Name: Ryan Hughes 
Company: Ryan Hughes Design Build
Position within company: Owner/Founder/Creative Director
Website: www.ryanhughesdesign.com
Tell us a little about your background in design (education, experience, etc.)
For nearly two decades, Ryan Hughes has designed and built outdoor living without peers. Through custom designed pools, signature landscaping and water and fire features, his work represents more than $110 million for his clients.
As the recipient of multiple industry awards, Ryan’s experience and innovation has been acknowledged within the industry as well as through international design books. Ryan has been published in such publications as the “Dream Homes Series” and “Perspectives on Design.”
Ryan currently holds a State of Florida Certified Pool Contractors License. His desire to create the finest outdoor living expanses and enclaves has family ties as his father was a landscape design pioneer in the state of Florida. Ryan, however, has been successful in building his own reputation of excellence over the past decades. With vast experience in Pool Engineering, Pool Construction and Outdoor Living Space Project Management, Ryan’s technical knowledge is second only to his design vision and sought after creativity.
How would you describe your design style?
Ryan’s design style is a mix of science and art. Through expert space planning, the outdoor elements are defined. Complex creative element and materials planning adds the artistry.
Where does your design inspiration come from?
I have been fortunate enough to have travelled the world from an early age. From those travels, I have been able to translate a global perspective and take inspiration from international venues and lifestyles. These cultural experiences and architectural influences have produced a diversity of styles that can be seen throughout our portfolio.
In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
For outdoor design, the movement is moving toward additional drama in structural, water, lighting, engineering as well as the incorporation of innovative performance materials.
Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2017 and beyond.
1. Cohesive Space and Use Planning
2. Design Continuity with Home
3. Adding Wow Factor
4. Incorporate Innovative Technology; i.e. lighting or performance materials
5. Total Design Coordination – Structures to pillows
How important are The International Design and Architecture Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?
Over the last five years, we have won over a dozen national design awards. With this success nationally, we are working hard to be recognised on the international stage as well. This award would be a milestone to be recognised for our designs internationally. One of our goals for our brand is to increase offering our services internationally.
What projects are you currently working on?
Our team is currently working on the completion of an over 2 million dollar multi-level pool and outdoor living project. We are also beginning a large lazy river outdoor living project and are beginning national projects for which Ryan is designer and consultant.
What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
In the next 12 months, Ryan Hughes Design Build will be continuing to design and construct complex creative outdoor living areas with award-winning pool designs. The entire year is booked out. Ryan will also be embarking on more projects for which he is the creative designer and consultant nationwide. Our goal is to continue to serve clientele with award-worthy designs and expert construction and functionality.
Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself
Your most treasured possession?
My business, my brand is my most treasured possession. That is something I have worked really hard to make sure it is all that I want it to be.
Your favourite holiday destination?
Miami – As I find it to be, for outdoor living, the design capital of the world. Within that city I get to see so many architectural styles and designs in one concentrated place. The area is larger than life, design wise. Every time we visit Miami, I am inspired and bring back ideas that can be incorporated into my work.
Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?
The “W” hotel in Miami Beach. My favourite restaurant is Nobu.
Your favourite food and drink?
Favourite food is the Yellow tail jalapeno from Nobu Sushi
Favourite drink is a Napa Valley cabernet
Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
With working long hours, the afternoons are a time I can spend with my children. We have dinner together and then it is back to the office; but the time together is special.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A developer, working to develop resort and hotel property.
