Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Architectural & Engineering Solutions in Chapel Hill, NC
CRA Associates has been delivering architectural and engineering excellence in Chapel Hill, North Carolina for nearly six decades. Founded in 1965 as Construction Engineers, Inc., our firm evolved through strategic growth phases, becoming Hakan/Corley and Associates in 1975 before transitioning to CRA Associates, Inc. in 2015. Our multi-disciplinary team specializes in programming, architecture, interior design, civil engineering, and construction administration, with expertise spanning commercial developments, collegiate athletic facilities, and sustainable design. We pioneered sustainable building practices in the 1990s, integrating natural daylighting, rainwater systems, and solar technologies into public projects. Our legacy includes iconic structures like the Dean E. Smith Center at UNC, which established our reputation for creating inspiring spaces that meet functional requirements.With over 70 combined years of construction administration experience, we maintain rigorous quality control throughout project lifecycles. Our leadership team, including LEED-certified professionals, continues to uphold the high standards established during our 59-year history. We prioritize client collaboration, offering pre-design programming, budget analysis, and schedule management to ensure successful project delivery. Our commitment to community development is demonstrated through work with educational institutions and government clients to optimize capital investments. As a locally owned firm, we remain dedicated to advancing design innovation while maintaining the integrity that has sustained client relationships for generations.
Services
planning
design
construction administration
sustainability
budget + schedule
Details
- Year established: 1965
Highlights and features
- We offer 60 years of architectural and engineering experience in North Carolina
- Our integrated approach combines architecture, engineering, and construction expertise
- LEED-certified professionals lead sustainable design initiatives
- We maintain rigorous quality control through dedicated construction administrators
- Our client-focused methodology ensures projects meet budget and schedule requirements
Services
planning
Our planning services establish project foundations through programming, community input, and space analysis. We conduct facility assessments, site evaluations, and code reviews to develop schematic designs aligned with client objectives. Our team provides budget estimates and master planning to ensure projects start with clear direction and realistic financial parameters.
design
We create comprehensive architectural designs integrating interior spaces, community presentations, and construction documentation. Our services include developing promotional materials, 3D models, and specifications while coordinating signage, furniture selection, and phasing plans to deliver cohesive, functional spaces that meet aesthetic and operational requirements.
construction administration
Our construction administration ensures project success through field interpretation, dispute resolution, and quality control. With 70+ combined years of experience, our administrators maintain communication between contractors and stakeholders, implement design modifications for efficiency, and verify compliance with plans and specifications throughout the building process.
sustainability
We integrate sustainable systems from initial design stages, including rainwater collection, solar panels, and geothermal heating. Our approach coordinates energy-efficient technologies with architectural elements to create high-performance buildings that reduce environmental impact while maintaining operational effectiveness and occupant comfort.
budget + schedule
We maintain strict budget adherence through phased cost estimating and transparent scope adjustments. Our schedule management tracks milestones across design phases, coordinates team deliverables, and adjusts timelines to prevent delays while maintaining quality standards throughout the project lifecycle.
People
Kenneth E. Redfoot
CEO
With over 40 years at CRA, Ken specializes in public sector projects and sustainable design. He leads project management and fiscal oversight, holding a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and LEED AP certification.
Andrew R. Cruickshank
President
Andy focuses on collegiate athletics projects with 30 years of experience managing complex NCAA facilities. A NC State graduate and LEED AP, he specializes in stakeholder coordination for multi-use sports venues.
Theodore B. Clippinger
Vice President
Ted has 35+ years of architectural experience across diverse sectors including healthcare, life sciences, and mixed-use development. Licensed in ten states, he holds NCARB and LEED AP certifications and mentors emerging professionals.
Questions
What services does CRA Associates offer?
We provide full-cycle architectural and engineering services including planning, design, construction administration, sustainability integration, and budget/schedule management for commercial, educational, and public sector projects.
How long has CRA Associates been in business?
Our firm has operated in North Carolina since 1965, evolving from Construction Engineers, Inc. to CRA Associates, Inc. in 2015 while maintaining continuous operations for over 59 years.
What sustainable design features do you incorporate?
We implement natural daylighting, rainwater collection systems, photovoltaic panels, solar thermal systems, and geothermal heating/cooling in all public projects to create energy-efficient, environmentally responsible buildings.
How do you ensure projects stay on budget?
We use phased cost estimating with independent consultants, transparent scope adjustments, and construction market trend monitoring to maintain budget control throughout all project stages.
What distinguishes CRA Associates from competitors?
Our integrated architectural/engineering approach, 70+ combined years of construction administration experience, and generational leadership continuity enable consistent quality delivery across diverse project types since 1965.
