judy roessner, president

Judy Roessner is a seasoned architect and the President of Sixthriver Architects, with over 30 years of experience in the industry. She is deeply committed to creating equitable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing environments, especially in projects that bridge the gap between market-rate and affordable housing. With a strong foundation in both Interior Design and Architecture, Judy’s career is driven by her passion for integrating beauty with affordability and fostering communities that honor integrity and inclusivity.

Born and raised in the deep South, Judy grew up in a family of preservationists, which instilled in her a deep appreciation for adaptive reuse and the importance of preserving the story of a place. Witnessing firsthand the stark divide between those with means and those without, coupled with systemic prejudice, Judy developed a strong desire to use her architectural expertise to make a meaningful impact in the communities she serves.

Judy holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Baylor University and a Master of Architecture from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She is NCARB certified and a licensed architect in Texas, Missouri, Florida, Montana, and Nevada. Her professional journey is marked by her involvement in numerous affordable housing projects, including the 1200 Springdale development, which offers 380 units with 50% dedicated to affordability under Austin's Affordability Unlocked program, and the 600 Cumberland project, which provides 120 units, also 50% affordable.

As an active leader in the affordable housing sector, Judy serves on the board of the Anderson Community Development Corporation, where she leads architectural initiatives and spearheads community outreach programs such as estate planning workshops for seniors and property tax appraisal training. She is also deeply involved with the Austin Housing Coalition, focusing on the Housing Affordability Impact Statements required by Austin's S.M.A.R.T. Housing policy.

Judy’s commitment to community development extends beyond her professional practice. She has completed the Community Land Trust Accelerator training through the Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation and serves on several Urban Land Institute councils, including the Public-Private Partnership and Small Developer Local Member Councils. Her expertise is regularly sought after, as evidenced by her participation as a panel speaker at Bisnow events focused on sustainability and women in real estate.

In addition to her leadership roles, Judy has recently launched a groundbreaking project delivery process at Sixthriver, guiding clients through the complexities of feasibility studies, development management, and beyond. Her dedication to affordable housing and equity preservation is matched by her commitment to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment at Sixthriver, where she has also initiated a personal development and communication course for her team.

Judy's contributions to the field have been recognized through various accolades, including a nomination for Women in Business by Austin’s Business Journal. Her work continues to reflect her unwavering dedication to merging market-rate and affordable development, ensuring that architecture serves as a tool for social equity and community empowerment.

contact: [email protected]