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Ryan VanGundy

Role: Software Engineer / Open Source Developer / NYC Loft Dweller Met Date: 2025-05-31 Based In: Bowery, NYC (Windsor Hotel building) Age: 42

Contact Information​

  • Phone: 919-[partially shown in transcript]
  • Lives in unique artist loft in Bowery neighborhood

Personal Background​

  • Software engineer with chemical engineering background
  • Originally from central US (university town heritage), studied at University College London (UCL)
  • Spent 4 months in Tokyo working at Tokyo University (Tokudai) in Professor Arakawa's quantum dot laboratory
  • Related to basketball coach Van Gundy family (great-great-grandfather's brother connection)
  • Has been in NYC for over a decade, witnessed the tech transformation of the city

Current Living Situation​

  • Lives in extraordinary artist loft protected by NYC "Loft Law"
  • Shares space with 98-year-old abstract impressionist artist Carmen Cicero and his 75-year-old wife Mary
  • Pays extremely low rent (~$3,500/month split) due to artist protection laws
  • Building owner is the 98-year-old artist who has become like family to Ryan
  • Has unique rooftop access in Bowery area
  • Currently seeking new roommate as Roberto (current roommate) is leaving

Professional Background​

  • Former chemical engineer who transitioned to software
  • Previously worked at Bounce Exchange ("party startup" culture, described as toxic)
  • Currently focused on open source project development
  • Recently completed a major open source project milestone with users and contributors
  • Has experience in clean room nanoscience research

Current Projects & Interests​

  • Developing significant open source projects
  • Recently stopped daily marijuana use to refocus on health and projects
  • Planning trip to Spain
  • Interested in upgrading loft's audio system for music events
  • Considering monetizing unique space for photo shoots, events

Relationship with Carmen Cicero (98-year-old artist)​

  • Carmen Cicero: Abstract impressionist artist, part of mid-century movement
  • Carmen and Mary have become "second family" to Ryan
  • Regular dinners, calls, and Cape Cod visits in summer
  • Carmen still actively painting and selling work (recent piece sold for ~$100k)
  • Relationship includes intellectual discussions, wine, jokes until midnight
  • Carmen subscribes to 5 newspapers across political spectrum for balanced perspective
  • Ryan expects to potentially inherit the building

Lifestyle & Philosophy​

  • Appreciates craftsmanship and quality (influenced by time in Japan)
  • Values urban environments and cultural sophistication
  • Believes "everything is broken" in terms of technology/systems
  • Prefers meaningful relationships over "drinking buddies"
  • Inspired by Carmen's model of "living well" and enjoying fruits of labor
  • Dreams of "20 summers" concept - consistent seasonal retreat for decades

Living Environment Details​

  • Windsor Hotel building in Bowery
  • Renovated loft during pandemic when roommates left
  • Space includes: chess area, stained glass, kitchen, bathroom, rooftop access
  • Neighborhood transformation: former "shithole" now gentrified due to artists
  • Previous use as art gallery space
  • Building protected by NYC Loft Law supporting working artists

Business Opportunities Discussed​

  • Rooftop event hosting (structural limitations noted)
  • Photo shoot rentals ($50-100/hour considered)
  • Music listening parties/album releases
  • Exclusive events leveraging unique space
  • Potential collaboration on vinyl listening experiences

Perspectives & Insights​

  • Critical of tech startup culture after Bounce Exchange experience
  • Understands NYC real estate dynamics and artist community
  • Appreciates balance between sophistication and accessibility
  • Values relationships with older, experienced people
  • Recognizes art as investment vehicle and gallery manipulation tactics

Connection to Gary's Network​

  • Met through Asif Rahman connection
  • Interested in Gary's event planning capabilities
  • Open to collaborating on exclusive events in unique space
  • Shares Gary's appreciation for quality and craft

Future Plans​

  • Trip to Spain (upcoming)
  • Continuing open source development
  • Potentially finding romantic partner to share living costs
  • Summer visits to Carmen and Mary in Cape Cod
  • Possible monetization of unique living space

Transcripts​

Transcript IDDateSummary
2025-05-31-gary-ryan-asif-nyc-loft-conversation2025-05-31Meeting at Ryan's Bowery loft discussing education consulting, building systems, art market, and NYC culture

Notes​

Ryan represents a unique intersection of tech capability, artistic sensibility, and access to extraordinary NYC living situation. His relationship with Carmen Cicero provides rare insight into the NYC art world and the generational transfer of cultural wealth. His loft offers distinctive venue possibilities for high-end, intimate events. His background in both hard sciences and software, combined with international experience, makes him a valuable creative collaborator.

The "Loft Law" protection and his relationship with Carmen create a nearly unreplicable living situation in one of NYC's most desirable neighborhoods. His transition from chemical engineering to software, combined with time in Japan and London, gives him a unique perspective on quality and craftsmanship that aligns with premium experiences.