I’ve spent over two decades bringing brands and IP to life through spatial storytelling. Grounded in human-centered design, I balance function with feeling and form—crafting immersive retail, exhibition, trade show, and location-based entertainment environments that invite interaction, evoke emotion, and deepen the connection between audiences and the brands they love.
Partnering with creative managers, producers, and fabricators as a creative co-pilot, I bridge the gap between early creative direction and physical execution—delivering emotionally resonant, strategically grounded, build-ready environments for agencies and global brands including Netflix, Amazon, Coca-Cola, Verizon, Under Armour, and Visa.
My Story
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A dual citizen born and raised in Toronto, I began my journey attending one of Canada's premier design schools, Ontario College of Art and Design. There, I broke the mold as the first to graduate with a 3D thesis in what was then a 2D program.
After sharing my thesis with the 3D tech startup, @Last Software, I was quickly recruited to Boulder, CO. In just over a year, I spanned North America, bringing SketchUp to thousands of new users and industry titans like Gensler, HOK, and Nike.
After Google's acquisition of @Last, I took the opportunity to begin exploring my design horizons in environmental, experiential, UI/UX, and more—each enriching and expanding my creative portfolio.
Today, as the driving force behind Alden Creative, I’ve teamed up with a diverse collection of startups, global agencies, and prominent brands including Amazon, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Verizon, Pandora, Mac Tools, and Under Armour, consistently delivering beautifully detailed, thoughtful, and engaging design solutions. Another highlight of my career was being named one of design:retail's top 40 under 40 for my body of work.
Outside of work, you’ll find me hiking, camping, road biking, restoring my ‘87 Westfalia campervan, and planning my next overland adventure down the Baja Peninsula as seen in the photos above.
I'm excited to explore our creative partnership—say hello.
—Ryan
Onboard your Creative Co-Pilot.
Resume
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EDUCATION
OCAD University
Bachelor of Environmental Design
My education focused on the design of expressive and humane interior and architectural spaces, with projects developed in an interior, architectural, environmental, and societal context.
It followed a design methodology of research, analysis, design, and presentation, with an emphasis on conceptual development. It embodied the transformation of conceptual ideas into human-centered environments.
CAPABILITIES
+ Experiential & Environmental Design
+ Event / Exhibit / Trade Show
+ Build-Aware Design
+ Concept Development
+ Creative / Art Direction
+ Story Architecting
+ Spatial Strategy / Guest Flow
+ 3D Visualization / Rendering
+ Branding / Visual Identity
+ UI / UX Design
SELECT CLIENTS
+ Netflix
+ Amazon
+ Coca-Cola
+ Verizon
+ Pepsi Co
+ Under Armour
+ Visa
+ Pinterest
+ Diageo (Cîroc, Buchanan's, Aperol)
+ Universal Studios
+ Urban Outfitters
+ Mac Tools
TOOLS
+ Hand Sketching
+ Adobe Creative Suite
+ SketchUp (3D Modeling)
+ Enscape (Real-Time Rendering)
+ Digital Photography
+ Google Workspace
+ AI-assisted Ideation / Visualization
AWARDS
+ Ontario Association of Architects Award
+ design:retail 40 Under 40 Recipient
EXPERIENCE
Alden Creative
Sep 1999–Current
Multiple Locations
Founder | ACD | Creative Lead
Leads spatial, experiential, and environmental design engagements for agencies and brands—operating as an embedded senior creative partner from early spatial thinking through execution-ready delivery.
Brought in early to shape spatial strategy, align stakeholders, and translate brand intent into coherent, buildable environments across both temporary activations and permanent installations.
Develops spatial design systems that embody brand identity—articulating the "why" behind design decisions to creative teams, producers, fabricators, and client stakeholders.
Creates execution-ready design packages including spatial concepts, material strategies, environmental graphics, vendor-ready documentation, and redlined shop drawings—balancing creative intent with fabrication feasibility and real-world constraints.
Collaborates closely with producers and fabricators on proof-of-concept mockups and builds, flagging production risks early to prevent rework and protect timelines and budgets.
Provides on-site creative oversight during installation and programming phases—ensuring design intent is maintained through build execution.
NOA Brands
Nov 2017–Apr 2018
Lafayette, CO
Creative Director
Led and designed custom mannequin and display systems, collaborating with fine-art sculptors, 3D artists, production, and engineering to balance anatomical realism with brand-driven requirements.
Pressure-tested sculptural and display concepts with client and production teams to align brand intent with manufacturability, tooling, and scale constraints at production scale.
NNG
Feb 2015–Mar 2016
Greenville, SC
UI/UX Designer | Automotive HMI
Primary UI designer and systems collaborator on a ground-up desktop application built to modernize automotive HMI development for OEMs.
Designed the full application interface and UX workflows, including wireframing, layout systems, iconography, and interaction patterns.
Co-developed core tool systems with the product lead, shaping how the software functioned—not just how it looked.
Senior Experiential Designer
Led design development for Verizon’s branded environments across sports, retail, and permanent brand touchpoints nationwide.
Designed scalable retail systems and spatial environments for Verizon sponsorship programs, including NFL stadiums, NHL venues, and retail concept installations.
Delivered large-scale activations such as the 6,500 sq ft Verizon Training Ground at NFLX, providing on-site creative oversight through build and installation.
EP+Co
Jun 2010–Nov 2013
Greenville, SC
Environmental Designer
Contributed to the conceptual design of mixed-use retail and large-scale development projects, integrating brand presence, placemaking, and spatial experience into architectural environments.
Supported master planning and early-phase design for commercial and mixed-use developments, including St. Andrew’s at Historic Hyde Park, a 340-acre proposed development in Upstate New York.
Collaborated with architects and developers on spatial planning, tenant experience, and environmental design concepts during schematic phases.
LRK Architects
Dec 2007–Nov 2008
Boulder, CO
Environmental Designer
Contributed to the conceptual design of retail and mixed-use environments, supporting spatial planning, environmental graphics, and customer flow across branded spaces.
Assisted with early design development, wayfinding concepts, FF&E sourcing, and layout studies for commercial and retail projects.
Communication Arts
Nov 2005–Dec 2007
Boulder, CO
SketchUp Software Trainer & UI Designer
Served as a key ambassador for SketchUp during critical growth phase, supporting adoption across architecture, design, and construction communities.
Led beginner-to-advanced training sessions for architectural firms, private groups, and public audiences across North America, presenting to groups ranging from 50–500.
Contributed to internal product testing, interface development, and icon design for the SketchUp user interface.
@Last Software
Sep 2004–Nov 2005
Boulder, CO
ENGAGEMENT
Creative Co-Pilot / Senior Partner
Partners alongside Creative Managers and cross-functional teams to pressure-test ideas early and translate brand strategy into buildable spatial systems.
Embedded Team Member
Integrates efficiently when brought in early enough to think—adapting to existing workflows, tools, and team dynamics without friction.
Project Lead
Leads early spatial thinking and carries concepts through execution when a project benefits from a single creative owner.
