RYAN GREY SMITH
Ryan Grey Smith graduated from the University of Southern California Architecture Program in 1995, winning the Achievement Award for Best Designer of Graduating Class. For three years, he worked for DMJM Keating in Los Angeles, designing large commercial projects in Indonesia, Korea and Bangkok. In 1997 Smith was asked by Dale Chihuly, internationally renowned glass artist, to manage the Chihuly architecture department in Seattle and be responsible for museum and location installations such as “Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem” and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass in Tacoma, WA. He also became Chihuly’s personal designer, involved in the complete remodel of Chihuly’s “Boathouse” in Seattle, a combination private residence, public display and entertaining space.
Citing Swiss architect and USC professor Marc Angelil and Dale Chihuly as the most important influences in his work, Ryan Smith opened Grey Design Studio in 2003 to provide architectural design to smaller commercial and residential projects. His work includes gallery space such as The Center of Contemporary Art in Seattle, and residences in the Seattle area, Maui, and Idaho.
In 2004, he was commissioned to create an 11’ fixture for a large residential foyer and converted a small prototype fixture into a stunning cascade of light with an interior structure and omni-directional lighting. Controlled on a dimmer, the effect can be dramatically nuanced. While still taking on some residential projects, Smith has turned his attention to the design of lighting and furniture. His work ranges from commissioned chandeliers that would be appropriate in a residential entry to the corporate lobby, to smaller fixtures and pendants that would work well over a dining room table or clustered over a kitchen counter.
RYAN GREY SMITH
1995: Bachelor of Architecture, University of Southern California
2003-present: GREY design studio, Partner
1997 – 2003: Chihuly Studio, Seattle, Manager, Architecture Department
Coordination of large scale installations including "Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem" and the "Bridge of Glass" in Tacoma
Designed and supervised renovation of Dale's home, the Boathouse
1994-1997: DMJM Keating, Los Angeles and Bangkok
Office tower in Jakarta, Indonesia
10 million square foot transportation & retail complex in Bangkok
1993-1994: Summer Angelil Graham Pfenninger Scholl Architecture
Experimental House, Hollywood Hills, California
Forchbahn Train Station Project, Esslinger, Switzerland
Awards and Publications:
Magazines:
Readymade, “Pre-Fab Within Reach”, April/May 2008
ADEX, “2008 ADEX Entries Issue”, 2008
Kiplinger’s, “Upscale Shed Sourcebook”, February 2007
Residential Lighting, “The Top 100”, February 2007
Alaska Airlines Magazine, “User Friendly”, March 2007
Seattle Homes and Lifestyles, “Marching Orders – Fantastic Finds to Refresh Your Spring Décor”, March 2007
Interior Design, “Lighting”, April 2007
Seattle Homes and Lifestyles, Style-Design Report, May 2007
Signature Kitchens and Baths, “Soothing Style”, Coastal Kitchens 2007
Gardening Life, “New Age Sheds”, Winter 2007
Seattle, “The 120-foot Solution”, December 2007
Residential Lighting, “The Top Three”, February 2006
ForbesLife, “…The Lowly Shed Goes Upscale”, April 2006
Atomic Ranch, “Way Too Nice for the Lawnmower”, Spring 2006
American Lifestyle, “Grey Design Studio”, June/July 2006
Interior Digest, (Russia), July 2006
Northwest Home and Garden, “X – Make it Custom-Lighting”, Sept/Oct 2006
Seattle Homes and Lifestyles, "Seattle 100-The People, Places and Things that Define Seattle Design", February 2006
Sunset, "Best of the West: Design Talent to Watch", January 2006
Sunset-Before and After, “Tiny Buildings – Hip Shed”, 2005
Metropolis, ICFF Directory 2005
Sunset, “Hip Shed”, April 2005
Interior Design, “Market Tabloid: Lighting”, October 2005
Plan, “Talking to …Ryan Grey Smith, Grey Design Studio”, November 2005
Lighting & Accessories, "Imagination Illuminated: ICFF", October 2005
Contract Lighting, "Imagination Illuminated: ICFF", September/October 2005
Residential Lighting, "Bright Lights, Big City: ICFF", July 2005
Sunset, Neutral Territory: Simple, Smart Changes Brighten and Update a Compact Kitchen", June 2005
Seattle Homes and Lifestyles, “Design Within Reach”, October 2003
Metropolitan Home, “Home of the Year” - Honorable Mention for the Holder/Smith Residence, 2001
Books:
"Stylish Sheds and Elegant Hideaways – Big Ideas for Small Backyard Destinations”, published in 2008
"Sunset-Ideas for Great Kitchens”, pg. 62, published in 2006
Awards:
"2008 ADEX Award for Design Excellence – Platinum Award” for Elements 55