Portfolio / Rankin Art & Design Group

Ryan Rankin's - Professional Experience / CV

Rankin Art & Design Group, Dallas, TX - 2024 - Current

Founder | Principal Designer

Travel Art and Storytelling: Embark on a visual journey that marries the art of storytelling with the beauty of travel, capturing the essence of each destination through vivid illustrations and narratives.

Specialization in Watercolor Art:

Expressing the fluidity and vibrancy of nature through bold, vivid colors, each piece is a reflection of the landscapes and emotions encountered in travels. Watercolor offers a unique interplay of transparency and spontaneity that breathes life into each work of art.

Boutique, Bespoke Architectural Destinations:

Crafting exclusive, tailor-made hospitality and residential projects in remote and picturesque locations. Each design is meticulously planned to enhance the natural beauty of its surroundings, providing guests with a personalized experience that merges luxury with local culture and environment. These bespoke destinations focus on blending architecture harmoniously with nature.

Hybrid Generative Design and Traditional Techniques:

An avant-garde approach to design that blends cutting-edge generative methods with the timeless appeal of traditional sketching and painting. This hybrid strategy enables the creation of visually striking and emotionally resonant works that bridge the gap between the digital and the classical.

Classic Cars:

Reviving and customizing classic cars to enhance both their aesthetic appeal and performance. This process blends restoration expertise with creative modifications to create unique, timeless vehicles that celebrate the history of automotive design.

Gensler, Dallas, TX - 2024

Technical Designer - Work 4 Studio & Lifestyle 1 Studio

As a Technical Designer, I specialized in diverse typologies such as mixed-use, retail, hospitality, commercial office buildings, headquarters, residential, and life sciences projects. Working alongside Design Director(s) and team members, I contributed to design concepts, presentations, schematic design, and design development. Whether tackling ambitious towers or refurbishing historic buildings, I leveraged my exceptional business development and client relationship skills to deliver innovative, resilient design solutions.

My responsibilities included leading assignments across all project phases, providing strategic design support, fostering collaboration with internal/external teams, and utilizing software like Revit, SketchUp, Enscape, and Adobe Creative Suite for 3D modeling and rendering. I played a key role in securing project opportunities through visioning and strategic proposal development. Additionally, I mentored junior designers, promoted a culture of design excellence, and contributed to firm-wide initiatives, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach to design within Gensler.

Overland Partners, Dallas, TX - 2023

Senior Designer

Mixed-Use, Master planning, Hospitality, Sports, and Entertainment

Designed complex mixed-use and hospitality architectural projects globally. Leveraged world travel experiences to enhance project context and community connection. I played a pivotal role in the establishment of a new architecture office in an emerging region, supporting a diverse team of 30 professionals. Through strategic direction and innovative design proposals, I was instrumental in securing major international projects, elevating our presence on the global stage. Additionally, I shared my expertise by conducting a sketching course, empowering team members with the skills to visualize and communicate ideas effectively. This multifaceted contribution not only accelerated our office's growth but also fostered a culture of creativity and excellence.

HKS Architects, Dallas, TX - 2013-2022

International Hospitality Design - Project Designer and Immersive Technology Champion

Collaborated closely as part of a team to meticulously craft an array of luxury resorts and urban hotels across the globe, infusing each project with a unique blend of elegance and innovation. Passionately advocated for the use of immersive technologies in architectural design, transforming the way spaces are visualized and brought to life. This approach not only enriched the aesthetic and functional aspects of each property but also redefined the standards of modern hospitality design.

Fine Art & Gallery Shows

"Provocations," RAW Natural Born Artists, Tulsa, OK, 2012

"Artist of the Year Finalist," RAW Natural Born Artists, Tulsa, OK, 2012

"En Masse," Dallas, TX, 2013

"Panorama," Dallas, TX, 2014

"3rd Annual Artist vs. Architect," Dallas, TX, 2014

Multiple Exhibitions / Shows, Kettle Art Gallery, Dallas, TX, 2016 - Current

Kettle Art Gallery Resident Artist, Dallas, TX, 2018 - Current

Awards & Recognition Individual & Team Awards

AIA KRob Delineation Competition, Winner and Finalist in Professional Travel Sketch Category, 2021, 2022, 2023, & 2024

Architectural Awards with HKS Inc.18th Annual Hospitality Design Award, Midscale Hotel, Austin Marriott Downtown,

2022 Excellence in Design Awards, Potomac Landmark MGM National Harbor, 2018

Professional Skills

Comprehensive experience in architectural design, including 9+ built projects

Expertise in BIM and Revit, 3D modeling tools, and graphic software

Proficiency in project lifecycle management, from conception through post-occupancy

Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills15+ years in architectural illustration and immersive technology

Proficient in sustainable design principles and project management

Volunteering

CASA Dallas – Parade of Playhouses

American Institute of Architects - AIA Dallas – Ken Roberts International Memorial Delineation Competition Committee

ASAI - American Society of Architectural Illustrators

Habitat for Humanity

All Hands Volunteering

Nepal, Earthquake Disaster Relief and Recovery

Education

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK

Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a Minor in Art History

Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City, OK

Associate degree in General Engineering

National Registered Emergency Medical Technician / Municipal Fire Training / Emergency

Yukon High School, Yukon, OK

High School Diploma

Professional Recommendations and Reviews

Simon Manning

Design Technology Innovation Leader, NBBJ Design Seattle Washington

Ryan is a catalyst. He excels at bringing the right people to the table. This entrepreneurial skill set makes him well suited to leadership. Ryan’s strengths lie in high impact moves that lead the eye and guide the viewer, much like his dynamic paintings.

Melissa Voelker

Vice President, Global Experiential Design at Hines

I have worked with Ryan for many years now and find him to be exceptional in all he seeks out. It does not matter what he does - design, watercolor, or anything creative - he far surpasses the expectations. In addition, and above, he is kind and thoughtful with an incredible work ethic. He is an absolute pleasure to work along side

Regan, AIA, NCARB

Vice President - Visual Storyteller - SB Architects in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex

Ryan was a huge asset for our HKS Hospitality team back in the day. On several occasions, Ryan had demonstrated a capacity for quick problem solving, excellent design instincts, and a work ethic second to none. I would work with Ryan any time on any project.

Hilda Espinal, AIA, LEED AP

Chief Technology Officer at Cannon Design in Chicago Illinois

I had the pleasure of working with Ryan in the inception of bringing Immersive experiences to Architectural Design and Visualization at HKS. Not only is he an EXTREMELY talented artist, but he also gets the technology and is a pleasure to work with. Likely one of the most culturally sensitive individuals I had the pleasure to work with while in Dallas.

Scott Ewert

SVP - Talent Acquisition / Talent Marketing / Innovation in Birmingham Alabama

For such a young guy, Ryan is wise beyond his years. He embarked on a journey that took him all over the globe to gain perspective, which has made him a better designer and more in touch with his team and clients. He shares my drive to innovate, and I know he will continue to be an agent of change at HKS. He is also an all-around good dude

KC Hall

Principal - Talent Strategy at Slalom in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ryan for the past five years and he is a true stand out. He has an infectious energy about him, and it shows in his work. He is proactive in engaging above and beyond his role always looking for opportunities to raise the bar for his studio and office. Ryan is committed to developing his own skill set and acts as a mentor to those in his studio. He is a natural leader with a passion for learning and architecture that will take him far in his career. It’s been an honor to have him as a colleague and friend.