Ryan Yakel, AIA

Having practiced architecture for over forty years, Ryan is currently retired and enjoying life. During Ryan’s professional career, he served as the COO/EVP of CCI/Club Design, an architectural/interior design firm specializing in country clubs and private clubs throughout the United States and on an international stage. Ryan also was an EVP and the Managing Director-Dallas for Chambers, an international private club and hospitality firm based in Baltimore.

Ryan graduated from Texas Tech University with a five-year Bachelor of Architecture-Design Option degree. He minored in history and participated on multiple publication staffs during his time at Texas Tech. Ryan also completed the SMU Mid-Management Program at the Southern Methodist University, Edwin L. Cox School of Business.

He is a prolific reader and an educator for the private club industry, authoring multiple articles on club master planning, renovations, and new build topics. He also contributed to the Club Management Association of America’s (CMAA) Renovation Manual, writing not only the introduction to the book, but also several sections on club renovation programs. Ryan has also been a featured speaker at numerous CMAA World Conferences and the facilitator for several continuing education seminars for private club professionals and club owners nationwide.

Ryan’s professional life led him on an extensive number of travel experiences, having designed/completed club projects in over 35 US states, Canada, Mexico, and four continents worldwide. Ryan and his wife Janet continue to enjoy traveling, visiting museums, architectural sites, and in the continual pursuit of their creative interests.