Ashley Byer, a native of North Carolina, obtained her M.F.A in furniture design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Along with a B.A. in communication studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she has an extensive educational and professional background in fine art and design. Her work experience ranges from working at the New York City Opera to interning with top Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, and participating in numerous international design fairs. She brings her understanding of communication studies and design theory to the heart of her products. Byer’s work explores the psychology of consumer culture by directly questioning the social terrain of consumerism. By designing furniture with sustainable materials and disposable parts, she reveals that design technologies, trends and desires all are temporary. In offering products that can become revitalized, she provides consumers the freedom to thoughtfully act upon their desires for new.