Ryan Brown initially wanted to pursue medicine but ended up becoming a fashion photographer and later, an interior designer. He manages an interior design firm and specializes in restoration and refurbishing of homes in the Los Angeles area.
Brown eventually became Jeff Lewis' business and romantic partner on the reality series Flipping Out. The two continued their partnership even after their break up. Brown, who is currently in a long term relationship with chef Dale Monchamp, with whom he has a daughter born through surrogacy, left the show in 2009.