Up and Coming Designer: Ryan Saghian

It always pleases us to stumble upon students of design who are passionate about their talent. Ryan Saghian, currently studying at The Art Institute of California, Los Angeles, is working hard to establish his design business.

With a focus on residential and retail spaces, Ryan has already collaborated with several high-end clients to add stylish character and ambiance to their rooms. We recently interviewed him to find out more about what inspires him to design.

Interview with Ryan Saghian

Describe yourself in 5 words:
Ambitious. Passionate. Maximalist. Personable. Imaginative.

What inspires you?
Old Hollywood opulence.

I’m good at…
Mixing different eras of design into one remarkable space.

I’m bad at…
Lying. I am too honest; I always say the truth and some people tend to not like that.

What are the highlights of your career thus far?
Having mentors like Jaime Rummerfield and Ron Woodson of Woodson & Rummerfield’s House of Design at such a young age.

What are your goals for the next 5 years?
To grow my company portfolio and create my own home collection.

What do you enjoy most about working in the interior design industry?
The satisfaction of beatifying a space.

What has been the most exciting collaboration you’ve worked on so far?
Teaming up with celebrity stylist, Marina Monroe, on the design of her Melrose Place boutique, Stylehaus.

Are there any areas that are particularly difficult or challenging?
Dealing with extensive lead-times. No client likes to wait a prolonged period of time for a piece of furniture.

What do you believe sets you apart from your others?
My ambition and indubitable love for the industry. I could never imagine myself doing anything else.

What are you working on at the moment?
I am working with an accomplished architect on an enthralling Beverly Hills, Spanish revival home.

Do you have any words of wisdom that you would like to pass on?
Never try to fit in; we are all born to stand out.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
When my parents told me to never give up on my dreams.

What do you feel are the most important trends / changes happening in the industry that you feel designers should be aware of?
People are loving glamour! Metallic fabrics, lacquered finishes, and crystal chandeliers have become wants on all my clients’ lists.

What is your must-have item for next season?
A Nigel Cabourn striped slant pocket tee and a Garrett Leight pair of sunglasses.

Who’s your favorite Style Icon?
Iris Apfel and David Bowie

Most inspirational person you have met?
Margaret Rusell, Editor in chief of Architectural Digest. She has been called the Anna Wintour of Interior Design.

Your favorite location?
I love the Bird Streets of the Doheny Estates. The views of Los Angeles are awe-inspiring. It is hot, young, and just the right amount of sexy.

In a nutshell, your philosophy is…
When I’m hungry I eat. When I’m thirsty I drink. When I want to say something I say it.

Follow Ryan to learn more about his work:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RyanSaghian
Twitter: http://twitter.com/RyanSaghian