Lee Austin, President

Lee is the heart and soul behind Design Studio West. As an owner, he brings nearly 40 years of hands-on experience as a licensed general contractor, along with a passion for helping people turn their homes into something truly special. His journey began with Lee Austin Construction, Inc., where he built a solid reputation throughout San Diego for his integrity, craftsmanship, and genuine care for clients.

In 2001, Lee brought his vision of a fully integrated design-build firm to life with the founding of Design Studio West. His goal was simple: to make the renovation process more seamless, collaborative, and enjoyable. Since then, he’s built a team of talented professionals who share his dedication to quality, creativity, and client-focused service.

What sets Lee apart is his collaborative spirit. He deeply values the unique strengths of architects, builders, and designers, and believes the best outcomes come from mutual respect and teamwork. Known for his steady leadership and solutions-first mindset, Lee has assembled a process and supportive environment where the clients feel heard, and where teams work in harmony.

A San Diego native, Lee is proud to serve the community he grew up in. When he’s not mentoring his team, you’ll likely find him outdoors playing in the desert, or spending time with his wife Dana, their three kids, and two grandchildren. Whether he's on the job or off the clock, Lee brings the same heart, dedication, and love for the craft to everything he does.

Fun Fact: Lee once was a professional dirt bike racer.