OUR STORY
Designer
When people get curious about interior design they naturally turn to the internet. Pretty quickly though they get overloaded by too many choices and overwhelmed with too many decisions. It’s my job to curate those endless options into thoughtful, cohesive schemes that reflect my client’s lifestyle.
I don't tell my clients 'this is your chair, this is your fabric…'. Instead I try to nurture a collaborative dynamic and encourage them to be involved as much as they are comfortable with.
I like to remain open minded, especially in the beginning phase of design, to explore new styles, or just simply play with colors that a client isn’t accustomed to it. So my presentations tend to be casual conversations where a client and I workshop ideas together. Together we edit and reorganize the way the space is representing their current stage in life.
Interior design is such a special experience - for most clients, they are starting a new chapter, like relocating for a new job or their kids are graduating from school. It's a personal journey, and I'm honored to be involved in such magical occasions. At the same time it is a big responsibility, earning trust from someone who I just met and let me peek into their personal life. To respect that, it's important that I am as clear & transparent as possible - about how far the budget will go, how long a custom piece would take, etc. Not all news may be good, but I'm always honest and upfront. It’s important that the space we create is stylish, but it’s your home where you & your family should feel most comfortable in - so should be the process of designing it.
I don't like to hide things; when a problem arises we should have healthy conversations, so that we can resolve it proactively.
I’m naturally organized & efficient - maybe that is the architect side of me, and probably related to the fact that I was raised in Japan. New Yorkers don't have time, and time really is money in this city. As much as I want to be attentive to every detail, there is always a time constraint - either clients’ schedules, construction leadtimes, or the budget allocated for my consultations. So I have to strike a thoughtful balance to negotiate that while delivering a great space. It’s so important to me to leave clients with a home they are proud to call their own.
Ryuhei M Livingston | CID, ASID
Ryuhei {roo-hey} was born in Yokohama, Japan. Raised by an engineer and a children’s clothing designer, he naturally gravitated to creative activities, filling his childhood with pencil drawings and fabric swatch collages. Soon after graduating from an architecture college, he moved to New York in 2007 to obtain a MS Arch at Pratt Institute.
With technical expertise and creative training, Ryuhei began his design career at distinguished firms in NYC, specializing in high-end residential renovations and bespoke furniture & lighting. Blessed with experience in developing luxury home interiors for celebrity clients on both east and west coast, he started his own practice in 2017.
Appreciating the simple and tailored, Ryuhei believes in the power of an thoughtful & streamlined process and enjoys helping clients turn their inspirations into a real sense of livable luxury.