Lee Austin, President

Lee is the heart and soul of Design Studio West. As a proud owner and mentor, he brings nearly 45 years of hands-on experience as a licensed general contractor—along with a genuine passion for helping clients transform their homes into something truly extraordinary.

Lee’s journey began in 1982 with the founding of Lee Austin Construction, Inc. Not long after, he expanded his vision with the addition of Design Studio West—a full-service design-build firm rooted in integrity, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to client care. His mission was clear from the start: to make the home renovation experience smooth, collaborative, and even enjoyable. Since then, Lee has built a trusted team of creative, skilled

professionals who embody his core values of quality craftsmanship, inspired design, and client-first service.

What truly sets Lee apart is his collaborative spirit. He sees every member of the DSW team, every client, and every vendor or trade partner as a collaborator in the process. With his calm leadership and solutions-focused approach, Lee has cultivated a company culture where

creativity thrives, clients are empowered, and every project benefits from strong, cohesive teamwork.

A proud San Diego native, Lee takes great pride in serving the community that shaped him. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring the desert, spending quality time with his wife Dana, their three grown children, and two grandchildren. Whether leading a project or enjoying life off the clock, Lee brings the same heart, dedication, and passion for his craft to everything he does.

Fun Fact: In his teens and twenties, Lee raced motocross—and to this day, he still rides dirt bikes and enjoys annual vacations with a group of friends he’s known for more than 55 years.