Ryan Connell

Dallas, Texas USA

“Architecture is distinct from the other arts in its utility and impact on the lives of users,” Ryan says, “and that’s where the focus of design should be.” As the studio design director for our education sector, he understands that schools have the power to impede or inspire children and strives to create buildings that do the latter. “The schools I attended were mostly windowless institutional buildings, and I remember the dulling effect that had on daily life as a kid,” says Ryan. “The facilities we design will impact lives for decades, and each project is an exciting opportunity and immense responsibility.”

Ryan is deeply involved in all aspects of the design process, from ideation and conceptual exploration to execution and delivery of the final project. In all of his projects, Ryan strives to draw clarity and elegance from complexity. Some of the most complex projects, yet also often the most fun, he says, are renovations. “In some ways it takes more creativity to work within those constraints and break beyond what’s expected,” Ryan says. “When a teacher sees that school reborn and cries with joy, there’s no better feeling as an architect.”

When he wants to recharge, Ryan prefers to connect with his family in the great outdoors — camping, hiking and exploring with his wife and two daughters. “We love tent camping and are enjoying remodeling a vintage camper for future adventures,” he says.