who is shae studio?
Behind my story is a process designed to help you live yours.
Clients come to me when they’re ready to design a home that fits the life they want to live. I work with people who are looking for more than just a house — they want a space that feels intentional, personal, and rooted in how they actually live day to day.
Whether that means creating something entirely new or transforming an existing home, I bring clarity, care, and creativity to every step of the process. My design work is grounded in well-being, shaped by intention, and supported by clear guidance. I offer not just a design, but a process — one that gives you confidence, connection, and a home that truly reflects who you are.
I don’t chase trends or create spaces that look like everyone else’s. My goal is to get to know you — your rhythms, your family, your values — and design a home that feels like it could only belong to you. A home that grows with you over time, and continues to feel right long after the paint is dry.
Through thoughtful questions, imaginative solutions, and consistent communication, I help you make decisions that feel aligned and meaningful — from the overall form to the final details on your shelves.
Julia Hess, architect
I’m Julia Hess, RA— architect and founder of Shae Studio, a woman‑owned residential architecture and interior design practice based in Winston‑Salem, North Carolina.
Shae Studio was created as a place where thoughtful, intentional design could flourish, where spaces are built with well-being in mind, and where clients feel guided, known, and supported throughout the design and construction process.
I earned a Bachelor of Architecture and Masters of Building Construction Science and Management from Virginia Tech, where I developed a deep respect for design as both an artistic and social practice. Throughout my career, I have worked on a wide range of projects from single‑family homes to dynamic gyms, museums, and public parks.
Today, my practice is rooted in three values: well-being, intention, and guidance. I meet clients where they are, get to know them on a personal level, guide them through every step of the process, and deliver spaces that feel deeply personal and entirely custom. From big-picture concepts to styling the final shelf, I design with heart, research, and a high level of care.
Clients often say I’m organized, intuitive, and deeply creative— able to uncover solutions they hadn’t even imagined. My goal is for every client to feel heard, supported, and empowered to make confident decisions about their home.