Our Friend and Founder | Christopher L. Sanders, AIA

Chris Sanders founded Sanders Architecture in 2009 with the vision of creating approachable and deliberately designed spaces that bring dignity to their inhabitants.  His dedication to this philosophy was evident in the respect and humility he demonstrated in his collaborations with clients and team members.  Over the next fourteen years, Chris built the Sanders Architecture team to join in the realization of this vision.

Chris studied at Texas A&M University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1993 as a member of the A&M Corps of Cadets and his master’s degree in Architecture in 1997. Before his passing in 2023, Chris had a vibrant career with over 25 years of experience designing, managing and contributing to commercial, institutional and residential projects in Texas, Massachusetts, Maine, Germany and Croatia. In addition to the legacy of work he produced as an architect, Chris played an integral role in shaping iconic Austin landmarks through his service with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the Waterloo Greenway.

Throughout his career and life, Chris embodied kindness and respect as well as dedication to beauty and creativity.  He chose to see the best in the world around him, and his passion for recognizing potential in projects and people was continuously inspiring to those in his orbit.

At the beginning of 2023, long-time team architects Catherine Craig, Jena Hammond Nichols, and Emily Kettlewell joined Chris as partners in the firm. Chris’s passion for design excellence, sophistication and mentorship continues to serve as deep guidance for their work.