Dwell 24: Ryan Edward Studio

Introduced at this year’s ICFF to rave reviews‚ Ryan Edward Studio is the lighting and furniture practice of Ryan Heinz‚ 26.  The New Jersey native started out training to be a mechanical engineer but soon switched to industrial design and earned his master’s degree at SCAD‚ the Savannah College of Art and Design.

He has now taken up residence in the Southern city‚ attracted by its lower cost of living and friendly vibes. "I enjoy making connections with people‚" says Heinz‚ explaining why‚ for now‚ he sells customized work to interior designers and not to retail stores.

Learn why Heinz would like to learn how to carve human figures in marble, and read his other responses to our Q&A, below.

Hometown: Roseland, New Jersey

Current Location: Savannah, Georgia, USA

Describe what you make in 140 characters. Ryan Edward Studio makes engaging lighting and furniture that encourages playful interactions between people and pieces.

What's the last thing you designed? The Orbit Collection

Do you have a daily creative ritual? I always head to one of my favorite coffee shops, put on headphones, listen to some indie-folk music, and just disappear. I feel like I'm most creative when I'm surrounded by people but still able to be in my own world.

How do you procrastinate? Netflix gets me every time.

What everyday object would you like to redesign? Why? Car keys and key fobs. I don't think they have to be as bulky and could take up less room in my pocket than they do now.

Who are your heroes (in design, in life, or in both)? My mom, for sure. As cliché as that may sound, she has given up so much for me and is the reason I'm able to be where I am now.

What skill would you most like to learn? How to carve human figures in marble and more importantly, how to capture soulfulness in the sculpture.

What is your most treasured possession? An Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F. My late dad purchased the camera sometime in the early 70s. I restored it in 2012 and took some really beautiful shots with it so far. 

What's your earliest memory of an encounter with design? My earliest memory is building tree houses in the woods with friends during my child 

What contemporary design trend do you despise? I don't have any issues with any of the contemporary trends right now, which is surprising; I usually have some sort of opinion. 

Are you left-handed or right-handed? Right

Finish this statement: All design should...flow.

I sketch with a…pen.

I work best with…music.

I do my best work...late a night.

My studio is…a study in head-clearing minimalism.

Instagram is...a promotional tool.

Choose one: Bauhaus, Memphis, or Brutalist? Bauhaus

Rank the following: (1) Function, (2) Form, and (3) Fun 

Choose one: Less is More, Just Enough is Enough, or More is More? Just Enough is Enough

If you had to pick a favorite material, what would it be? Steel

Choose one: Past, Present, or Future? Present

What’s in your dream house? A drafting table in a room overlooking an ocean or forest; a huge metal and wood shop for prototyping and making new pieces; a comfy bed; and a fully stocked kitchen for good measure.

You can follow Heinz on his studio's website or on Instagram. 

Want more? 

Return to the Dwell 24 homepage and check out the other designers. 

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See advice from 10 of today’s biggest designers.