Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Curry.
Hi Shane, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story starts in San Diego, not far from the beaches where I grew up. As a native, I’ve watched the city evolve its skyline, its neighborhoods, its culture. That experience gave me a deep-rooted sense of responsibility to contribute to its growth in a thoughtful, community-oriented way.
From a young age, I was drawn to design—always sketching, always playing with legos, and fascinated by the built environment. That creative mindset stayed with me, and in 2023, I took the leap to become a full-time entrepreneur and architectural designer, launching my own design firm. It wasn’t just about starting a business—it was about helping shape a more livable, beautiful San Diego for everyone.
For me, it’s not just design it’s my duty . I believe in building a better place to live, and I’m proud to be doing that right here in the city that raised me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Entrepreneurship is definitely not for the faint of heart, and my path hasn’t been smooth. That said, being from San Diego gave me an advantage, I already had a network. Once I reached out and shared what I was doing, the business grew like wildfire but that growth came with its own challenges.
One of the biggest struggles early on was imposter syndrome. As the business picked up momentum, it felt like things were moving faster than I could sometimes process. That inner voice of doubt would creep in, even when the work was good and the feedback was strong.
Another major hurdle has been keeping up with the workload while trying to grow a team and build the systems and processes that can support sustainable growth. There are so many facets to running a business, and learning to identify the one thing that brings in the most value—and doubling down on it—has been a game changer. For me, that’s been building relationships and leading with value in every interaction. Networking with intention has made all the difference.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I run Studio 1904, an architectural design firm based here in San Diego. We specialize in custom residential projects—everything from ADUs to full-scale custom homes. Every design we create is deeply client-driven, tailored to fit not just the site or the city, but the unique vision, lifestyle, and values of the people who will call it home.
What sets us apart is our approach. We’re not a volume-based studio—we focus on a handful of projects at a time to ensure every client gets an elevated level of service and collaboration. We’re known for detail-oriented, highly creative, and easy to work with. That level of care has built a strong reputation we’re extremely proud of.
Brand-wise, the thing I’m most proud of is our reputation and the firm known to getting things done.. We’ve built trust through clear communication, thoughtful design, and consistently going the extra mile. Whether you’re building a dream home or a simple backyard ADU, we bring the same level of passion, creativity, and professionalism to the table.
If there’s one thing I’d want readers to know, it’s that Studio 1904 isn’t just about design it’s about helping people shape their future through the built environment. We care deeply about the process and the people behind every project.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
One of my favorite childhood memories was just being a kid in San Diego in the late ’90s and early 2000s before smartphones, social media, or constant connection. Life felt simple. We’d spend entire days outside riding bikes, building forts, and skateboarding. That freedom and creativity shaped a lot of who I am today. Looking back, it was that unplugged time outdoors that sparked my love for design, space, and the way we interact with our environment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studio1904.com/bautista
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conceptsbyshane?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Image Credits
Pictures of custom home projects…one of the photos is with my fiancé Michelle with one of my early on projects
