Chris Ryan brings a rare combination of experiences to his work as an Architect, developer, builder, and educator—paired with a lifelong passion for climbing, surfing, skiing, and other emerging sports that have shaped his life. For over 20 years, he has been designing, developing, and building award-winning, activity-based projects that create meaningful Third Places where work, play, and community intersect.

After beginning his career in multidisciplinary architecture and design-build firms, Chris spent a decade leading the design, development, and construction of climbing gyms across the country. These experiences gave him the expertise to take truly visionary concepts and efficiently turn them into thriving, real-world facilities. Today, he applies those lessons to help clients develop bold, activity-driven Third Places centered on the passions that connect people and inspire communities.

Chris’s unique blend of professional skill and personal commitment to these sports fuels every project he takes on. His award-winning work has been featured in Fast Company and Forbes, his YouTube channel has more than 18,000 subscribers, and he has taught design, construction, and professional practice at Roger Williams University and Northeastern University. He earned his Master of Architecture degree from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design.