From New Orleans to Bisbee (and everywhere in between), Steve Austin has spread himself and his talents around for decades. He has been a hitchhiker and nomad, as well as a photographer, chef, coffee bar owner, guesthouse owner and a home builder of his own design. “I’m always interested in 10 things at once,” said Austin.

Born and raised in New Orleans as a self-proclaimed free-range child, Austin mastered self-reliance and cultivated creativity at a young age. “I spent time exploring my imagination,” said Austin.

He got into building and planning at a young age, working with his dad on a two-story Cape Cod house in the 1950s; they put in second-floor bedrooms and bathroom. They also built a treehouse, which was a hit with both the kids and adults in the neighborhood.