Scaling Urban Climb Through Collaborative Design and Delivery
Overseeing five new climbing venues and doubling Urban Climb's total climbing surface area over four years
When I joined Urban Climb, the business was already known for its strong community and innovative approach to indoor climbing. Over the next four years, I helped shape its physical growth — overseeing the delivery of five new climbing venues and guiding the doubling of Urban Climb's total climbing surface area.
Each project represented more than just a new space — it was an opportunity to design environments that reflected Urban Climb's values of community, creativity, and challenge.
From feasibility to grand opening
I was responsible for every stage of the development process: from initial feasibility studies and concept design through to coordination with engineers, architects, and certifiers. Managing project budgets, schedules, and team alignment across multiple disciplines was a constant balancing act — especially through COVID lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and construction delays.
For the final two projects, I led a dedicated project manager, building internal capability so the team could take on even larger developments in the future.
Creative problem solving under pressure
Delivering these venues demanded resilience and ingenuity. We made tough trade-offs to stay on budget and on schedule, sometimes cutting non-essential items to hit opening dates. At one point, we leased a separate warehouse near a construction site just to pre-sort and organise climbing holds — an unconventional but effective solution that kept the project moving despite constraints.
The end results were worth it: Urban Climb's Blackburn facility became the largest rope gym in Australia, setting a new benchmark for climbing experiences nationwide.
The power of collaborative design
What made these projects succeed wasn't just the management — it was the collaboration. By bringing together all stakeholders early — from route setters and coaches to marketing and operations — we ensured that every space functioned as beautifully as it looked. I learned that the best outcomes emerge when you involve the people who'll actually use the space in shaping it.
Key learnings
- Collaboration drives quality. Involve end users early — they see things plans can't show.
- Adaptability is the real superpower. Challenges are inevitable; how you respond defines the project.
- Structure and flexibility can coexist. Even in construction, a "waterfall" plan can be agile when supported by smart decision-making.
At Urban Climb, I discovered the strength of collaborative, people-first design — and how the right balance of planning and flexibility can deliver spaces that truly inspire.