10 with the Team: Ryan Kelly & Laurin VanBeukering
July 09, 2026
Meet Ryan Kelly, Senior Designer, and Laurin VanBeukering, Art Advisor, two Workshop/APD team members whose creativity is shaped by visual curiosity and thoughtful sourcing, and inspired by life beyond the studio. In this interview, they share how family, travel, time outdoors, and a search for lasting design moments influence the way they think, create, and approach their work.
How would you describe your creative perspective in your work and everyday life?
Ryan: I’d describe my creative perspective as pretty seamless between work and everyday life. I try to come in inspired each day and put my best foot forward, whether that inspiration comes from Pinterest, social media, or the work Workshop/APD has already created. Being around creative people every day also helps. It makes it easier for ideas to flow naturally.
Laurin: I find a lot of my creativity through work-life balance. I have two kids and a dog, and we spend a lot of time outside hiking, swimming, and walking. That time gives me space to reflect and think through ideas in a different way. When I need to think outside the box, stepping away from the desk is often where those ideas come together.
What’s been inspiring your thinking lately?
Ryan: Being a new dad has been a big influence on the way I think and create. Coming home after a long or stressful day is an instant reset. It’s brought a lot of joy and has grounded me in a new way.
When you start a new project, what’s the first thing you look for or pay attention to?
Laurin: When I start a new project, I try to fully immerse myself in it. I meet with the team to understand the overall vibe, the client, and the design direction. From there, I start researching through art resources, online searches, and sometimes conversations with artists. It starts with getting my head fully into the project.
Where do you tend to find inspiration outside of architecture, design, or your immediate role?
Ryan: I find inspiration in a lot of visual places. It could be travel, movies, videos, nature, or even a small detail like a door handle or a material transition. It doesn’t always have to be architecture. Sometimes one image or detail can spark an idea that gets applied in a completely different way.
Can you share a recent project that feels especially representative of your approach, and why?
Ryan: I’m working on a mountain home. It feels like a dream project for me because I’m a big snowboarder, so the location and setting are personally exciting. It has a lot of the qualities I’d imagine in a dream home, and the clients have been receptive to the ideas we’re putting forward. I feel lucky to be part of the lead team on it.
Can you share a recent piece or project that you’re especially excited about?
Laurin: There’s a piece going into a study that I’m really excited about. It’s actually not something I would typically choose for myself, but I saw it early in the search process and immediately felt like it was right for the space. The color, movement, and overall feeling were perfect. I’m really looking forward to seeing it installed.
What materials, ideas, or themes have been catching your attention lately?
Laurin: I’m drawn to a more subtle version of coastal design. A lot of our work has a Nantucket feeling, but I’m interested in pieces that feel coastal without being too obvious. Not seashell coastal, but more about linens, chambray, ceramics, tabletop pieces, and ceramic wall art. It’s more about capturing the feeling than spelling it out.
What challenge, idea, or question has been occupying your mind recently?
Ryan: I’ve been thinking a lot about how to create work that feels fresh without simply following trends. There’s always something new out there, but I’m more interested in finding ways to innovate while still creating something that feels timeless. The goal isn’t to chase trends. It’s to make work that feels lasting.
Is there a skill, tool, or creative practice you’re currently exploring or trying to improve?
Laurin: Right now, I’m working across multiple projects, so I’ve been leaning into time blocking. If I’m tracking art and accessories, I’ll get into that mode across all open packages. If I’m sourcing, I’ll focus on that across multiple projects. It helps me stay organized while moving between creative and technical tasks.
How do you spend your time outside of work to recharge, reset, or stay curious?
Ryan: Outside of work, I spend a lot of time with my family. I’m also into snowboarding and golf, and my wife and I recently bought a boat, so we’re hoping to spend more time on the water this summer. After a long winter in Minneapolis, summer is something we really look forward to.
Laurin: We’ve been hiking a lot lately as a family. My husband, our kids, and our dog usually go up to the mountains on the weekends for two- or three-mile hikes. It’s a way for us to spend time together, reset, and be outside. Those moments also connect back to my creativity because they give me room to think.