Ashley Mitlyng (House Wren) | FS.022
Optimizing Opportunities.
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Mitlyng Design + Architecture
Website: Mitlyng Design
Houzz: Ashley Mitlyng, AIA
Facebook: Mitlyng Design, LLC
Instagram: @mitlyngdesign
In this episode of the Flying Solo Podcast, host Katie Kangas speaks with Ashley Mitlyng, founder of Mitlyng Design + Architecture, a Twin Cities–based residential practice focused on renovations and additions.
Ashley’s work aligns with the House Wren—a bird known for thriving in tight, overlooked spaces. House Wrens don’t seek wide-open fields or blank slates. They nest inside existing structures, choosing awkward corners that others pass by. Through thoughtful, efficient moves, they transform these overlooked spaces into highly functional havens. This instinct mirrors Ashley’s approach to residential design: working within constraints, offering thoughtful options, and shaping spaces that support real life and honor the surrounding neighborhood.
Together, Katie and Ashley explore three lessons inspired by the House Wren. First, the importance of finding the right fit - particularly when homeowners interview contractors. Second, they reflect on the power of small, overlooked spaces. Just as Ashley designs details that improve daily life—like smoothing kitchen flow or resolving awkward door swings—listeners are invited to examine the friction points in their own businesses. Finally, they discuss how Ashley’s practice filled a niche. Her practice is intentionally positioned among complementary designers and suppliers. Making her business more visible to potential clients and industry partners.
Throughout the conversation, Katie and Ashley explore the realities of running a small architectural practice, balancing work and family life, and navigating the blurred line between living and working as entrepreneurs. Ashley shares how she digs deeper into practical details that smooth the flow of everyday life for her business and her clients.
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Ashley Mitlyng (House Wren)
Season 2 of the Flying Solo Podcast is sponsored by the Minnesota Architectural Foundation, whose mission is to invest in excellence, leadership, discovery, and equity within the profession of architecture.
To join this flying solo movement, you can follow Flying Solo Arch on Instagram where Katie posts content to encourage your business life. Find out which bird defines your marketing strategy with the Bird Quiz on the Flying Solo Website.
For even more resources and encouragement, you can find all the Flying Solo episodes on the Gābl Media platform at gablmedia.com - the premier destination for podcasts about architecture and design. And if you’re looking for community, connection, and real conversations, check out the EntreArchitect Network at entrearchitect.com/ . Whether you join one of their Masterclasses or the free Facebook group, you’ll find a community of small firm architects sharing ideas, challenges, and wins - proving that while we may work solo, we’re never alone.
As Mark R. LePage, founder of Entrearchitect, says - it’s all about doing better practice and better work every day.
