Meet Ryan Thewes | Architect

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ryan Thewes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ryan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I was a kid, I was always good at art and drawing. And being from a small town in Indiana, it was recommended to me from an early age that I should be an architect. People associated drawing with architecture. So, it was always something I was interested in. But it wasn’t until I got older that I realized there is a big difference between having the technical skill to draw and being creative. After that, creativity was something that became fascinating to me and something I pursued often whether it be in art, music or architecture. Architecture was the medium that I chose to channel my creativity in large part to seeing the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. I thought it was pretty amazing to be able to create something that is unique and different, but it also has to function and abide by certain rules. It has to stand up and be safe. It has to keep the rain out and the conditioned air in. People actually have to live and interact with it, which is so much different than any other form of art. And it has to be able to be built, which is something people don’t think about. We have budgets to work with and codes to adhere to. It is a very unique process that takes a good balance of left and right brain thought.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There is a difference between being different just to be different and being creative with a purpose. I think that is what sets good architects apart. When I am presented with a problem to solve, I look at it from many different angles and try to find a solution that is not only unique, but also solves the problem in a way that benefits the client and the project. Finding solutions that inspire people is really what I am looking to do. Often, people get too comfortable with what they are used to and never step out and experience new things or ideas. Having a client that trusts me enough to allow me to create something new and exciting is an amazing opportunity. Building that trust is not an easy task. It is something that takes time and a lot of hard work. I never want to be a salesman or talk people into trusting me. Trust is something that should be earned.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love sports and food and music, so Nashville is an amazing place for all of that. Hitting a Predator’s game is a must. There is nothing like the atmosphere inside Bridgestone. Hopefully, there would be a great show to catch at the Ryman, which is my happy place. I have lost count of how many shows I have seen there. It is a true gem. Downtown is not my scene, but when someone is visiting from out of town, it is almost a requirement to go. It really is something that has to be experienced. Descriptions just don’t do it justice. And for food, I am bias, but I think Nashville has one of the best barbecue scenes around. Martins, Edleys, Peg Leg, Bringles, Shotgun Willies and The Ridge are all favorites. Hot Chickens seems like a must as well and there are a lot to choose from. Hattie B’s is a good one for out of towners. But our higher end food scene is pretty incredible as well with too many options to list.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been lucky enough to always have good support from my family even though what I chose to do was a bit unconventional to their career paths. And have had amazing support from my wife who traveled with me to different places while I worked and learned from some amazing mentors such as Don Erickson in Chicago and Bart Prince in Albuquerque.

Website: www.ryanthewes.com

Instagram: @thewes_architect

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/ryan-thewes-architect/

Twitter: @ThewesArchitect

Facebook: www.facebook.com/RyanThewesArchitect

Yelp: https://yelp.to/3zUFguHbHq

Youtube: @thewes_architect

Image Credits
Chad Mellon