Meet Anne Sciarrone | Architect and Firm Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anne Sciarrone and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anne, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I never set out to start my own practice—I loved my work and the architectural firm I was part of for 17 years, where I focused on resort, community development and golf club projects. I was part of a second-generation ownership in a mid-sized firm and enjoyed my leadership role and the projects that we were working on. But when the financial crisis of the late 2000s hit, many of my partners moved on, and by 2010, my mentor retired. That moment gave me the push to start fresh, taking everything I had learned about architecture and running a firm to build something of my own. I was excited by the autonomy—choosing the projects I take on, working with clients I truly connect with, and treating each one with integrity. Fifteen years later, I’m still grateful that I took that leap.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
No—it was not easy! Building my practice as a sole business owner took a lot of hard work, and coming up as a woman in architecture was particularly challenging. It’s a field that has traditionally been male-dominated, and I had to continually prove myself. But those challenges shaped who I am as an architect and a business owner.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of being a good employer. I want my team to feel supported and valued, and I’ve worked hard to create a positive work environment. I’ve also had to learn to navigate difficult conversations head-on and, perhaps most importantly, to accept that I can’t do it all. Learning to delegate and accept support has been essential to growing my business.

At Anne Architecture, we take our tagline—Serve. Solve. Delight.—seriously. I am deeply committed to architecture as a service, not as a means to create monuments to myself. My focus is always on my clients—their needs, their vision, and their experience throughout the process. Their satisfaction is my top priority, and my goal is for all of us to be delighted in the end. That’s what drives me and what sets my firm apart.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Walk through Oakland Cemetery, a beautiful historic garden cemetery with incredible architecture and views of the city.
Explore Ponce City Market, wander the shops, and grab a King of Pops popsicle.
Walk or bike along The BeltLine Eastside Trail, stopping at Krog Street Tunnel to check out the street art and visiting Krog Street Market.
Tour The High Museum of Art – incredible architecture and rotating exhibitions.
Lunch at Mary Mac’s Tea Room (a classic Atlanta spot for Southern comfort food).
Stroll through Piedmont Park and visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
Explore the Center for Civil and Human Rights.
Sunset drinks at SkyLounge – a rooftop bar with a view of downtown. (I’ve actually never done this – waiting for that visitor from out of town!)
Drive out to Sweetwater Creek State Park for a scenic hike.
Grab sandwiches from Alon’s Bakery to picnic by the water.
Explore Westside Park.
Have a spa day at my favorite spa – The Rosefinch
Spend a day in Decatur – breakfast at Revolution Doughnuts, Lunch at Leon’s between shopping around the square and dinner at Cafe Alsace
And definitely an Atlanta United game!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to acknowledge the original partners of Nichols Carter Grant (NCG), where I truly grew up as an architect from 1993 to 2010 . Each of them taught me invaluable lessons, but I especially want to recognize my mentor, Phillip Monk. He took the time to teach me not just about design and technical details, but about the business of architecture—how to put together fees, and contracts, how to manage client relationships, and how to navigate the complexities of running a firm. Those were invaluable lessons that gave me the confidence to go out on my own. It’s been 15 years since we each left NCG, but we’ve remained in touch, and I deeply value his friendship and the support he has given me over the years. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today if it were not for Philip having been my champion and my guide.

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