Ryan Korban Defines Luxury for a New Generation at 40 Bleecker

Carving out a space that feels somewhere between downtown and uptown, Korban talked with Whitewall about defining luxury for a new generation, which very well may include marble sofas.

WHITEWALL: 40 Bleecker is your first-ever residential development project. What was your vision and approach to 40 Bleecker?

RYAN KORBAN: I wanted to create a design that felt like the intersection of where Downtown and Uptown meet. Something elegant, but fresh as well as opulent, and brutalist. I guess you could say it was my approach to defining luxury for a new generation.

WW: What has been the most challenging aspect of 40 Bleecker for you?

RK: To create a design that not only stands out, but that isn’t too specific. You want to create spaces that people will be drawn to, but the hard part is making sure a wide range of people will respond to those spaces.

WW: You’ve designed the private homes of people like Kanye West and Alexander Wang. What kind of home environment do you like to create for your clients?

RK: Every project I do is different and that is really why I love what I do. I don’t feel that any two projects I’ve done feel the same. I like to take my client’s vision and execute it to an even higher standard.

WW: What is your top design must-have for the home?

RK: Good lighting! No exceptions.

WW: You’ve also designed several fashion stores like for Balenciaga, Aquazzura. What relationship do you see between fashion and architecture?

RK: I’ve always drawn inspiration from fashion. For me all art forms are one in the same.

WW: What home object or piece of furniture best represents your personal taste?

RK: Marble sofas!

WW: What’s a show you’ve seen recently that you’re still thinking about?

RK: TEFAF at The Armory this year was exquisite. Loved seeing all the old masters.

WW: How do you unwind after a long day in the studio?

RK: Booze.