Emily Ryan

Background

About Emily Ryan

My approach begins with the premise that the built environment is never neutral — it reflects decisions, priorities, and histories. I see design and strategy as an interconnected structure: an opportunity to root out problems by asking questions about who spaces serve and how they can do better. My practice spans interiors, systems thinking, and community partnerships. I am drawn to projects that listen and lead the industry to center user experience and responsibility for long-term success. In my workplace I continue to be a project leader, sustainability champion, inclusivity champion, materials management lead, and BIM manager. I've won Gensler Research Institute Awards - One for a project with Mera Kitchen Collective, an immigrant and refugee-owned culinary cooperative in Baltimore, and the other for co-developing a climate justice framework that I later published as part of Gensler Research & Insights. As a 2023 GIVE fellow, I continue to learn that our work cannot only create buildings - but also bridges.