Abbie Janette de Leon is the founder & principal architect at Lioness Architecture, a firm she launched in 2025 after more than 25 years reshaping buildings across the city of Austin.
The way we met is kind of wild.
A few weeks ago I saw this new bar called Stoney’s Good Time Ranch blowing up on social media. It’s got a down-home western feel (complete with mural-sized tribute to Dolly Parton and a name inspired by a horse) and every time I went online, it was all people were talking about.
Later that same week, Abbie and I bumped into each other at a business event, and I found out SHE was the architect behind the bar.
It was one of those perfect Austin moments, and I knew right there that we had to get her story in here.
So without further ado, here’s Abbie…
1. Okay, tell us about your business! What's the backstory? And how did you get your first customer.
Lioness Architecture designs ground-up buildings, renovations, and tenant interiors for healthcare, commercial, wellness, and veterinary clients. The process can be complex, from feasibility and design through permitting and construction, so we guide our clients every step of the way.
I was introduced to the field of architecture early on. I attended a STEM high school with an architectural program. I then studied architecture at USC in Los Angeles, immersed in a built environment shaped by greats such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Frank Gehry, and Ray and Charles Eames. After 25 years of experience under my belt, I launched Lioness in 2025. The name comes from my last name, de Leon, which means "of the lions" in Spanish.
Lioness’ first project was on East 7th Street. It came through an established relationship with a contractor (and dear friend at this point) that I have completed several healthcare projects with including Plum Creek Surgery Center, Buda Veterinary Care, and Austin Eye Clinic. Stoney's, a bar and music venue, was outside my healthcare realm, but that's what made it so fun! Having all my family and friends over for the grand opening party was the icing on the cake.
2. What’s one unconventional decision you made early in your business that you believe set you apart from competitors, and how do you think it shaped your trajectory?
One unconventional decision was to keep the firm intentionally small rather than pursuing rapid growth for its own sake. By staying closely involved in each project, prioritizing quality control over the drawings, and valuing client relationships over scale, I was able to shape a practice defined by trust. Trajectory-wise, this lays a more sustainable foundation for growth down the road as I continue to build my practice.
3. What’s one book most people have never even heard of that you think is worth reading. (DIG DEEP - we’re looking for the books you’ll never see on the NYT list)
Oh man... Does a 30-year-old book count?
In his book, The New Urbanism, Peter Katz critiques the car‑centric planning patterns that dominate American cities and argues they prioritize automobiles over people. Our streets are characterless and fragmented by seas of parking which give way to sprawl and erode our sense of community. He outlines an alternative vision, one centered on walkable neighborhoods, mixed‑use developments, pedestrian friendly human‑scaled streets, and more access to public spaces that foster social connection. It's possible to give space back to people and create places that are more livable and offer a higher quality of life. This book made me realize, early on, the importance of design.
…and this illustration reflects the renderings of the 90’s, before AI, but the theories are still important today.
4. What’s one belief about entrepreneurship you held when you started that you’ve completely abandoned, and what made you change your mind?
I initially believed that experience and established relationships would be enough to sustain a steady flow of work. While much of my business does come from existing networks, I quickly learned that entrepreneurship requires active business development, brand building, and ongoing visibility. I can’t just draft away in a dark corner! I have to be intentional about networking and marketing strategies, and disciplined about how I spend my time across many roles.
5. What’s one purchase of less than $1,000 that’s made the biggest impact on your happiness, health, or wealth?
I attended an annual event called Print Expo hosted by Print Austin, held each year at Blue Genie. It showcases flatstock and poster artwork by local artists. If you haven't been, it's so great! You can come home with some real gems.
There, I met Dan Grissom of Biscuit Press. He's a talented block print artist, painter, and graphic designer who has created concert posters for artists like Metallica, John Prine, and White Denim. He’s also a branding designer and did the very recognizable graphics for Radio Coffee here in Austin.
I purchased one of his posters featuring a lioness and knew it was perfect for my office. Lioness Architecture is about bold design, loyal client service, and protective oversight throughout the process. Design and construction can feel daunting, so my goal is for clients to feel safe, supported, and confident that their project is in good hands.
6. If you were to recommend one under-the-radar Austin spot to another founder for brainstorming or unwinding, where would it be and why?
Palomino Coffee on East 12th Street. It's unassuming from the outside, but the vibe is absolutely vibing once you step inside! It’s the perfect spot for a quick meeting or a heads‑down work session.
The interior palette is calm and warm with soft cream walls, terracotta light fixtures, as well as terracotta planters everywhere... and when I say everywhere, I mean the space is overflowing with botanicals, leaning into what’s trending now as "biophilic" design.
With an exposed wood ceiling and a variety of seating options, it’s one of those places that just brings out the best in everyone there.
