Team

The founder of Brown Design Group, Ryan has a lifetime of experience in construction, design, furniture, real estate and development. Ryan´s commitment to the authenticity of an environment and its architecture leaves a lasting mark, while his daring eclecticism always creates warm and approachable spaces.

Living and traveling abroad influence his design decisions, and inform the sources and inspirations from which he draws. As a well-known real estate developer, Ryan also starred on Bravo’s Flipping Out series, demonstrating his great capacity to manage even the most challenging of design situations. Helping people understand the role and importance of design has become a passion of Ryan’s.

With over 20 years in the design field, Diego brings a stylized sensibility to projects of all shapes and sizes. With experience in imports, custom furniture and progressive design, Diego strives to create cohesive rooms that look effortless and timeless, combining the best of the project´s architecture with the needs and desires of his clients in seamless harmony.

His time spent in Europe and South America has provided an endless supply of creative ideas and inspirations. Before joining Brown Design Group, Diego was a principal at Idea Space Design in Beverly Hills for nine years, working with high-end clientele and managing multiple commercial and residential projects.

Susie brings to BDG years of diverse experience in Hospitality, Residential and Custom Furniture Design. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Susie’s approach to design is as layered and multi-faceted as the city she grew up in. She holds to the belief that design is more than just building a space; it’s about creating an atmosphere. She does this by seeking to find balance between aesthetics and function, combining the luxuries of a resort with the warmth and comfort of a private residence, and creatively collaborating on branding.

Her portfolio of work includes residences throughout the US and award-winning projects including the Red-O restaurant and Q-Sushi in Los Angeles and the internationally acclaimed Cabo Azul Resort; Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Working and living abroad has inspired Susie to continuously design outside of the box. The most rewarding part of the journey for her is watching the design unfold and come to fruition.

Sharyea Obayuwana has over fifteen years in both commercial and residential design. A native of Southern California, Sharyea has always been drawn to the beauty of nature and spaces. Her interest in design began as a child, when she became aware and sensitive to the spaces in which she found herself. She remembers begging her mother for a subscription to Architectural Digest magazine at only nine years old. She has traveled and lived abroad gaining inspiration and influence from many cultures around the world. She graduated with honors from Howard University with a B.B.A. in International Business/Marketing and Spanish minor. She ventured into a more creative field when she obtained a Master of Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, DC.

Sharyea’s portfolio of work includes private homes and estates, commercial spaces, and a palace in Saudi Arabia. She worked for Gensler for several years, as well as at a number of residential firms including Brown Design Group before taking a short break to spend time at home with her husband and two young boys. She is thrilled to be back with Brown Design Group, and approaches design projects with the belief that we should all live in spaces that nourish us and celebrate all of our senses.

Constantly molding and shifting to the needs of each project, Nancy is committed to the idea that great design tells a story that undeniably reflects the client’s lifestyle and vision. Inspired by culture and community, Nancy’s approach to design is open-minded and grounded in the playful relationships between color, form, function, scale, light and textures. 

With a B.A. in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University,  Nancy brings to BDG years of experience in construction, interior design and custom high end furniture, with a portfolio of work including residences and commercial spaces throughout the United States, all varying in scale, purpose, style and narrative. 

Francisco was born in Mexico City and moved to California to attend high school.  He returned to Mexico to pursue his BA in Architecture from Tec de Monterrey.  During his time in college he studied in Madrid for a year and traveled around Europe which expanded his vision, design sensitivity and creativity.

In 2014 he attended FIDM where he obtained an AA in Interior Design which opened his doors to the design world here in Los Angeles. He has worked in several design areas in different countries from massive architectural projects to exclusive pieces of high end furniture. At BDG Francisco has found the opportunity to put his skills to work and support the team in different areas of the projects as they involve all phases from conceptual design to construction.