Spotlight On: Anne Grandinetti of Ashby Collective
Designing with Depth, Curiosity, and Intuition
© Shade Degges
We're thrilled to feature the work and perspective of Anne Grandinetti, a principal at Ashby Collective and a creative force behind some of Austin’s most inspiring interiors - including the newly completed 6G high-rise, Austin’s tallest residential building.
Anne’s work is known for its emotional resonance and intricate layering - spaces that feel personal, poetic, and enduring. In our conversation, she shares what’s fueling her creativity right now, how she approaches large-scale design with intimacy, and why “purposeful rooms” are having a comeback.
© Clay Grier
RA: Where are you drawing inspiration from these days and how is that subtly (or boldly) shaping the spaces you create?
AG: I draw inspiration from a blend of sources - from my collection of vintage design magazines and books, art and architecture, history and vintage design, as well as fashion and travel. Most recently, we traveled to Los Angeles for a shopping trip, which was a major source of inspiration. Our hotel, the Sunset Tower, with its Art Deco architecture from the late ’20s, was inspiring, and all of the beautifully curated design studios definitely got me so excited for a big upcoming project in Dallas."
© Dror Baldinger
RA: The 6G project - 68 stories, Austin’s tallest residential building - is stunning. How did you approach bringing warmth and emotion into something at that scale?
AG: This was our first big commercial project, which we were reluctant to take on at first. We decided it would be a good fit only if we could approach it much like our other residential projects - with layers, bespoke furnishings, and collected + curated accessories, which we accrued over the course of three years. Selected artworks were procured by us, which allowed us to really tell our story and reflect the warmth and personality of a true home.
© Shade Degges
© Shade Degges
RA: Your Wallisville project, a Victorian estate, holds so much quiet complexity. What was the thread you were following as the design came together?
AG: I love that description. Perfectly said, because there is a lot of subtle contrast in the design of Wallisville. First and foremost, the history of the family’s home set the tone. I knew I wanted to leave some of the 'quirkiness' of the estate in the design to reflect its storied past - that became the common thread. The client’s impressive modern art collection is an important player in the design story, which perfectly juxtaposes with the Victorian architecture that was thoughtfully restored.
© Casey Dunn
RA: “Approachability” in design can be hard to define especially in high-end work. What does it mean to you?
AG: We always say that the client’s lifestyle and personality set the tone for the design. It has to reflect how they live. Do they entertain? Are they hard on furnishings? Do they have kids and pets? What level of maintenance are they willing to participate in? Once these key factors are considered, we work to draw out the vision of their dream home from them - then we refine and elevate it even further, creating a space that is beyond their dreams.
© Casey Dunn
RA: What’s something you’re curious about or excited by right now - in design, in process, or in life?
AG: I’m really excited to see the return of traditional spaces - rooms with specific purposes. Moving away from the large, open-concept living and into homes with an allocated dining room, library, or study is exciting to me. I’m drawn to rooms with destination and purpose, rather than one large shared space.
© Casey Dunn
Thank you, Anne, for sharing your perspective with us and for continuing to remind us that the most meaningful spaces are the ones that feel personal, considered, and full of life.
You can explore more of Anne’s work, and the full scope of Ashby Collective’s beautifully layered interiors, at ashbycollective.com.
And if there’s a designer, artist, or creative you think we should feature next on STORIES, we’d love to hear from you. Send your recommendations our way - we’re always looking to spotlight thoughtful, inspiring work that deserves to be seen.
© Casey Dunn