Today we’d like to introduce you to Maudie Edwards.
Hi Maudie , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started in residential real estate back in 2006, during a time when homes were flying
off the market. I landed in new home construction sales and was lucky to work
alongside a mentor who really shaped the way I approach work and relationships. She
was sharp, full of energy, and had this natural ability to connect with people. She
encouraged me to get involved in networking early on, which helped me build
confidence and find my place in the industry.
What’s kept me here all these years is how much there is to keep learning. Every day
brings something new—whether it’s a construction detail, a design concept, or just
understanding how people live and what matters to them. I’ve always loved that this
work goes deeper than a transaction—you’re invited into someone’s personal space
and trusted with their story. That connection is what makes it so meaningful.
I’ve taken a winding path through the industry—spending time in interior design,
account management, and realtor support—which has helped me see the bigger
picture and understand how all the moving parts work together. These experiences
eventually led me to CG&S Design-Build, right back in South Austin where I grew up.
It’s a full-circle moment, and being part of a team that values craft, creativity, and
client care feels like home in more ways than one.
I also stay actively involved in our professional community, which has become
something I really cherish. I currently serve as ASID Austin Design Community Chair,
Co-Chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Task Force for the ASID Texas Chapter,
and Chair of Austin NARI’s Women in NARI Council. Whether I’m planning events,
collaborating with peers, or simply helping others feel more connected, I love playing a
small part in bringing people together and creating space for support, growth, and a
little fun along the way.
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?
Smooth road? Not quite—but in real estate and construction, that’s kind of expected.
This industry is tightly connected to the economy, so market uncertainty has always
been one of the biggest hurdles. I was just a couple of years into my career when the
2008 crash happened. Like many others, I had to pivot—I spent time in the leasing
world until the types of roles I loved became available again.
Since then, I’ve seen how every big shift—rising interest rates, a dip in the stock
market, or even something as massive as a global pandemic—has a direct impact on
how we work. But these challenges have taught me how to adapt creatively and keep
showing up for clients with transparency and care, even when the path forward is
unclear.
As someone who’s also active in leadership roles within our industry, I try to take it a
step further. When the market changes, I look for ways to create events or
conversations that help our community navigate it together. Whether it’s hosting an
educational panel or putting together a casual meetup, I want my peers to feel more
informed, empowered, and less alone in whatever we’re all facing.
It’s not always easy, but these ups and downs have made me more resilient—and
really grateful to be part of a community that supports each other through it all.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At CG&S Design-Build, my official title is Project Developer, but what that really
means is that I get to be the steady guide (and cheerleader!) for our clients as they
move through the pre-construction process. From design to estimating, visualizing to
permitting, and prepping for the big build—I’m their go-to person. I like to think of
myself as the voice of the client behind the scenes, making sure their goals, lifestyle,
and priorities stay at the heart of every decision.
One of the things I’m known for is how naturally I connect with people. I take being
invited into someone’s home very seriously—it’s such a personal space, and I never
take that trust for granted. I genuinely care about who they are, how they live, and
what makes their home theirs. By the time we reach the end of a project, I’m just as
emotionally invested in the transformation as they are. And even after all these years, I
still get starry-eyed when I see the final results. It never gets old watching someone
fall in love with their space all over again.
I’m also a natural problem-solver at heart. I want to help. I want to figure it out. I want
to make it better. And I think that mix of empathy and tenacity makes me a fierce
advocate for my clients throughout the entire design-build process.
If I had to toot my own horn, I’d say I’m most proud of the people I’ve chosen to
surround myself with—both professionally and personally. My mom always told me to
surround myself with people who are smarter than me, and it's sound advice. I get to
work with the most talented, thoughtful, and creative individuals, and our team at
CG&S empowers me to keep growing, stay inspired, and bring my best to the table
every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cgsdb.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cgsdesignbuild/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cgsdesignbuild
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cg&s-design-build/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu998Ai5Ciiy3UgYsgVVEnA
