Our History
CRA has provided superior architectural and engineering services for clients throughout North Carolina for over 50 years.
Founded in 1965 as Construction Engineers, Inc., the current principals in the firm are Kenneth E. Redfoot, AIA, LEED AP, Michael L. Hammersley, PE, Andrew R. Cruickshank, AIA, LEED AP and David M. Taylor, AIA, LEED AP. The firm’s work in the early years focused on commercial projects, working with local developers to deliver office buildings, hotels and shopping venues to serve the expanding population at that time. The design commission for the Dean E. Smith Center at UNC was a watershed event in the history of the firm. Completed in 1986, that project laid the groundwork for a strong resume of collegiate athletic projects throughout the State of North Carolina. The firm takes great pride in our work for the University of North Carolina system, including athletic and recreation facilities that contribute greatly to the quality of student life on campus. The firm began leading the effort toward the design of sustainable facilities in the early 1990s. Our designs for high-performance schools, municipal and county government facilities reflect the sensitivity to sustainable building practices that has evolved over time in each community in which we work. Extensive use of natural day-lighting, rainwater collection and reuse systems, solar thermal and P.V. panel systems are integrated into all our public work projects. Serving the needs of our clients with integrity for over five decades, our clear commitment to their satisfaction keeps them coming back with new and exciting projects. Our firm is proud of our accomplishments to this point and is looking forward to success in the future.Firm Principals
Kenneth E. Redfoot, AIA, LEED AP
President
As the president and managing partner of the firm, Ken directs firm operations including oversight of project management, project delivery and fiscal performance. With over 30 years of experience at CRA, Ken has specialized in the public sector, assisting government clients optimize their capital investments in the community’s growth and development. Sustainability has been a high priority on many of his commissions, including East Chapel Hill High School, Durham Technical Community College’s Orange County Campus and the Chapel Hill Public Library Expansion. He has also been involved in educational and sustainable organizations such as the Triangle J Council of Governments Sustainable Public Facility Design and Development Committee, the North Carolina Energy Smart Schools Conference and Rebuild America. Ken holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Andrew R. Cruickshank, AIA, LEED AP
Partner
Since joining the firm over twenty years ago, Andy’s work has, in large part, focused on projects for collegiate athletics and recreation. He has a wide range of experience designing stadiums, arenas, and practice venues for almost every type of NCAA sports program. His ability to successfully manage complicated projects with many different stakeholders and demanding schedules is one of the reasons his work is valued by our many repeat clients. Andy grew up in the Triangle and graduated with honors from NC State University.
Michael L. Hammersley, PE
Partner, Civil Engineer
Mike is the principal engineer of CRA’s in-house Civil Engineering Department. In addition to providing the civil engineering design services for all of the architectural projects in the office, he has designed and managed many parks and greenways throughout the state. Mike is well versed and highly experienced in the regulatory processes required to get a project built and works closely with NCDOT, NCDENR, county and municipal planning, erosion control, sewer and water, and utility agencies. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University.
David M. Taylor, AIA, LEED AP
Partner
With over 30 years of experience in the profession, David possesses a diverse and wide-ranging portfolio of architectural projects to his credit. He has led the design and production of many civic, recreational, K-12 and higher educational facilities. The design, integration and implementation of high performance building systems has been a high priority in his work, including the Inman Welcome Center at Elon University, the Science Addition to Culbreth Middle School and the Chatham County Justice Center. David earned a Master of Architecture from Clemson University in 1986.