About

Ryan James is a Program Leader, Interior Designer, and Construction Project Manager with over 18 years of experience delivering complex, multi-stakeholder projects across residential, commercial, and hospitality environments.

His work has evolved from design-build execution into a broader focus on program leadership and operational transformation—aligning teams, structuring workflows, and improving how projects and organizations function at scale. Known for his ability to bridge design, construction, and operations, Ryan brings a systems-oriented approach to delivering spaces that are not only thoughtfully designed but executed with clarity, coordination, and measurable performance.

Ryan’s design sensibility ranges from traditional to ultra-modern, with a strong emphasis on maximizing space, maintaining continuity of program and function, and creating environments that reflect each client's unique needs. His work spans high-end residential renovations, concept-driven restaurants and nightlife venues, and corporate interiors, primarily in New York City.

Over time, Ryan has become increasingly focused on the operational side of project delivery—standardizing workflows, strengthening communication systems, and supporting the adoption of new processes and tools across teams. His experience includes managing concurrent project portfolios totaling up to $2.5M annually, improving coordination among cross-functional teams, and reducing delays through structured planning and execution.

His work has been featured in Time Out New York, Interior Design Magazine, and Houzz, and he has appeared on CNN’s Headline News “Project Home” series.

Background

A native of South Carolina, Ryan developed an early interest in architecture, design, and landscaping. At eighteen, he completed his first full renovation project in Asheville, North Carolina, which sparked a long-term path in design and construction.

In 2002, he moved to New York City and began working in high-end residential design-build, managing projects throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn. He later expanded into freelance work, designing national retail window displays and store environments for brands including Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, and LOFT, while also managing concept-driven restaurant and nightlife projects in the Meatpacking District and Southampton.

In 2008, Ryan founded Design To Live, where he continues to lead design-build projects and oversee business operations, client strategy, and project delivery.

In 2017, Ryan joined Smart Design to help grow the company’s NYC division. As Senior Designer and Project Manager, he developed operational procedures, led the interior design team, coordinated field execution, and played a key role in scaling the organization’s capabilities and delivery systems.

Design To Live

Design To Live was founded to provide thoughtful, well-executed solutions that respond to each client’s unique needs. The firm’s approach integrates design, project management, and construction coordination into a cohesive process from concept through completion.

Today, Design To Live continues to deliver high-quality design-build work while also reflecting Ryan’s broader focus on structured project delivery, team alignment, and operational clarity.

Core Areas of Expertise

• Program Leadership and Project Delivery

• Pre-Construction Planning and Coordination

• Interior Design and Space Planning

• Residential and Commercial Renovations

• Workflow Design and Process Improvement

• Cross-Functional Team Alignment

• Stakeholder Coordination and Communication

News

Project Home

HLNTV features designer Ryan James as he transforms a typical NYC rental bathroom on a tight budget. In this segment, Ryan demonstrates how to skim-coat walls to dramatically improve a room with cracks and uneven surfaces. A light fixture, some artwork, and a few accessories elevate the space without breaking the bank.