GET TO KNOW THE TEAM

ERIC RYDER

Principal

As Principal of Ryder Design & Architecture, Eric Ryder has over 20 years of experience as an architect.

Eric is passionate about designing and developing projects that satisfy client requests while remaining sensitive to site and environmental concerns. His projects retain a conceptual integrity that relies on forms which fluidly yet specifically relate to each other as well as the building, site, and project requirements. 

With the RDA team, Erin has built projects throughout the United States, Hong Kong, Philippines and has been recognized in the LA Times "House of the Week", House Beautiful & Architecture Digest.  He is the recipient of the USF SACD Distinguished Alumni Award, AIA/LA Restaurant Design Award, as well as both People’s Choice and Jury’s Awards.  

ERIC’S OBJECTS

1. BMW motorcycle gas tank / pocket knife

This tank is from the 1962 motorcycle that was given to me by my father before his passing. Both the motorcycle and pocket knife are beautifully designed objects.

2. Catcher mitt

This is the mitt I wore for the 11 years I coached and played catch with my son Jonah.

3. Vermont tower scale model

This model symbolizes innovative design solutions created by our team at Ryder.

4. pocket notebook and lamy pen

They give me the ability to take notes, design or create any time or place. The ink in the fountain pen is blended to resemble Ryder red.

5. golf ball with a line / bucs hat

Two of my favorite pastimes other than creating are playing golf in nature around the world and watching buccaneer football.

6. ceramic pinch pot

While in art school, we created and installed thousands of these pinch pots throughout low income neighborhoods in Florida to help create a dialogue about community and identity.

7. energy beads / live lucky Tony Robbins hat

These signify my beautiful leap into spirituality that began late in 2018 with meditation, gratitude and love.

Q&A WITH ERIC

When do you feel most present?

When I am sketching, designing and problem solving.

Favorite Ryder Value?

Collaboration. Beautiful ideas grow from a team effort.

New commitment?

To delve deeper into spirituality. To let go.

Favorite quote?

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” — Calvin Coolidge

Favorite object?

Either my Lamy pen that gives me the ability to document ideas, or my energy beads that remind me to breathe.

Favorite pen?

My Lamy pen with Ryder red ink.

Favorite game?

Stratego or Risk

Favorite new Netflix watch?

Killing Eve

Netflix binge worthy show?

Peaky Blinders

JACQUELINE LICHTERMAN

STUDIO DIRECTOR

As Studio Director, Jacqueline Lichterman uses clear communication to lead teams during the design and project management processes, and carries out construction administration of complex projects with efficiency and expediency.

Prior to joining RDA, Jacquie worked at award-winning architecture firms such as SPF:a, Make and Standard, and Huum Architects, lending her talents to a wide variety of projects over the past two decades. Jacquie earned her undergraduate degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo (CalPoly SLO) and her master’s degree in Architecture from The Bartlett School of Architecture in London.

JACQUIE’S OBJECTS

1. Mexican cook book

2. Meditation pillow + beads

3. My son’s first shoes

4. Passport

5. Pen

6. Running shoes

Q&A WITH JACQUIE

When do you feel most present?

When I am drawing.

Favorite Ryder Value?

Integrity.

New commitment?

Being adventurous.

Favorite quote?

“Love is love.” — Unknown.

Favorite object?

Can’t pick just one. All the ones I picked above have a special meaning to me.

SARA LOCKE

CLIENT RELATIONS & MARKETING MANAGER

Sara Locke leads the studio’s business development, marketing and branding. Sara values the importance of exceptional client service and relationship-building, making it her mission to create the best experiences for each RDA client. Sara holds a bachelor's degree in International Affairs and a minor in Business and Marketing from Northeastern University.

SARA’S OBJECTS

1. RYDER DESIGN bag - MADE BY APOLIS with ‘Love’ Art by Ruben rojas

This Ryder Design branded bag embodies everything that Ryder stands for. Apolis promotes a ‘Give Back’ mission. Each bag is sustainable, sturdy, reusable, made with quality materials, and celebrates craftsmanship. It reminds me to live with purpose and to live through love.

2. WOOD Branded laptop cover - MADE by Toast (Portland, OR)

This custom cover was made by a small company that works exclusively with sustainable materials. Their packaging and instructions contain the most thoughtful and inspiring messages I’ve seen. It reminds me to stay true to my values in and out of the workplace. 

