About

Ryan James, is an Interior Designer and Construction Project manager and is known for his ability to Oversee Projects, maximize space, and for his elegant designs. His diversity of styles range from traditional to ultra modern. Recognized for his design-build background and his thoughtful attention to detail, he creates visionary residential and commercial spaces that are as unique as his clients, while maintaining a continuity of program and function. His focus is on high end residential interior renovations as well as conceptually driven restaurant and nightclub renovations primarily in Manhattan and Brooklyn, NY.  His work has been featured in Time Out New York, Interior Design Magazine and Houzz. You can also spot him on CNN's Headline News 'Project Home' series.

A native of South Carolina, Mr. James discovered his deep passion for architecture, design and landscaping at an early age.  At eighteen, he gutted and renovated his first rental apartment in Asheville, NC.  Numerous projects followed expanding his knowledge of landscape design and carpentry.  In January 2002, Ryan moved to NYC and became a project manager in a high-end architecture design-build firm focusing on residential projects throughout NYC and Brooklyn. That segued into a freelance career where he designed national corporate retail window display and store environment concepts for brands such as Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and Loft.  Concurrently, he designed and project managed conceptually driven restaurant and nightclub renovations located in the meatpacking district of Manhattan as well as Southampton.  Ryan studied interior design at Parsons The New School.  He founded his first business venture Design To Live in 2008.

In 2017 Mr. James joined forces with The Smart Design Team to help grow a dynamic new Company, led by business owner/ Entrepreneur Alan Mishali and manager of operations Segev Eidan. Mr. James helped to elevate the company through development of procedures to grow a Design-Build company NYC division. As Senior Interior Designer and Project Manager, he oversaw the interior design team as it grew, managed the construction crews in the field, and played an instrumental role in growing the company into the force that it is today.

Design To Live: Our mission at is to provide professional creative solutions that respond to our clients individualized needs by offering outstanding, project management, design, quality results, and enthusiasm for each project. DTL provides professional support through all phases of project development – from conception through completion.

DTL specializes in:

• Project Management and per-construction coordination

• Interior Design and space planning for residential and commercial projects

• Commercial Renovation Project Management (e.g., restaurants nightclubs, and Presidential/CEO offices)

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 that has cracks and uneven surfaces. A light fixture, some artwork and a few accessories elevate the space without breaking the bank.
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