Ryan Grey Smith graduated from the University of Southern California Architecture Program in 1995, winning the Achievement Award for Best Designer of Graduating Class. For three years, he worked for DMJM Keating in Los Angeles, designing large commercial projects in Indonesia, Korea and Bangkok. In 1997 Smith was asked by Dale Chihuly, internationally renowned glass artist, to manage the Chihuly architecture department in Seattle and be responsible for museum and location installations such as “Chihuly in the Light of Jerusalem” and the Chihuly Bridge of Glass in Tacoma, WA. He also became Chihuly’s personal designer, involved in the complete remodel of Chihuly’s “Boathouse” in Seattle, a combination private residence, public display and entertaining space.

Citing Swiss architect and USC professor Marc Angelil and Dale Chihuly as the most important influences in his work, Ryan Smith opened Grey Design Studio in 2003 to provide architectural design to smaller commercial and residential projects. His work includes gallery space such as The Center of Contemporary Art in Seattle, and residences in the Seattle area, Maui, and Idaho.

In 2004, he was commissioned to create an 11’ fixture for a large residential foyer and converted a small prototype fixture into a stunning cascade of light with an interior structure and omni-directional lighting. Controlled on a dimmer, the effect can be dramatically nuanced. While still taking on some residential projects, Smith has turned his attention to the design of lighting and furniture. His work ranges from commissioned chandeliers that would be appropriate in a residential entry to the corporate lobby, to smaller fixtures and pendants that would work well over a dining room table or clustered over a kitchen counter.