By Donna Heiderstadt

Ashley Mock has forged a career path in the kitchen and bath industry that successfully integrates both sales and design — while also volunteering for the greater good of her local community. Not only does the 28-year-old handle Design + Project Development for Savage, MN-based Highmark Builders, she’s also an Interior Designer at its in-house design firm, Ruby + Suede Design Studio. Her secret to success? Ashley credits mentorship within the industry as being “crucial in expanding my knowledge and enhancing my ability to contribute value in various roles.”

It probably helps that Ashley is a natural go-getter who describes herself as “passionate.” As President of NKBA’s Minnesota State Chapter, she has led initiatives that have significantly increased community engagement, secured substantial chapter sponsorships, and fostered a stronger sense of belonging within the organization. Outside of the kitchen-and-bath realm, Ashley is also committed to community service. “I lead business professional small groups through my local church, focusing on equipping the next generation of leaders with grace, humility, and integrity,” she says.

Ashley’s love for home design began at an early age. “As a child, I would ride my bike through the most beautiful neighborhoods, marveling at the diverse architectural styles,” she says. During the annual parade of homes she eagerly toured the interiors, excited to be in “thoughtfully curated spaces where every detail balanced function and beauty.” When she watched HGTV, she was captivated. “It wasn’t until many years later that I discovered the kitchen-and-bath design niche, realizing that this field truly fueled my passion for enhancing the heart of homes and the lives of those who inhabit them,” Ashley explains. In fact, the first kitchen she designed was for the family of a local hero who had lost his life years earlier saving others during 2007’s I-35W bridge collapse. “This experience taught me early on that design transcends mere form and function,” she says.

When she’s not working, Ashley prioritizes enjoying quality time with her husband, Holden, and relaxing while bike riding and cooking. Happy to have outgrown the experimental phase of her youth — including having once painted the walls of the bedroom she shared with her sisters black — she instead embraces a “moody transitional” design style. “Living in Minnesota, it’s important for spaces to feel inviting and warm, especially during the harsh winter months,” she explains. Future goals? “Currently, my dream list includes a beautiful home spacious enough to host friends and family frequently, children to fill the space with laughter, and ample land for a future dog to run freely,” she says.