John's journey began in Istanbul, where he was born and raised. His early years were marked by a unique blend of cultural influences, as he attended American schools in both Turkey and Switzerland. This diverse upbringing laid the foundation for his future success in the world of design.
John's academic pursuits took him to Yale University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in architecture. He was an exceptional student, exceling in both art and math. His academic achievements were further recognized when he went on to receive a master's degree in architecture from Harvard's Graduate School of Design.
With his formal education complete, John set out to put his skills into practice. He has worked on a wide range of projects, from residential and institutional architecture to landscape and urban design. Some of his most notable projects include consulting on the development of Brooklyn Bridge Park, Union Square in New York, and the campus plan for Carnegie Mellon University. He also had the opportunity to design a pavilion for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Before turning his focus to television, John had a successful career as a fashion model. He walked the runways for renowned designers such as Armani and Gucci. This experience not only honed his skills as a model but also provided valuable insight into the world of fashion.
John's transition to television was a natural one. He hosted and designed a TV series focused on helping hip teenagers update their living spaces. He also worked as a lead designer on HGTV's popular series Designed to Sell. In addition to his work on television, John is the owner of John Gidding Design Inc., a New York City-based design firm. Through this company, he has completed numerous residential renovations in New York City and around the country.
