Testimonials
“I’ve learned so much from Chris. Working with Chris has been so deeply beneficial for us especially as we have been developing the details of our unit growth strategy. His experience with not only with architectural genius in the designs he creates but importantly, his insights and prowess as it relates to lease negotiations, site selection, fit outs and the many details which are found in between. This has been an education and one which has been positive mainly because of the patience he maintains while helping to explain new concepts and information in a very clear manner. Everything about how we approach our unit growth and our requirements from landlords as a company has evolved so measurably since beginning to work with Chris in 2021.”
Britt Riley - Co-Founder, The Haven Collection
“Because he's performed at a high level in so many of the roles that the development of a project requires, he's hard to pin down. For example, when we're sketching Architectural plans and layouts, he's not just thinking of how it will look, he's thinking about costs and financing. When it's time to create the pro forma, he's strategizing the construction timelines and vendor sourcing. When we're talking about the complications of construction, he's back to the Architecture to streamline the process and build what makes the biggest impact. He's the level-headed, clear thinker you want on your team. His ability to look at things through a set of macro and a micro lenses gives him the foresight to see problems before they happen and to suggest an array of options that not only work, but lead to great projects.”
Sean Selby - Partner at Arrowstreet Architects
“This project was always a dream, but without Chris, it may not have happened!”
“Since you’ve been involved in the project, I feel like I can breathe again!”
“Chris Ryan and I have designed many dozens of climbing gym projects together and built THE most thoughtful facilities in the industry. We’ve won design awards for every single project we’ve completed together… Chris’s designs just continue to raise the bar of what “world class” and “state of the art” mean in our industry.”
Lance Pinn - President, Brooklyn Boulders
“Chris Ryan is a pleasure to work with. He is extremely knowledgeable in the construction field. Combined with his Architectural skills, I believe Chris is the ideal person to develop and design your project.”
Michael B. - Project Owner
“In development and real estate the opportunity can be lost before you even get a shovel in the ground. Chris Ryan has been a significant advisor on navigating not only the design and costs, but also the property evaluation and lease terms to protect our best interest.”
Mike S. - Development Executive
“As someone in the startup space working with bootstrap budgets, Chris Ryan has been an invaluable resource helping us to convey our concepts to various municipal departments in an expeditious and cost effective manner. His ability to rapidly translate concepts into visual realties and to scale is remarkable.”
Jesse Levin - Tactivate/ The Readiness Collective
“Chris kept us informed every step of the way during the project and was able to overcome every obstacle with ease.”
Tim S. - Project Owner
Brooklyn Boulders:
Helped the owners go from 1 to 7 facilities, including supporting fundraising efforts and private equity investment.
“Chris is very straightforward, and quick to note any discrepancies in expectations during the creative process. I cannot underscore thoroughly enough how much time and money this super power has saved our process.” - Lance Pinn
Helped owners conceptualize, organize, and develop the next generation of climbing facilities, by combining the architecture and climbing wall design, from the very beginning, with additional uses folded in.
Lead project development from the earliest stages of site selection, test fits, concept designs, & schematic designs.
Lead and managed teams to design, document, and construct facilities in Boston (Somerville, Allston), Chicago (West Loop, Lincoln Park), New York City (Queensbridge), and Washington DC (Eckington).
Coordinated project development work with company executives.
Developed prototype facility models, to be used for testing business models.
Supported business development by connecting visuals with business models.
Developed standard budgeting, scheduling, and other project tools.
New Commercial Development: Concept Design & Visualization
Client: Undisclosed (Ongoing)
Working with the client to identify the intent of the owners and the ingredients of the program, which is the content for concept visualizations.
Visualizations to test project and see what’s possible with the project.
Worked with Developer and A/E team to optimize the building core and shell to meet budget while still creating a world-class facility.
Developed the concept design and coordinated with the local architect and engineering team on the building design.
Ongoing coordination and assistance with the owner and A/E teams, as the project moves from concept design into further documentation.
“Because he's performed at a high level in so many of the roles that the development of a project requires, he's hard to pin down. For example, when we're sketching Architectural plans and layouts, he's not just thinking of how it will look, he's thinking about costs and financing. When it's time to create the pro forma, he's strategizing the construction timelines and vendor sourcing. When we're talking about the complications of construction, he's back to the Architecture to streamline the process and build what makes the biggest impact.”
The Haven Collection: Childcare, Workspace, Fitness
Helping to transition from 2 facilities into the next series of facilities with strategic development planning and prototyping the ideal facility requirements.
“His experience with not only with architectural genius in the designs he creates but importantly, his insights and prowess as it relates to lease negotiations, site selection, fit outs and the many details which are found in between. Everything about how we approach our unit growth and our requirements from landlords as a company has evolved so measurably since beginning to work with Chris in 2021.” -Britt R. - Co-Founder
Designing a facility prototype that can be re-used for potential project locations and landlord discussions.
Helping navigate how to structure the documentation and construction team, and overall assistance with developing project execution strategy.
Helping with lease negotiation and tenant/ landlord responsibility.
Helping with contractor bidding and selection.
The Readiness Collective:
Client: The Readiness Collective
Helping the owner to see what’s possibly with rapid layout and visualization for their pop-up commercial retail and event space.
Assistance with drawings for documentation and local permitting.
“As someone in the startup space working with bootstrap budgets, Chris Ryan has been an invaluable resource helping us to convey our concepts to various municipal departments in an expeditious and cost effective manner. His ability to rapidly translate concepts into visual realties and to scale is remarkable.” -Jesse Levin
Climbing Gym Prototype & Business Modeling:
Client: Undisclosed (Ongoing)
Working with the project owner to help them develop a project strategy, to bring their idea to an operational facility.
Working to specify a prototype facility’s size, components, and design direction bases on local market conditions.
Providing support with project tools and documentation, to support with business model development and facility validation, as the owner moves forward with project development.
Indoor Agriculture: Pre-Design, Lease, and Startup Advising
Client: Undisclosed (ongoing)
Helping a new-but-rapidly-growing company open their first location in a way that sets them up to be a profitable business with minimal startup cost.
Helping with lease negotiation and tenant/ landlord responsibility negotiations.
Designing facility programming, layout, and future relocation strategy.