3. BE HERE NOW HYDROFLASK - PURCHASED FROM SUNLIFE ORGANICS (MALIBU)

This water bottle pays homage to a favorite book by Ram Dass. A daily reminder to breathe, drink my alkaline water, stay present in the moment and be open to new possibilities. 

4. aPPlE AIRPODS

An essential item to keep the music going. Most blasted Spotify playlist: Kundalini Yoga music to keep me calm, focused, and plugged in to what matters most to me. 

5. Louis Vuitton Cosmetic Case in Damier Ebene

LV promotes a mindset of creativity and innovation while delivering excellence through an entrepreneurial spirit — all values that deeply resonate with me.

6. EVO Planner

A place to store my daily gratitudes, goals, action lists, brain dumps, celebrations and stay committed to self-development.

7. Locke Pin

It belonged to my late grandfather. It’s a reminder of his favorite saying, “Study like thunder,” and his eternal love and admiration for his family and his work. 

8. The Fountainhead Book by Ayn Rand wrapped in Ryder Design old plans

These RDA plans were custom cut to fit the student edition copy. The red ink stamp on the front says “You are the architect of your own destiny. Design the life you imagined,” which is Eric Ryder’s signature quote.

Q&A WITH SARA

When do you feel most present?

When I am belly roll laughing!

Favorite Ryder Value?

Community - I believe community has the power to get us through our most challenging moments and is always there to celebrate the wins.

New commitment?

I commit to writing down my thoughts through this new world we are facing.

Favorite quote?

“The way you do one thing is the way you do all things.” — Unknown

Favorite object?

My iPhone camera because it captures all the moments of life.

Favorite pen?

Pilot G-2 07

Favorite game?

Not much on the board games, but I’ve been vision boarding for 19 years.

Favorite new Netflix watch?

Tiger King was epic!

Netflix binge worthy show?

Hart of Dixie and Weeds. Oldies but goodies.

ALEXANDRA HEIDRICH

Designer

Alexandra Heidrich is a designer at Ryder Design & Architecture. Alex spent most of her upbringing in Chicago, where she developed an interest in design and buildings at a young age. Prior to joining Ryder, she interned at several architecture studios. Alex holds a degree in Architecture from Drury University.

ALEX’S OBJECTS

1. Snowboarding goggles

I love to snowboard and have been going since I was in sixth grade.

2. Bassnectar NYE wristband

Bassnectar is one of my favorite music artists and I love the community he has built in the electronic scene. He created the organization Dollar Per Bass Head, which focuses on net neutrality, independent media/free speech, mental health, and voter registration.

3. Wooden spatula

I love to cook and make vegan recipes from scratch.

4. Glute band

Working out is my ultimate stress reliever and the gym is my happy place.

5. Cromulon alien head pin

Rick and Morty is one of my favorite shows and “Get Schwifty” is one of my favorite episodes of the series where this massive alien head appears.

6. Resist pin

Keith Haring is one of my favorite artists who designed the artwork for this pin. The Resist movement speaks to my activism towards social and climate justice.

7. Electric Forest sticker

Electric Forest will always be my favorite music festival. It’s a pilgrimage I make to the Midwest every year with my best friends from back home.

8. ‘Eat Vegan’ bag by smith & Daughters

I have been vegan for four years. Smith & Daughters is an awesome vegan restaurant I ate at while visiting Melbourne, Australia.

9. Measuring tape, Thread, and Tomato pin holder.

I love to sew and have found it to be an amazing creative outlet.

10. Ceramic Cup

I took ceramics my last year of college and fell in love with the art form.

Q&A WITH ALEX

When do you feel most present?

Whenever I am with my family or am surrounded by music and friends at a festival.

Favorite Ryder Value?

Sustainability - I think its our jobs as designers and creatives of the built world to understand how our design decisions effect the ecosystems and communities around us.

New commitment?

Push myself out of my comfort zone even if it makes me anxious. You don’t grow when you’re comfortable.

Favorite quote?

“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. We have seen the future, and the future is ours.” -Cesar Chavez

Favorite object?

My jewelry. Each ring was either handed down to me from a family member or bought while traveling to a different country.

Favorite pen?

A glitter pen.

Favorite game?

Tenzi dice game.

Favorite new Netflix watch?

Love Is Blind

Netflix binge worthy show?

The Office