When Leslie Norton was in third grade, her teacher suggested a profession that married her love of math and architecture. That single suggestion ignited a spark that never faded. “I started drawing floor plans on extra-large pads of graph paper,” she recalls. By sixth grade, when her parents remodeled their home, Leslie had a front-row seat for the design process. “I didn’t really understand what I was looking at,” she says, “but I became fascinated by the transformation. I loved seeing spaces open and turning into something new. I get to see the vision come alive.”

Now the Owner and Principal Architect of Norton Design Studio, Leslie, has turned that childhood dream into a reality—one project, one relationship, and one transformation at a time. She’s built her business not on ads or billboards, but through word-of-mouth and authentic connections in Charleston's thriving design community. “My network includes other architects, interior designers, contractors, realtors, and engineers,” she shares. “It’s a web of trust.”

Carving Her Own Path

With over two decades of experience, a bachelor’s in architecture from Miami University (Ohio), and a Master of Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, Leslie brings technical expertise, artistry, and leadership to every project. A LEED Accredited Professional, she’s earned national design awards, been published in multiple outlets, and even featured on HGTV and This Old House.

Yet her career wasn’t just shaped by accolades—it was forged by resistance. “When I was young, a neighbor told my mom that architecture wasn’t a good profession for women,” she recalls. Leslie’s response? “I’m going to prove you wrong.” And she did—resoundingly.

Building a Business on Her Own Terms

Leslie founded Norton Design Studio nearly six years ago—not just to create beautiful spaces, but to create space for her family. “My kids were four and one when I started. I wanted to be there for daycare pickups, school events, sick days. I wanted the freedom to say ‘yes’ without fearing the professional cost.”

That flexibility wasn’t just empowering—it was strategic. “I work early mornings or late at night when I need to. I’m setting my own boundaries. I learned from Melissa Barker that ‘my availability does not equal my accessibility.’ That changed how I work.”

The studio itself has become a hub for empowering other women. “I’ve always had female interns—most are grad students or recent grads. I want them to see that it’s possible to run a business and have a family. I want them to get licensed. I’m so proud of one of my first interns—she just got engaged and licensed!”

Redesigning the Narrative for Women in Architecture

Leslie is candid about the disparities facing women in her field. “One of the biggest problems is the transition from school to licensure. The process is long, and it’s hard to balance work and family. Society has made more room for men in that regard.”

But she doesn’t just talk the talk. Leslie mentors young women, champions their careers, and cultivates community through groups like The Helm, a network for mothers in leadership roles. “You don’t have to be a biological mom or have little kids. If you’re mothering in any way and leading in your profession, you belong here.”

For women without a built-in support system, Leslie offers this: “Look to other strong women. It’s hard work, but relationships can be built. Asking for help is not weak, it’s intelligence. We even teach our kids that.”

Designing for Real Life

Leslie’s approach to architecture is both practical and deeply personal. “Women bring a different perspective, especially in residential design. I’ve had clients come to me because they wanted someone who understands what it’s like to live in a house with a family, kids, and a business. Where do the backpacks go? How should the kids’ rooms relate to the parents? I get it.”

And that’s what drives her: connection, trust, and authenticity.

“I want clients to trust me—and for me to trust them. I want open, constructive feedback. This is a partnership. I’m not here to impress—I’m here to deliver a vision.”

When asked, Leslie’s husband described her business in three words: Passion, Drive, and Relationships. It’s fitting. Whether she’s sketching floor plans, mentoring interns, or showing up at school for her kids, Leslie Norton is designing a life that’s both intentional and impactful.

Legacy in the Making

Today, Leslie is one of America’s 100 Women to Know in 2025 and a recent honoree at the SC Women in Business Awards hosted by Integrated Media Publishing. But ask her what her biggest lesson is, and she won’t cite a trophy.

“You don’t have to have everything figured out. I had played up this idea in my head that I wasn’t going to be successful. I had to get out of my own way.”

It’s a lesson she shares often—with clients, interns, and especially her children. “Keep trying. It doesn’t have to be perfect. As long as you’re learning, it’s not failure.”

Leslie Norton’s story isn’t just about architecture, it’s about resilience, reinvention, and reimagining success on her own terms.

To connect with Leslie Norton, visit norton-design.com or reach her at [email protected].