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 two sons, Wesley and Shep, 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).
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.
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.
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).
Josh Aylett
Josh joined the firm in September 2020. Prior to SRA, Josh worked for Olson Kundig in Seattle. He has a Bachelor of Arts-Architecture and Master of Architectural Design-Applied Design, both from Oxford Brookes University in Oxford, UK.
During his graduate studies, Josh specialized in International Architectural Regeneration and Development where he developed adaptive reuse proposals in contemporary and historic contexts, in both Spain and Portugal. While living in Spain he developed a photographic portfolio documenting unfinished architecture, and later was granted a travel fellowship to document abandoned unfinished buildings in contrast to successful adaptive reuse projects across Spain, Portugal and Italy.
Having studied architecture in Oxford, Josh credits the rich historic and cultural context as an influential factor that has shaped his approach to design and placemaking. Since returning to the states in 2017, he has worked in high end residential architecture designing custom homes across all scales.
Driven by his passion to design unique and beautiful spaces, Josh finds the most rewarding part of his work as seeing his designs come to life in built form. He enjoys the process of working with clients to craft a personalized home that meets all their functional needs and aesthetic aspirations.
Josh and his wife live on the east side of Austin. He enjoys bouldering, cycling and exploring Austin’s best food and coffee spots! Josh is currently pursuing his architecture license.
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 two young boys, Wesley and Shep, enjoys gardening, and spends as much time with family and friends as possible (preferably over a glass of wine).
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.