Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Buck.
Hi Ryan, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I moved to Austin in 2019 with the intention of building something meaningful. I joined an interior architecture firm as an associate designer where I was immersed in fast-paced, design-driven work that sharpened both my technical foundation and my design intuition. Working at scale, collaborating across disciplines, and seeing projects move from concept to construction gave me a deeper appreciation for how thoughtful design can shape the human experience.
Alongside that work, there was a pull toward something more personal, more hands-on, more true to my own personal passion.
That pull became Buckbuilt Design Studio.
With the support of my wife, Buckbuilt was founded in 2023. The business continued to grow out of a desire to create spaces that feel grounded, refined, and thoughtfully curated. The studio sits at the intersection of interior architecture and interior design where the principles of design, materiality, and detailing matter just as much as functionality. Every project is approached with the belief that good design should feel effortless, even though it’s anything but.
As the studio evolved, so did the opportunities. In a short period of time, projects ranged from large-scale commercial to small-scale residential and everything in between.
Over the past year, I was presented with the opportunity to open an Orion Custom Framing shop in Austin. Founded in San Francisco in 2022 by Micah Ruiz, Orion quickly established itself as a standout in the Bay Area, earning a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and a design-forward approach to framing. With my background in design, a love for fine art, and a deep appreciation for woodworking, the connection was immediate.
We’re excited to announce that Orion will be opening its doors in Q2 of 2026! Conceived as a sophisticated, design-led custom framing studio, Orion is grounded in exceptional craftsmanship, museum-quality materials, and an elevated, gallery style experience.
From interior architecture to independent design practice, and now into fine art framing, the principles have always been the same; thoughtful design, honest materials, and a commitment to doing things the right way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The transition from working within an established firm to building something of my own came with a steep learning curve. On the design side, the challenge was defining a clear voice and learning when to say yes, when to push back, and how to stay true to a design philosophy while still meeting client budgets, timelines, and expectations.
There were also the less visible struggles like setting up the business infrastructure, navigating cash flow, pricing services appropriately, and learning how much time running a studio actually takes away from designing. Wearing every hat as a designer, project manager, accountant, marketer can be exhausting yet fulfilling.
Opening Orion introduced a different set of challenges altogether. Expanding into a new discipline meant balancing risk with confidence, securing the right partnerships and funding, finding the right space, and committing to a level of craftsmanship and quality that leaves no room for shortcuts. There were moments of doubt, especially when timelines stretched or decisions carried real financial weight but each challenge brought clarity to the vision. In many ways, the road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been intentional. And that intention is what continues to shape both Buckbuilt Design Studio and Orion as they grow.
As you know, we’re big fans of Buckbuilt Design Studio & Orion Custom Framing. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Buckbuilt Design Studio is an interior architecture and design studio focused on creating memorable spaces that enhance the user experience. We work across residential and commercial projects, specializing in creating spaces that feel intentional, grounded, and quietly confident. Our approach blends architectural rigor with a warm, livable sensibility and true expression of our client’s personality.
What sets Buckbuilt apart is our commitment to intentional design, we don’t just focus on aesthetics but aim to emphasize functionality within the space. We believe great spaces should stand the test of time and resonate with the people who live, work, and interact within them. Our approach is personalized and strategic, giving each project a distinct sense of place while solving real spatial challenges
We’re most proud of our ability to blend creativity with practicality, delivering environments that feel both inspiring and purposeful. From comprehensive architectural design to finish schedules and furniture coordination, our offerings are designed to make the design process clear, collaborative, and rewarding.
Orion Custom Framing is a design-forward framing studio rooted in thoughtful craftsmanship, preservation-level materials, and a refined, gallery style experience. We specialize in custom framing for fine art, objects, memorabilia, and three-dimensional works, with careful attention to conservation, proportion, and the relationship between each piece and the space it occupies. At Orion, framing is never an afterthought, it’s an intentional design choice.
What sets Orion apart is our process. We approach framing the way an interior designer approaches a room, we consider scale, material, color, texture, and context. Our clients, who range from collectors and artists to interior designers and homeowners, receive a collaborative, educational experience rather than a simple transaction.
What we’re most proud of is how seamlessly Orion aligns with our broader design philosophy. The brand is intentional, meticulous, and uncompromising in quality.
How do you define success?
Success is the realization of a worthy ideal. It’s the belief that good design and thoughtful craftsmanship carry responsibility, that what we build, design, or frame is meticulously created to last a lifetime.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.buckbuiltdesign.com and www.orioncustomframing.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/buckbuilt_architectural_design and www.instagram.com/orioncustomframing
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/orion-custom-framing-san-francisco
