Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Jordan Schild.
Hi Ashley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first started working with preserved moss during the COVID pandemic. At the time, I was an event planner and floral designer. I was commissioned to create a piece for someone whose partner had passed away, and I wanted to create something that represented sustained life and permanence—something living in spirit, yet preserved in time. The result was a framed moss and preserved botanical artwork that felt both organic and enduring, capturing a sense of presence and continuity in a way that fresh flowers could not.
Like many people during the pandemic, particularly those in industries such as event planning that came to a sudden halt, I found myself spending far more time indoors. I was living in a high-rise in Brickell and deeply missing the connection to nature. I decided to create a moss wall in my apartment, and it completely transformed the space and the way I felt in it. It brought a sense of calm, grounding, and organic beauty that I realized so many people were craving. It was a powerful reminder of how much our surroundings affect our well-being.
I began studying preserved botanicals, experimenting with different moss varieties, and exploring how natural elements could be transformed into lasting works of art. What started as a personal creative outlet quickly evolved into Native DesignWorks. Soon after, I began landing projects in hospitality spaces like gyms and salons, along with private residences. Over time, the work evolved into larger-scale installations, custom moss art, and biophilic design pieces that blend nature, architecture, and art.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
When I first started, there were only a handful of companies creating preserved moss walls and installations. Over the years, especially with the rise of wellness-focused interiors and biophilic design, the industry has become much more saturated. One of the biggest challenges has been distinguishing my work in a growing market. I’ve stayed focused on quality craftsmanship, intentional design, and creating pieces that feel artistic rather than purely decorative. Every installation is approached as a custom work of art that’s designed specifically for the space and the client.
Another challenge has been educating people on the value of preserved botanical design — that these pieces are not only visually impactful, but also sustainable, long-lasting, maintenance-free, and sound-absorbing. Beyond aesthetics and functionality, moss walls are capable of transforming how a space feels emotionally support a calmer environment by helping reduce stress and anxiety, gently regulating the nervous system, and improving focus and mental clarity through a stronger connection to nature.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I come from a long line of Miami native creatives. My great-grandfather opened the first Italian restaurant in Miami and even catered for Al Capone. My grandfather owned an advertising agency in Miami in the 1950s called Ryder & Schild. My father is a marine lifestyle photographer, and my mother is a writer. It’s safe to say that creativity runs deep in my blood.
Originally, I wanted to become a landscape architect, so I attended architecture school and quickly fell in love with design, structure, and the built environment. Being able to blend my love for nature, architecture, and art through my work today is an absolute dream come true.
What I create sits somewhere between interior design, sculpture, and natural art. I love transforming spaces in a way that feels organic, elevated, and emotionally grounding.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Although my work is heavily inspired by nature, much of my inspiration actually comes from architecture, design, and fashion. I’m constantly studying materials, textures, lighting, and spatial experiences — especially in luxury hotels, restaurants, and beautifully designed public spaces.
My connection to nature started long before this business. Growing up in Miami, I was always drawn to tropical landscapes and botanical spaces. In high school, I would skip class and wander through places like Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Matheson Hammock, or my favorite exotic plant nursery off Sunset Drive. Those spaces left a lasting impression on me creatively and emotionally.
I’m also deeply inspired by Miami itself. The city’s tropical environment, Art Deco history, waterfront lifestyle, and blend of cultures all influence the way I approach color, texture, and organic form in my work. I think what I create today is really a reflection of all of those worlds coming together — nature, design, art, and the feeling of Miami.
Pricing:
- Every project is custom-designed to fit the space, aesthetic, and client vision.
- Smaller moss art pieces & artful orchid arrangements start in the $100 – $200 range.
- Custom preserved moss walls and installations are priced based on size, moss selection, complexity, and installation requirements.
- Large-scale commercial and residential installations generally range from several thousand dollars and up.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nativedesignworks.com
- Instagram: @nativedesignworks
- Facebook: Native DesignWorks
