Meet the Team

Photo of Mark Richardson
Principal

Mark Richardson, AIA

From drawing floor plans with his uncle, also an architect, at the age of 5 to earning scholarships to the Glassell School of Art in grade school – Mark’s career path was always very clear. Mark received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and then his Masters of Architecture from Virginia Tech.

His career began in Austin at Moontower Design/Build, where his design chops were honed by the real-world test of managing each project on site throughout the construction process. Following his stint with Moontower, he had the wonderful opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest at the world-renowned firm of Olson Kundig in Seattle. Homesick as true Texans, Mark and his wife Sarah returned home to Austin where he joined Shiflet Group Architects and was soon named Principal.

Clients are drawn to Mark not only for his design talents, but his calm nature and integrity make working with him easy. A big believer in collaboration, Mark oversees design on every project while working closely with each project manager, interior and landscape designers, contractors, and – most importantly – clients. Mark loves the creative problem solving aspect of design, working towards solutions that are equal parts functional and beautiful. He believes good design comes in all shapes, sizes, and styles, and each building should enhance the lives and reflect the personalities of each client.

Most of his time away from the office is spent chasing around his three sons, Wesley, Shep, and John, and relaxing, hunting & fishing out at the family’s East Texas ranch. He is also an avid drummer! Mark is a registered Architect in the state of Texas and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Photo of Sophie McGough
Senior Associate / Architect

Sophie McGough

Sophie has been with the firm since 2005. Prior to joining SRA, Sophie was with Ron Domin Architects in New Orleans for nineteen years. Her family came to Austin after evacuating for Hurricane Katrina and we are lucky that she decided to stay! Sophie has both her Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture from Tulane University, and is a registered architect.

Her interest in both art and math led her to study architecture. She has managed some of our largest-scale projects and we often see repeat clients asking to work with her. Sophie enjoys moving homes from design into construction and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into designing and building homes.

Sophie and her husband live in Westlake. She has two grown children and two grandchildren. While not working, Sophie spends time reading and hanging out with friends.

Photo of Daniel Ward
Project Manager / Designer

Daniel Ward

Daniel has been with the firm since 2013 after earning his Bachelors of Science in Architecture from The University of Texas at San Antonio. 

Daniel has had a passion for drawing and design since a young age. Getting to do something as a career that he has always loved and seeing these drawings materialized in the world is what drives him everyday. He enjoys being able to collaborate with clients and design something that exudes their individuality, while also satisfying his appetite for great high-end design.

Outside of work, Daniel likes exploring Austin’s food scene, catching live music and watching movies with his french bulldog, Louis.

Photo of Melynn Mayfield
Project Manager / Architect

Melynn Mayfield, AIA

Melynn has been with the firm since 2018. She is surprisingly our only longhorn on the design staff, earning her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin. 

She was first inspired by architecture after seeing the buildings while traveling during high school. The combination of logic and art drove her to pursue a career in the field. Melynn builds wonderful relationships with all of her clients and finds joy in designing a place they love and will make memories in for a lifetime.

Melynn lives in East Austin. She spends her time outside of work going to concerts, traveling, two-stepping, and working on projects for her first home! Melynn is a registered architect and member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Operations Manager

Sarah Richardson

Sarah joined the firm in 2021. As you can probably gather from her last name, Sarah is Mark’s wife. Sarah & Mark have known each other since they were 14, but didn’t begin their relationship until Mark’s second year in grad school. She is the left brain to Mark’s right.

Prior to working at SRA, she was an account supervisor for a local advertising agency and is a Certified Project Manager by the Project Management Institute. Sarah is the one keeping the check book accurate, our processes sharp, and our employees happy.

Sarah earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Texas in Communication Studies with a Business Foundations Certificate.

Out of the office, Sarah spends time with their three young boys (Wesley, Shep, and John), enjoys gardening, and spends as much time with family and friends as possible (preferably over a glass of wine).

Co-Founder, Retired in 2021

David Shiflet

While now retired, we would be remiss to not mention the immense history and impact that David has had on the firm. After a 40-year career designing some of the finest homes in Central Texas, he partnered with Mark in 2020 to form Shiflet Richardson Architects as we know it today. He is widely known across the region for his impact on the hill country’s beautiful and prominent architecture. We are forever grateful! David and Kay still visit the office often.