Ashley Killian

“Design should help everyone feel seen, supported, and at home in their own way.”

Ashley brings nearly two decades of experience in interior design and contract furniture to her role as FF&E Specialist at Explore Design. With roots in the arts—from classical ballet to years spent drawing with charcoal, her favorite medium for its blendable, expressive nature—she approaches design through an empathy-driven lens. She sees every project as an opportunity to interpret space through others’ experiences, shaping environments that truly support the people who use them.

Her work focuses on research-driven design that balances function, empathy, and innovation. Ashley’s specialty is the world of commercial furniture, diving into the details of how pieces are built, used, and experienced. She excels at translating program needs into furniture systems that support movement and long-term durability. She’s passionate about designing for neurodiversity and ensuring that every space offers comfort, choice, and usability for the people who use it. Whether she’s modeling custom assemblies or writing highly technical furniture specs, she’s always focused on creating spaces that truly serve the people inside them.

Away from work, Ashley is fully immersed in family life, cheering from the rink as a new hockey mom, supporting her middle schooler’s growing list of sports, and embracing her “soccer widow” status during her husband’s coaching season. She’s active in the design community through ASID committees and local charity events, and she never turns down a good cookie or a well-timed joke.

Insights & Inspirations

A collection of thoughts that drive the team at Explore Design.