Shore calling: Michael Ryan's blank canvas is a spit of land on the Jersey shore

Residential Architect, July, 2002 by Meghan Drueding

Ryan's refined, Modern buildings are an exception to the rule on the island, where clumsy mega-houses are gradually replacing the modest beach cottages that once lined the orderly streets. But the visual cacophony doesn't bother him. His desire for quality control stops at the property lines of his projects.

"The island is kind of like a campground," he says. "Everyone has picked their spot here and can do what they want with it. I like the diversity of it."