Ryan was born in Spartanburg, SC. He became interested in architecture as a child. He enjoyed emulating the things he saw around him in drawings, scale models, and building-blocks. On TV in the 1970’s and early 80’s, he enjoyed seeing old houses come back to life on “This Old House,” and he admired some of the “TV dads” on sitcoms at the time that were architects by profession. Of course, who wouldn’t admire them in their “cool” cardigan sweaters and tweed sports coats with the suede patches at the elbows? Fascinated by how complex ideas could be described through technical drawings, his interest in the profession was cemented when he took a mechanical drawing class in high school.                                                                                                                                     
Ryan went on to study architecture at Clemson University graduating in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science degree in architectural design. After graduation, he joined the architectural firm Albert B. Jolly, Jr. and Associates full-time. His ability to think creatively and to sketch out his ideas quickly in free-hand form helped him to become an architectural designer and draftsman for the firm for the next 30 years. Ryan has worked on the design of many different types of commercial and residential buildings, fine homes, architectural woodwork, cabinetry, and outdoor structures and spaces. Ryan likens designing architecture to solving a complex, creative puzzle.                                                             
Outside of architecture, Ryan enjoys learning about fine art, astronomy, archaeology, model railroading, history and the earth sciences. He enjoys walking through old neighborhoods and square dancing for fun and exercise. He loves dogs and is fascinated by animals in general.