Who: I’m Ashley Smith, founder of Ash Proper based in Southern California. With over 20 years of experience in real estate and a lifelong love for design, I bring a unique blend of practical expertise and creative intuition to every project.

My journey into design was shaped by my innate ability to assess functionality, flow, and aesthetics in every environment I encounter. Growing up, I was always drawn to transforming the spaces around me, and this love for design has only deepened over the years. After studying at The Art Institute and Interior Design Institute, I went on to earn certifications as a Color Consultant, Staging Studio, and HSR Staging, and I’m a proud member of RESA.

Since founding Ash Proper in 2020, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible clients across Los Angeles, Orange County, Austin, TX, and Washington, DC. I specialize in both interior design and real estate staging, offering clients a personalized, bespoke experience. My approach is rooted in understanding the heart and soul of each client’s needs. It’s about more than simply choosing colors and furniture—it’s about listening deeply to the desires, challenges, and visions that often can’t be put into words and translating them into a space that feels truly theirs.

I’m honored to be in a position to curate spaces that elevate life—whether it's bringing warmth and functionality to a family home, staging a property to inspire the next chapter in someone’s life, or creating an engaging atmosphere for a business. Each project is an opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact on how people experience their environment, and that’s a privilege I deeply cherish.