Douglas Newby on Preserving Dallas Through Architecture

This week on SMU Stories, we sat down with Douglas Newby (BS ’74, MPA ’80), past president of the SMU Town and Gown Club and founder of Architecturally Significant Homes.Doug’s career reflects a rare combination of scholarship, civic leadership, and real estate vision. From his SMU master’s thesis that helped lay the economic groundwork for revitalizing Munger Place to his role in establishing Dallas’s first single family historic district, his work has shaped how the city understands preservation, value, and place.In this episode, Doug shares his path from early urban revitalization efforts in East Dallas to representing some of the most significant residential properties in the country, including the Crespi Estate. He explains his philosophy of “homes that make us happy,” his focus on architectural integrity and site context, and how his background in social science led him to become the first realtor in the United States to specialize exclusively in architect designed residences.For the SMU community and real estate professionals alike, Doug’s story offers a compelling example of how passion, education, and respect for history can create lasting value. Tune in to hear how Douglas has dedicated his career to preserving the architectural soul of Dallas while reshaping how we define the value of our neighborhoods.Visit his website at dougnewby.com.