HUNTSVILLE, AL, January 29, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Tom Austin has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Austin has distinguished himself as the owner and senior designer of Butcher Drafting Service, a role he has held since 1998. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a modest one- or two-person operation into a thriving business with 10 employees and two locations in Huntsville, Alabama and Pulaski, Tennessee. The firm specializes in architectural drafting services, including house plans, commercial plans and shop drawings for fabricated items such as utility trailers and steel staircases. Additional offerings include plans for new houses, remodels, accurate measurements of existing buildings and designs for outdoor kitchens, detached garages and pool houses. Most clients are new home builders who frequently refer customers to the company, though many commercial clients are also served. Mr. Austin's expertise in architectural drafting services, such as, house plans, commercial plans, as-built drawings and remodel projects have been instrumental in establishing the firm's reputation for quality and reliability.

A hallmark of Mr. Austin's tenure at Butcher Drafting Service is his commitment to training and mentoring staff. He personally trained his daughter, son-in-law and sister—none of whom had formal education in drafting—imparting skills that have enabled them to build successful careers within the company. His cousin and several of his daughter's friends are also part of the close-knit team. Mr. Austin takes particular pride in fostering an environment where employees can learn valuable skills that support their professional growth.

The company collaborates with architects and engineers to provide drafting services and create as-built drawings. Over the years, Mr. Austin has guided the firm through significant technological advancements in the field, transitioning from traditional drafting methods to computer-aided design (CAD) and later to building information modeling (BIM). BIM technology allows for detailed specifications to be embedded directly into models, generating three-dimensional models and walkthroughs that enhance client visualization. More recently, Mr. Austin and his team have experimented with artificial intelligence tools in drafting. At the same time, these technologies show promise, he notes that they often require further refinement to meet the highly customized needs of house plan clients.

Prior to acquiring Butcher Drafting Service from Joe Butcher in 1998, Mr. Austin served as project coordinator at Sebring Engineering Group in 2007. In this capacity, he oversaw project timelines and ensured quality standards were met across various engineering initiatives.

From 1992 to 1995, Mr. Austin worked as a draftsman at Premier Structures Inc., where he honed his technical skills by producing detailed construction drawings for a range of commercial projects. This early experience provided him with a strong foundation in drafting principles and industry best practices.

Mr. Austin is an active member of the American Design Drafting Association, reflecting his ongoing commitment to professional development and industry engagement.

His academic background includes an associate degree in drafting from Calhoun Community College in Decatur, Alabama, earned in 1988. This formal education equipped him with essential technical knowledge that has underpinned his career achievements. He holds certification as a certified draftsman (architectural) from ADDA International from 2017 to present as well as a VA certification.

Mr. Austin attributes his success to hard work, commitment and faith. He believes that dedication is crucial when facing business challenges, a conviction reinforced by his experiences navigating events such as the 2010 housing market crash and the COVID-19 pandemic. As a Christian man, he credits God with guiding him and his team through difficult times.

His passion for drafting was inspired by his father, an industrial arts teacher skilled in drawing. After taking a high school drafting class and completing small projects for local companies during college, Mr. Austin began collaborating with architects and engineers. This path ultimately led him to establish himself as a leader in the field.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Mr. Austin has demonstrated a strong commitment to civic engagement. From 2003 to 2012, he served as battalion commander with the Alabama State Defense Force. He volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, contributes to local softball league and supports youth development organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of Huntsville, AL and Pulaski, TN.

Local media have recognized Mr. Austin's work; he was featured in the Huntsville Business Journal for his contributions to the business community.

Born in Chattahoochee County, Georgia, Mr. Austin deeply values family life. He enjoys spending time with his wife while traveling, going to the movies with his daughter and cherishing moments with his granddaughter, great nieces and all of his family.

Looking ahead, Mr. Austin is focused on expanding his business by establishing new departments dedicated to house plans and commercial projects, each supported by specialized teams for design and measurement tasks. He is committed to building a legacy for his daughter, who will one day lead the company. Additionally, he aims to increase his involvement with community organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Boys & Girls Club while exploring opportunities to franchise the business.

Mr. Austin's career reflects not only technical expertise but also a dedication to mentorship, innovation and service, qualities that have earned him recognition among peers and within the broader community.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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