2025 Designer Dozen Awards: Ryan Todys

Ryan Todys
Designer, MG2 / Age: 27
Favorite Band: Bleachers
Favorite Video Game: Outer Wilds

WHY RYAN

In his day-to-day, Ryan assists with generating concept designs, space planning, programming, FF&E specifications, material selections, collaborating with the architectural and design staffs – and so much more. Beginning his career at MG2 as an intern, Ryan now seizes each opportunity to help interns in his current role. He’s also involved with professional practice panels at the University of Cincinnati, his alma mater, where he helps prepare students for their first design internships. He’s also a regular volunteer at YouthCare, an organization focused on ending youth homelessness. Beyond his charitable work, Ryan is described as a passionate woodworker by his colleagues, and has crafted more than 40 mid-century modern-inspired clocks (@rt.modern on Instagram). “His talent for woodworking and understanding of wood construction and millwork details informs his design and has translated directly to retail projects such as Burrow’s modular partitions and Brilliant Earth’s wall displays,” reads his nomination.

Ryan’s passion for woodworking has inspired elements in some of his projects. PHOTO: Anna Morgowicz

What do you enjoy most about your current job?

I love a good puzzle, and I really enjoy the space planning side of retail design. A perfect retail space is hard to come by, and many of the spaces I work with have challenging footprints or obstacles to work around. I enjoy the process of figuring out how to make interiors work and the rewarding feeling of getting all the different pieces to fit together.

What place made a big impression on you?

One of my favorite museums is the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP) in Seattle. Their exhibits are full of immersive and interactive design elements. My favorite exhibitions are the ones about the Sci-Fi, horror and fantasy worlds of movies and TV. MOPOP goes above and beyond the typical museum experience, using everything from unique displays to lighting and sound, to make you feel like you’ve been transported to the worlds you’re reading about.

My dream project is…

…a miniature golf course.

The best part of my day is…

…when the sunlight hits my deck.