Collective Quarterly: Ryan Greenwood, Junior Designer

Ryan Greenwood far surpasses his title as Junior Designer, it should be more like Design Team MVP. He is an incredibly talented and creative designer, as well as an organizational wizard, multi-tasking extraordinaire and an overall kind, hardworking, and reliable asset to our team.  Learn more about our Employee of the Quarter as our Director of Design, Elide Rathborne sits down with her dear colleague.

How did you start working with the design team?

It's really cool how our story unfolded. I was working at a commercial tile and stone vendor for 7 years. One of my biggest clients was Bond Collective. The design team and I hit it off and we developed a really strong working relationship and friendship. I just loved working with you guys and seeing your projects come together. It was a bit unorthodox transitioning to actually working here.  After an amazing tour of your Downtown LA space we started talking about new opportunities. I always wanted to get into design since I have been around it my whole professional life. I was always in sales so it was really an awesome opportunity to get more into a creative role. I started at Bond in October 2021. Even though I am a remote employee, it wasn't hard to jump into this role. I feel so at home with my team. I’ve been with the company for a year and half now and I'm loving every bit of it!!

First impression?

I was a little overwhelmed at first, with the change of industry from sales to creative. Thankfully, I was given clear expectations and values, and had an incredible first week. It was so different from what I was used to, I had a company that really guided me and was so warm and welcoming. There was so much structure and help everywhere I looked and I felt like it was a big upgrade from where I was before. It was a warm, welcoming family environment and family is the keyword here.

Where are you from?

Originally, I was born in Seattle Washington and grew up in the suburbs. When I was ten we had to take care of my grandma so we moved to Coeur d’Alene Idaho (its French). Growing up there for middle school and high school was great. It’s a beautiful lake and touristy town. After high school I went to work in a design showroom, and that's where I started my journey.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

I have always wanted to be an architect. I was obsessed with drawing and my parents always encouraged me. I didn't excel in sports but I felt at home in the arts. One of my first Christmas presents was a drafting table that we set up in the guest room. After school I would sit there until bedtime. I drew floor plans and exterior elevations.

After my grandma passed away in 2004, we built a custom home, and that process was super interesting to me. We met with the contractor weekly to refine the plans. I went to every meeting and my mom and we were constantly thinking about this house and how we can improve it. Seeing it come to life inspired me and reinforced what I wanted to do. Designing homes was exactly what I wanted to do.

Who has had the biggest influence on you, personally?

My first boss Jill. She was such an amazing mentor, great business woman, and communicator who built the business from the ground up. I was a sample assistant in the showroom and then worked myself up to a sales and marketing position. She always allowed me to sit in on client meetings and really was the liaison from client to contractor. She helped me understand the process and taught me so much about design, the business side of things and keeping things organized. She showed me the whole process, from drafting to creation. She was always involved in so many networking events and worked with the community to build brand awareness. She has always had such a great attitude and demeanor, and always kept her cool. I really felt like if I ran a business one day, I would want to do it the way she did. I still think about her to this day.

If you could make a sudden career change what would it be? 

I have always been fascinated with advertising. If I could do something totally different I think I would go into ad sales and get involved with pitches and commercials to grab the consumer! Funny enough I still like commercials more than the actual shows on tv. 

Favorite Bond location: 

I have so many. I like them all. I would have to go with Bushwick!! Everyone loves bushwick– Vinegar Hill is pretty sexy too.

What part of your job do you enjoy the most? 

I really enjoy the onset of a new project. I love the brainstorming process, presenting ideas, and refining them. I think presentations are one of my favorite things to make! Going through material samples and putting together mood boards and sample trays is really fun. I crave the opportunity to dive into a new space. Working through floor plans and changes is so exciting!

When you're not working what's your favorite pastime?

Sketching, going out to new restaurants and trying new places. Travel and exploring, if I could go anywhere I’d choose Rio De Janeiro. I think it's such a metropolis mecca in a rainforest and that juxtaposition is unreal. 

Do you have any pets?

Well, I have three cats: Koko Puff, she’s a ragdoll cat, Kanye (we are rebranding him to Le Chonk lol) the siamese, and my eldest is Cleo. He is just an old mix cutie pie, but also a little bit of a torment!

Do you play a musical instrument?

I play piano. I wish I played more, I definitely don't play as much as I’d like. I don't read music but play by ear very well. I took years of lessons but did not retain reading music to my adulthood. My very first job actually was teaching private lessons.

What's your favorite type of music?

I love good bluegrass and folk music, anything vibey and acoustic. One of my favorite artists is the Queen, Stevie Nicks.

If you could meet a famous person who would it be?

Nicole Hollis, she’s a San Francisco based designer. Her style is dark and moody and that's definitely my vibe!! Hmmm actually, maybe Tina Fey or Amy Poehler they’re just so damn funny, I've loved them for years.

Biggest take away from working at Bond Collective

It’s probably just enjoying the work and not taking everything so seriously. I really enjoy working with the community team and having a little bit of fun. I also love the creative process. Every job I have had up to this point has been so fast paced and there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I never got to reap the benefits of my work. Here I'm surrounded by support, love and family. I have such a boost of energy and happiness to see what I’ve worked on and created. 

If you could tell your younger self one thing, what would it be? 

I would say don't let the bastards get you down!! Haha but seriously, don't be intimidated by other people's success and to move on your own path at your own pace. I still struggle with this and wish I realized it sooner.

Follow Ryan on Instagram @GreenwoodInteriors.co to stay up-to-date with his design story!