University of Illinois                                        Ubben Basketball Training Complex

Project overview

The Richard T. Ubben Basketball Complex renovation and addition at the University of Illinois re-envisions a legacy practice facility into a unified, modern home for both the men’s and women’s basketball programs. This comprehensive project included renovation of more than 40,000 square feet of the existing building and the addition of roughly 40,000 square feet of new space to create an 80,000-plus square-foot high-performance athletics environment.

The design expands training and practice capacity with two new half-court areas, significantly enlarges strength and conditioning and sports medicine facilities, and triples the size of locker rooms and player lounges. Academic and study spaces, expanded staff offices, a central nutrition and recovery zone, and a light-filled atrium lobby for recruiting and gatherings further reinforce the holistic athlete experience.

Details

As Lead Interior Designer for the Richard T. Ubben Basketball Complex renovation and addition, I guided the interior design vision from early concept through project completion. I collaborated closely with the university, athletic department stakeholders, coaches, and consultants to translate programmatic needs and recruiting goals into a cohesive environment that balances functionality with brand identity.

A primary goal of the project was to create a one-of-a-kind basketball training facility—among the first in the country to provide truly equal locker rooms, hydrotherapy, sports medicine, player lounges, and support spaces for both men’s and women’s programs. The project also introduced a new grand lobby to energize the arrival experience and serve as a key moment for recruiting walkthroughs, along with new staff offices and dedicated recruiting spaces.

The design concept focused on delivering an elevated brand experience with the refined aesthetic of a premier collegiate athletics facility. Particular attention was given to creating inspiring, athlete-centered environments that support performance, recovery, and team culture. The project result is a unified, modern interior environment that enhances daily training and serves as a powerful recruiting tool for the University of Illinois basketball program.

Specifications