Meet Ryan

Founder & Accredited Building Designer

From a young age, Ryan knew he wanted to design homes. His passion began when he visited a family friend’s newly built architectural home. It had a layout that worked beautifully but felt completely different to anything he had ever experienced. A central courtyard flooded the main living areas with natural light, the kitchen broke away from the standard boxy design, and floating stairs seemed to grow straight out of the wall. Backlit wardrobes and clever split levels added to the sense of innovation. At the time, these features blew his teenage mind and planted the seed for a lifelong love of well-designed spaces.

Before starting Santolo Designs, Ryan cut his teeth designing acreage homes with timeless character. That is where he built his appreciation for styles ranging from Italianate and French Provincial to Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern.

What is unexpected about Ryan is that, despite his love for a wide range of styles, he never dictates what a home “should” be. Instead, he advises, teaches, and interprets, creating designs that reflect each client’s needs and aspirations, both now and in the future.

Ryan knows a home is often the biggest investment a family will make. That is why he approaches every project with care, balancing creativity, practicality, and cost. His designs do not just look good on paper; they work in real life. Builders enjoy building them, and families enjoy living in them.

For Ryan, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing families enjoy their new space and create memories they will cherish forever.

Outside of work, Ryan is a proud family man who loves spending time with his wife and kids. He enjoys keeping active through sport and has a soft spot for anything that is cleverly designed, whether it is a home, a piece of furniture, or even a great pair of headphones.