Building with Purpose

Developer, Founder of Onward Design and Build

Shahbazz Anwerr is an accomplished real estate development and construction professional with over a decade of extensive experience in managing a diverse portfolio of assets across various market segments. As the Founder of Onward Build and Design, he is dedicated to driving revenue growth and promoting innovative products under the company’s umbrella. Shahbazz firmly believes that collaboration and strategic planning are vital for achieving sustainable growth.

He began his career at Carnegie Homes (now 57th and 7th), where he contributed to significant projects in Rice Military and surrounding areas. In 2016, Shahbazz joined Ashton Gray Development as the Creative Director, working closely with the founder and Vice President to devise effective strategies, project structures, and schedules. His contributions led to fast-selling projects that propelled Ashton Gray to notable success in the industry. As the Director of Operations for SVAG Construction—established in April 2020 as the construction arm of Ashton Gray Development—Shahbazz oversaw a strategic expansion into the multifamily market. Under his leadership, the firm completed several benchmark projects that have become references for future developments. His exceptional management skills ensured the successful execution of each project. Shahbazz's expertise in design-build has redefined luxury home standards, featuring bespoke finishes that have earned recognition at the GHBA Builders Awards for three consecutive years across multiple categories. His visionary approach transcends traditional construction, embodying a lifestyle aesthetic. He has successfully managed multimillion-dollar assets, consistently delivering projects on time and within budget, which has significantly boosted sales in a competitive market. Notably, he played a key role in the development and construction of a 68-unit retirement community in Aliana, which sold out rapidly. Shahbazz was instrumental in Ashton Gray’s transition from construction to land development, spearheading multifamily projects in Austin and Dallas, as well as an active adult 55+ community in Richmond, Texas. 

His keen interest in the multifamily sector led to a partnership with Zco Development, where he served as Director of Operations, successfully developing and managing a Class A apartment complex with 300 units, overseeing both interior finishes and marketing strategies. While concurrently constructing a luxury home in Hunters Creek, recognized in modern home tours and various accolades, Shahbazz distinguished himself by being the first builder in Texas to incorporate a Tesla roof into new luxury construction. He is also set to develop an additional 68-home resort community in Conroe, with construction slated to begin in late 2025.

In addition to these projects, Shahbazz has contributed to various innovative initiatives, such as an EB-5 backed MEDPLEX—an integrated medical facility designed to enhance healthcare services within a town center concept, incorporating luxury apartments, senior living accommodations, and retail spaces. He is also working on a 25,000-square-foot custom home with construction expected to start in the third quarter of 2025. His recent collaboration with NDD, a design-build firm, transformed an old tasting room in Uptown Park into Lombardi Italian Cucina, which has quickly become one of the highest-grossing restaurants since its opening in 2023.

Through Onward Build and Design, Shahbazz aspires to leverage his extensive experience to create a vertically integrated operation that synergizes various asset classes, including luxury homes, build-to-rent projects, multifamily developments, retail venues, rehabilitation initiatives, and hospitality ventures. His vision is to establish lasting value and a formidable legacy in the industry through strategic partnerships and innovative building practices.

Onward Build and Design’s 2025 pipeline includes several noteworthy projects, such as a 14-home subdivision in Pinemont, developed in partnership with the award-winning firm Construction Concepts and Drafthouse as the design team. The company is also undertaking an 11,000-square-foot new construction in Williams Ranch and a 4,000-square-foot home in Spring Branch. Shahbazz will also lead a development in East River under East River Arteriors (ERA), featuring six-unit townhomes designed by Drafthouse, with construction set to commence in the last quarter of 2025.
 

Additionally, he is collaborating with Foscari Interiors on a few new projects. Under White Oak Asset Development, Shahbazz is also introducing new luxury homes in Spring Valley, anticipated to start by the end of 2025.
 

Further, he is developing a 40,000-square-foot project in Hockley with Magnolia Construction and a retail space on Houston Avenue, designed to enhance the iconic Downtown Houston skyline.