A longtime resident of San Diego, California, Douglas Austin holds a Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in San Luis Obispo. While enrolled at Cal Poly, he served as a member of the SCARAB architect scholarship fraternity and competed on multiple athletic teams. Douglas Austin became an intermural football champion in 1970.

Over the course of his career as an architect and business leader, Mr. Austin completed considerable postgraduate coursework through the Harvard University School of Design, studying disciplines ranging from workforce housing and health care facility design to retail and mixed-use space design. He also completed an urban development program through the Harvard Real Estate Academic Initiative.

Douglas Austin has served as chairman and chief executive officer under the name AVRP Skyport since 2016. In addition to its extensive residential portfolio, AVRP Skyport has designed a broad array of commercial and community buildings. Its Crowell Polvera Residence received a PCBC Gold Nugget in 2019 for Best on The Boards Custom Home Award of Merit.