We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashley Mcclure a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ashley, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?
When naming my firm, I wanted to break away from the typical tradition of using founders’ last names, often seen in law and architecture firms. Instead, I wanted the name to reflect not just my contributions, but also the collaborative, client-focused approach that drives my design philosophy. For me, design isn’t about imposing a signature style; it’s about solving real problems and crafting spaces that tell the unique stories of those who inhabit them.
Naming a business is a challenge—finding something original, memorable, and meaningful isn’t easy. After brainstorming for quite some time, I landed on “Studio Wythe,” a name I actually came up with years before the business even began.
“Studio” suggests a workshop, a place where ideas are born and nurtured. I love the process of workshopping ideas with clients, craftspeople, and contractors, exploring new ways to tackle design challenges. It’s about collaboration, creativity, and finding the best solutions together.
As for “Wythe,” it’s a term from traditional masonry construction, referring to multiple thicknesses of bricks bonded together for strength and stability. This resonates deeply with my approach to design, which is all about layering ideas, stories, and materials to build something enduring and meaningful. Just as those historic walls stand the test of time, I aim to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also rich in narrative and purpose.
Ultimately, my goal is to design spaces that are both simple and inspiring—spaces that resonate because they’re built on the solid foundation of collaboration and storytelling, not just on a designer’s personal aesthetic. This isn’t about making a name for myself; it’s about making sure the spaces I create truly reflect the needs and stories of the people who will use them.
Ashley, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My passion for architecture was sparked at the age of nine when Henri Jova, a master of light, clarity, and spatial organization, was commissioned to design our church’s new campus. His vision ignited something within me, but it was also my first lesson in the delicate balance between creativity and compromise. Watching the project’s impact diminish through committee interventions taught me the value of communication and creating buy-in to a vision — a lesson that shapes my approach to design communication to this day.
With over 20 years of experience in crafting residential, restaurant, and workplace interiors, I founded Studio Wythe to create spaces that bring people together. The pandemic has underscored the significance of these environments—whether it’s a welcoming front porch or a bustling coffee shop—in fostering connections and driving positive change. The name ‘Wythe’ embodies our philosophy: like layers of brick that provide strength and stability, my designs are intended to strengthen the bonds within communities.
Two years into this journey, I’ve discovered the transformative power of collaboration. I’m deeply committed to working with designers, artisans, and builders to help shape the future of Atlanta. As our city continues to grow, it’s vital that we implement thoughtful design solutions that address today’s needs while anticipating the challenges of tomorrow.
We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.
Working for a large firm designing exclusively workplace interiors during the pandemic was challenging—projects were canceled, staff were laid off, and hours were cut. It made me realize the importance of having a diverse skill set, and being able to utilize that at work (which is difficult at a company with a defined specialty). With experience in designing houses, libraries, and restaurants, I saw the opportunity to create a more resilient architecture studio that could adapt to market demands.
During the pandemic, I took on a single-family house design for friends, and it reignited my passion for residential design. The flexibility of working from home, more time with my family, and the desire for a more flexible work environment drove me to start my own business.
I’ve grown my business primarily through word of mouth, supported by key client and friend recommendations in local Facebook groups, and ads in our local Decatur City Lifestyle magazine.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
When I was approached to convert an existing large single-family house into a boutique bed and breakfast, I knew it was a unique opportunity—one that could shape the future of Studio Wythe. The project wasn’t just another renovation; it had a specific narrative and point of view that deeply intrigued me. The idea of transforming a space steeped in history into a place where new stories could unfold felt like the perfect challenge. I was excited, maybe even a little too eager, to figure it all out.
The first step was crucial: getting approval from the city council. Without that, nothing else could move forward. But we were in a tricky spot. Developing a complete design plan would have been a significant financial investment, and doing so without knowing if the project would even be approved seemed too risky. So, we went in with a broad vision but without all the details ironed out. I knew it was a gamble, but it was the only way to proceed without putting ourselves—and our clients—at too much financial risk.
Unfortunately, that decision opened the door for criticism. Some people used our lack of finalized plans to poke holes in the design, suggesting we were trying to circumvent building codes, accessibility regulations, environmental considerations, and other crucial aspects of the project. In reality, we were simply trying to see if the concept of the bed and breakfast would be approved before diving into the minutiae. The intent was always to comply fully with every regulation, but we needed to know we had a green light first.
Despite our efforts, the project didn’t get the approval we needed. It was a tough blow. This was going to be the largest project Studio Wythe had ever taken on, and its denial was a hit to both our finances and our clients’ dreams. The disappointment was real, and for a moment, I felt bitterness creeping in. But I quickly realized that bitterness doesn’t fix anything—it just festers and holds you back.
Coming back from that setback wasn’t easy. It required resilience, not just in the face of financial loss, but in the challenge of moving forward when a dream falls apart. I had to remind myself that speaking with authority and thoroughly explaining the vision to the public is vital, especially when tackling controversial projects. It’s difficult, but it’s necessary. In the end, the experience reinforced an important lesson: resilience isn’t just about bouncing back; it’s about how you choose to move forward, even when the path isn’t clear.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studiowythe.com
- Instagram: @studiowythe
Image Credits
Angie Terrell
Melle Houston
Ben Farnham