Tygert Burton "Ty" Pennington was born on October 19, 1964, in Atlanta, Georgia. His mother, Yvonne, a child psychologist, later remarried, and Ty’s last name was changed from Burton to Pennington. From an early age, Ty showed a strong interest in woodworking and design, building treehouses and other wooden structures for neighborhood children. This early passion for building would later shape his career.

Ty began his college education at Kennesaw State University, initially majoring in art and history. Encouraged by a professor and driven by his burgeoning interest in design, he transferred to the Atlanta College of Art, where he majored in graphic design. To support himself financially, he took up carpentry jobs, which not only paid the bills but also helped refine his craftsmanship and design sensibilities.

Modeling Career and Early Media Exposure

While still in school, Ty began working as a model. His modeling career took him around the world and brought him visibility in campaigns for brands such as Levi’s, Coca-Cola, Macy’s, Swatch, Body Glove, and J.Crew. In 1995, Ty worked on the production set of the film Leaving Las Vegas, contributing to set construction. The experience reignited his combined interests in carpentry and design. Motivated by this, he and his brother purchased an old factory and creatively remodeled it into a loft-style apartment on a tight budget. The space included unique, resourceful touches like a salad bowl repurposed as a bathroom sink and a light fixture made using a plunger.