Our Story

People often ask how I became an interior designer, but the truth is I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t fascinated by homes.

As a child, I was constantly creating them. If there was cardboard lying around, I turned it into a house. I dreamed of having a playhouse of my own, spent afternoons sitting in dog houses, and even claimed the concrete manhole rings in a new construction neighborhood as my own little home. Looking back, I realize I wasn’t just playing. I was imagining how people lived, how spaces felt, and how a house could become a place of comfort and belonging.

When I was fourteen, my parents let me redesign my bedroom, and that project became the first glimpse into what would eventually become my career. It was the first time I experienced the satisfaction of taking an idea from my imagination and bringing it to life in a way that changed how a space felt every day.

My path to interior design wasn’t a straight one. I earned degrees in Graphic Design and Marketing because I have always been drawn to creativity, and for a while I thought I would build a career in corporate marketing. It only took one office interview for me to realize that wasn’t where I belonged. Interior design had always been in the back of my mind, but like many people pursuing creative careers, I allowed the opinions of others to convince me it wasn’t practical. Eventually I reached a point where I decided that if this was the work I felt called to do, then I owed it to myself to pursue it wholeheartedly.

Proper House Design began while I was still in design school and working full time. At the time, it wasn’t some grand entrepreneurial vision. I simply wanted to gain experience, take on a few small projects, and start building a portfolio. Those first projects taught me more than any classroom ever could. Every challenge, every mistake, and every client helped shape the designer and business owner I would become.

One of the most influential experiences in my career was interning for a respected construction designer on the Main Line. That opportunity introduced me to the construction side of design, and I immediately knew I had found where I belonged. I loved coordinating the countless details that go into building a home, solving problems before they became obstacles, and helping clients navigate decisions that often felt overwhelming. After completing my first construction project, I realized I didn’t just enjoy interior design. I loved being the person clients could trust to lead them through one of the biggest investments of their lives.

The business was originally called Little Green House because, quite honestly, I needed a name and I was working from my own little green house. I knew it wasn’t forever, but I also knew that waiting for the perfect name was only delaying my dream. Years later, as the firm evolved and the work became more refined, I started thinking about what I wanted the company to represent. The word “proper” kept coming to mind because it means something done thoughtfully, intentionally, and well. Around that same time, I heard the phrase “proper house” in one of my favorite songs, and it felt like confirmation that I had found the name I had been looking for all along.

The Team Behind Proper House Design

While I lead the creative vision for every project, Proper House Design is not a one-person firm.

Ashley joined the team after seeing a job posting on Instagram, but it didn’t take long for me to know she was the right fit. We connected immediately, and from the very beginning she demonstrated the qualities that are difficult to teach: initiative, resourcefulness, and a genuine desire to serve people well.

As our Studio Coordinator, Ashley plays an essential role in keeping projects moving and ensuring every client feels cared for throughout their experience with us. She has a remarkable ability to connect with people, anticipate needs, and bring order to even the busiest days. Whether she’s coordinating project details behind the scenes or planning thoughtful client gifts, Ashley helps create the level of hospitality and care that Proper House Design is known for.

Her background is equally unique. Before joining the firm, Ashley worked in the fine art world alongside internationally recognized artists and collectors, giving her an appreciation for craftsmanship, creativity, and exceptional client service. She has also traveled extensively, visiting 28 countries, and she brings that curiosity and appreciation for beautiful places into everything she does.

Although our strengths are different, they complement one another well. I focus on design direction, construction, and the creative vision for each home, while Ashley ensures the countless details that support that vision are carried out with care. Together, we share the same commitment to creating an experience that is thoughtful, organized, and enjoyable from beginning to end.