenges was becoming licensed in Texas. My 5-year undergraduate architecture degree from India was not recognized by the licensing board. So, what should have been a 3-year internship turned into an 8-year-long process before I could take the licensing exams. It was very frustrating and disheartening. But I was determined to become a licensed architect before my first child was born in 2009—and I did. I passed all 9 exams in the first try.
Being a woman of color in a predominantly white, male-dominated field is an ongoing struggle. I often feel unseen. People often underestimate me. On job sites, contractors frequently ask me if I am the homeowner or the interior decorator, never the architect leading the project. I have to prove myself and establish credibility with every new builder or consultant I work with. Despite my formal education in building science and 25 years of project experience, there are still times when my technical knowledge is questioned or overlooked.
I started my own architecture firm, not because I ever dreamed of owning a business, but because of the struggles that many women face in my industry. As the mother of two young children, I needed some flexibility. I had also reached a point in my career where I was craving more creative control and long-term growth.
I quickly realized that I had a lot to learn about running a small business, marketing, getting clients, accounting, contracts, etc. As a solo practitioner, I’m wearing all the hats. It can be overwhelming, especially while also raising active kids. There have been plenty of late nights and hard work, but as an architect, that’s nothing new.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Architecture By George is celebrating 10 years as a boutique residential architecture firm based in Austin, Texas. I design new custom homes and large remodel-additions that are family-friendly and high-performance. I provide full architectural and interior design services, helping my clients with planning, design, and construction. My clients are mostly young families who want to live, work, and raise their kids in Austin. They care about good design, building a healthy home environment for their family, and appreciate expert guidance while making one of the biggest investments in their life. That’s where I come in.
I believe that a home should support the people who live there, be specific to the site it is built on, and acknowledge the climate it is in. Every project is guided by those principles, resulting in homes that are not only beautiful, but also comfortable, energy-efficient, durable, and thoughtfully tailored to each family.
I appreciate the trust my clients place in me. Building a custom home is a complex process. It’s also deeply personal. Being invited into their story is something I don’t take for granted. I’ve intentionally built a practice where I can give every client the time, attention, and expertise they deserve.
How do you define success?
There’s an opportunity for success in every project. It is knowing I’ve helped my client see possibilities they never knew existed and turning them into a home they love living in. I’m always trying to improve—whether it’s my buildings, my business, or myself. I care about doing excellent work, practicing with integrity, and constantly learning and growing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.architecturebygeorge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/architecturebygeorge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArchitectureByGeorge
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/architectsharongeorge
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@architecturebygeorge
