Business Details
45 Years
experience
Expert Structural Engineering Services in Birmingham
Christy Cobb is a structural engineering firm dedicated to delivering innovative and economical solutions for diverse projects. Founded in 1981, we serve as prime design professionals or consultants, collaborating with contractors, engineers, and architects to transform client visions into reality. Our expertise spans bridges, buildings, industrial facilities, and environmental infrastructure across the Southeast US. With Professional Engineers licensed in multiple states, NCEES and LEED certifications, and a staff engaged in professional organizations, we combine technical excellence with community commitment.Recognized with awards from the American Council of Engineering Companies and featured in national publications, our work includes landmark projects like the Cahaba Pumping Station preservation and complex bridge designs for major developments. We prioritize client collaboration, leveraging diverse technical skills and a proven track record in structural assessment, design, and construction phase services.
Services
Bridge Design
Structural Engineering
Building Design
Deep Foundations
Environmental Facilities
Industrial Facilities
Steam Distribution Systems
Pedestrian Bridges
Craneway Evaluation
Historic Preservation
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in structural engineering design since 1981.
- Our team includes Professional Engineers licensed in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
- We implement patented structural solutions for complex bridge and infrastructure projects.
- Our firm holds NCEES and LEED certifications for engineering excellence and sustainability.
- We have received design awards from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Alabama.
Associations and certifications
- NCEES
- LEED
Services
Bridge Design
Christy Cobb specializes in comprehensive bridge design services for new construction, rehabilitation, and expansion projects. Our expertise includes single-span and multi-span bridges using prestressed concrete girders, steel components, and specialized foundation systems. We deliver solutions for highway, pedestrian, and industrial applications with attention to utility integration and environmental considerations.
Structural Engineering
We provide full-cycle structural engineering services for commercial, industrial, and municipal projects. This includes load calculations, material selection, and detailed structural analysis to ensure safety and compliance. Our team addresses unique challenges like historic preservation, seismic retrofitting, and complex geometric designs while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Deep Foundations
Our deep foundation solutions address challenging soil conditions and project requirements. We design pile foundations, drilled shafts, and secant wall systems for structures ranging from elevated walkways to industrial facilities. Our approach considers load-bearing capacity, environmental factors, and construction efficiency to ensure long-term stability.
Environmental Facilities
Christy Cobb designs water treatment, wastewater, and environmental control systems with specialized structural components. We create durable concrete enclosures, underground systems, and river discharge structures that withstand harsh conditions while meeting regulatory standards for environmental protection and operational efficiency.
Industrial Facilities
We deliver tailored structural solutions for industrial clients including manufacturing plants, power facilities, and heavy equipment installations. Our services cover craneway evaluations, equipment support systems, and facility expansions with integrated utility infrastructure to maintain operational continuity and safety.
People
Gray Wells
President
Gray Wells has served as President of Christy Cobb since 2018. With over 30 years of experience, he specializes in structural design and project management for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. He oversees engineering operations and client relations.
Lowell K. Christy
Structural Engineer
Lowell K. Christy co-founded Christy Cobb in 1981 and served as President until 2018. A structural engineering expert, she focuses on architectural design, historic preservation, and complex renovation projects. Her leadership established the firm's reputation for technical excellence.
Michelle Ballew
Director/IT Manager
Michelle Ballew joined Christy Cobb in 1986 and now serves as Director and IT Manager. She manages technology infrastructure, software procurement, and CAD operations while maintaining expertise in residential and commercial structural design.
Questions
What geographic areas does Christy/Cobb serve?
Christy/Cobb provides services throughout the Southeast United States, including Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, and Kentucky, with select projects in Arkansas and Puerto Rico.
What types of engineering accreditations does Christy/Cobb hold?
Our firm maintains NCEES certification, LEED accreditation, and Professional Engineer licenses in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee, with capabilities to obtain additional state licenses as needed.
Can Christy/Cobb handle both design and construction phase services?
Yes, we offer full-service engineering from initial design through construction phase support, including site visits, technical documentation, and on-site problem resolution for all project types.
What industries does Christy/Cobb specialize in?
We specialize in structural engineering for bridges, industrial facilities, municipal infrastructure, educational institutions, and environmental projects, with extensive experience in both new construction and renovation.
Does Christy/Cobb have experience with historic preservation projects?
Yes, our team has completed multiple historic preservation projects, including the Cahaba Pumping Station restoration, combining modern engineering with preservation of architectural integrity.
What construction challenges can Christy/Cobb address?
We solve complex challenges including underground utility conflicts, environmental constraints, seismic retrofitting, and tight construction timelines through innovative design and collaborative problem-solving.
