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Ryan Kurlbaum

AIA, LEEP AP
Adaptive Transformation, Boston

A steward of design excellence and a champion of adaptive reuse, Ryan is passionate about transforming forgotten spaces into enduring civic, cultural, and community destinations. Inspired by buildings that are durable and well-crafted, he loves to uncover a site’s hidden potential.

For Ryan, every adaptive reuse project demands vision, ambition, and patience. He believes the best design emerges through a rigorous, committed process—one that balances respect for the past with a bold vision for the future.

Beyond his project work, Ryan is an integral voice in our Boston studio, guiding important design discussions, fostering community connections, and mentoring others. He finds joy in his daughter’s laughter, morning runs, and listening to electronic music.

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Say hello to Ryan
plaza at night with people
Asana Partners, Davis Square 7th Spoke Redevelopment
Somerville, Massachusetts
plaza with brick building in day
Asana Partners, Davis Square 7th Spoke Redevelopment
Somerville, Massachusetts
building at dusk with fall trees
776 Summer Street, Block F
Boston, Massachusetts
interior lobby with people
776 Summer Street, Block F
Boston, Massachusetts
On Adaptive Transformation
"Re-purpose is not simply the more cost-effective thing to do, it is the most sustainable way to build."
hand-drawan sketch of plaza
hand-drawan sketch of plaza
hand-drawan sketch of plaza
hand-drawan sketch of plaza
A Reimagined Civic Place
In the epicenter of lively and diverse Davis Square is an underutilized urban plaza, rich in history, primed for community activation.
Re-Purpose Brochure
Ryan is a champion of adaptive transformation and shares his passion with clients and colleagues. He has authored several thought leadership pieces that provide insights on reusing, repositioning, and recladding existing buildings.
hand-drawan sketch of building
Massing Concept
Block F is a cornerstone of the 776 Summer Street development on a historic Edison Power Plant site. The new district reinvests in the urban waterfront for community use.
News
Ryan Kurlbaum Named Recipient of 2024 AIA Young Architects Award

Ryan has established himself as an important and empathetic leader who believes in revealing the potential in people, process, and projects. His inclusive and thoughtful leadership elevates design and inspires others to succeed.

Read More.

person speaking at a presentation
glass building next to busy urban street
glass building next to cras driving at night
interior glass building with people inside
The Exchange at 100 Federal
Boston, Massachusetts
hand-drawn sketch of building
From Sketchbook to Reality
A wind-swept, unoccupied urban plaza was challenged to become the living room for the Financial District.

Related Work

The Exchange
Work
The Exchange
Boston, Massachusetts
Early Resilient Framework Plan
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Early Resilient Framework Plan
Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
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