If you’re anything like us, an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition can have you crying faster than that new Pixar movie “Up”. Not only are the designs featured in these new houses inspiring for our own homes, but the message of giving back to the community is inspiring as well. There’s one name tied most to this popular show, and that’s head designer Ty Pennington. He may not operate the same way as other contemporary designers, but Pennington has proven himself to be a valuable and inspiring addition to today's design world.
Pennington has described his childhood as unruly, later learning that he suffered from ADHD (which he now successfully treats). Even through dealing with hyperactivity, he managed to take up woodworking early in life, teaching himself the art. After graduating from high school in Georgia, Pennington attended Kennesaw State University. After university, he obtained a degree in graphic design from the Atlanta College of Art. While in college, he supported himself with carpentry projects and in his last year in school he was discovered by a modeling scout.
He first began modeling with names like J. Crew, Swatch and Sprite and landed some commercials with Diet Coke, Levi's, Macy's and Bayer. While modeling and doing commercials, he dabbled in set design, landing some big jobs including Leaving Las Vegas in 1995. It was at this time that The Learning Channel took notice and hired Pennington for a position on the show, Trading Spaces, which would go on to become a ratings powerhouse. Viewers loved Pennington, and he quickly became a favorite on the show due to his sense of humor and his talent.
In 2004, ABC developed and premiered a show that would convert the homes of worthy and commendable families in just a week; Pennington was chosen to lead the show. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was an instant success. Pennington, along with a cast of designers and carpenters, have transformed homes across the country over the show’s six seasons. Pennington’s success with the show ha s parlayed into numerous other business opportunities, like an endorsement deal with Sears, being an owner and designer of a company called Furniture Unlimited and a line of hardwood flooring through Lumber Liquidators.
Along with all his endorsements and the show, Pennington has also found the time to publish. First, Pennington wrote the book Ty's Tricks: Home Repair Secrets plus Cheap and Easy Projects to Transform Any Room, published in 2003. It was a guide on home improvement that stressed do-it-yourself. In the summer of 2007, he launched his own magazine, called Ty Pennington at Home. Sharing more tips on home improvement, the magazine also reveals with his legions of fans all the different projects he works on and a little into his personal life.
Along with his work on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and working with charities he has written a second book titled Good Design Can Change Your Life, and continues to maintain his magazine. You can find more information on Pennington and all of his work on his
website.
Pennington has described his childhood as unruly, later learning that he suffered from ADHD (which he now successfully treats). Even through dealing with hyperactivity, he managed to take up woodworking early in life, teaching himself the art. After graduating from high school in Georgia, Pennington attended Kennesaw State University. After university, he obtained a degree in graphic design from the Atlanta College of Art. While in college, he supported himself with carpentry projects and in his last year in school he was discovered by a modeling scout.
He first began modeling with names like J. Crew, Swatch and Sprite and landed some commercials with Diet Coke, Levi's, Macy's and Bayer. While modeling and doing commercials, he dabbled in set design, landing some big jobs including Leaving Las Vegas in 1995. It was at this time that The Learning Channel took notice and hired Pennington for a position on the show, Trading Spaces, which would go on to become a ratings powerhouse. Viewers loved Pennington, and he quickly became a favorite on the show due to his sense of humor and his talent.
In 2004, ABC developed and premiered a show that would convert the homes of worthy and commendable families in just a week; Pennington was chosen to lead the show. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition was an instant success. Pennington, along with a cast of designers and carpenters, have transformed homes across the country over the show’s six seasons. Pennington’s success with the show ha s parlayed into numerous other business opportunities, like an endorsement deal with Sears, being an owner and designer of a company called Furniture Unlimited and a line of hardwood flooring through Lumber Liquidators. 
Along with all his endorsements and the show, Pennington has also found the time to publish. First, Pennington wrote the book Ty's Tricks: Home Repair Secrets plus Cheap and Easy Projects to Transform Any Room, published in 2003. It was a guide on home improvement that stressed do-it-yourself. In the summer of 2007, he launched his own magazine, called Ty Pennington at Home. Sharing more tips on home improvement, the magazine also reveals with his legions of fans all the different projects he works on and a little into his personal life.
Along with his work on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and working with charities he has written a second book titled Good Design Can Change Your Life, and continues to maintain his magazine. You can find more information on Pennington and all of his work on his website. 
